This is the original one that came in the car when I took delivery. I would assume manufacture date was Aug of 2005?? I cannot remember it is in the door but I don't have access to it. If there is a way to tell on the actual part let me know and I'll look at it.

 

Esandes, yes not many followers fail, but when they do it is expensive. Audi/VW must have been concerned, because halfway through 2007, when the engine was only two years old, they released the "B" revision of the intake cam and fuel pump lobe. There must have been enough failures in that first year or year and a half, to warrant a fix before the more significant changes found on the "09" TFSI motor. The two part "B" revision was less prone to manufacturing inconsistencies that caused the early mileage follower failures. A year and a half later, after the mid "07" "B" revision,the "09" TFSI engine revision was released, and the follower done away with being replaced by a roller that would not be prone to the wear that the follower was.

 

i'm aware of the changes but as we've just seen, is it a concern for people who properly maintain their car? the root cause for the follower failure would be due to too much friction between the cam lobe and the follower. what would cause that? poor oil quality due to long oil change intervals?

 

Esandes, yes not taking care of one's car can have an influence on a cars longevity, that I totally agree with. Funny thing is Audi/VW have never amended the oil change interval from 10,000 miles to anything lower. Yes, they say that if you do severe service to change it sooner, but I wonder how many people don't. I do every 5,000 miles. The other issue I mentioned earlier with people doing very short trips with lots of cold starts per mile driven is really bad for the follower, since oil does not start to flow instantly. No matter what the age of the oil, or how gentle you are, if there is no oil pumping you will get damaging friction even if the follower is dry for just a brief moment. Aublutiger drives alot of miles, so he has much fewer cold dry starts and hence got a longer life out of the follower.

 

the same arguement can be used for piston rings. should i inspect my piston rings every year too? not all oils are the same either.

 

Had mine done this past week. Car has 92,000 miles. Mine looked really good, but we replaced it anyway. The day before a gal was into the shop and they pulled hers and sent her straight to audi for the warranty work and she has 20K less than me.....weird....some are good and some....not so much!!