Timing chain tensioner plunger or back tensioner replacement instructions needed

Tiny
NASER NASER
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 AUDI A3
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 185,000 MILES
I read many people change the tensioner plunger or back tensioner on these cars only if they don't have any engine codes or symptoms. I want to do that on this one, any instructions of how? Many did it and doesn't require removing the transmission just not an explanation of how. It's a 3.2l.
Monday, March 1st, 2021 AT 6:40 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
Hi,

Are you referring to the camshaft chain tensioner? See pic 1. I have to be honest, if you are replacing a tensioner, I feel it needs to be taken apart. However, I believe the tensioner is exposed. My biggest concern is if VVT is changed, but as long as the chain doesn't move, it shouldn't change. You just won't be able to see it.

Here are the directions I have. I'm including everything down to the tensioner. Note the directions are for camshaft timing chain replacement. The remaining pics correlate with the directions.

_________________________________

2007 Audi A3 Quattro (8PA) V6-3.2L (BUB)
Camshaft Timing Chain
Vehicle Engine, Cooling and Exhaust Engine Timing Components Timing Chain Service and Repair Removal and Replacement Camshaft Timing Chain
CAMSHAFT TIMING CHAIN
Camshaft Timing Chain

Special tools, testers and auxiliary items required

Camshaft Bar (T10068 A)

Black Sealant

Sealing Compound

Removing the camshaft timing chain

Engine installed.

- Drain the coolant. Refer to => [ Cooling System, Draining and Filling ].

- Remove the intake manifold.

- Disconnect electrical connector to engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor (G62).

Pic 2

- Disconnect coolant hoses at positions indicated by - arrows -.

Pic 3

- Remove the bolts - arrows -.

Pic 4

- Pull transmission oil cooler coolant pipe bracket toward left.

- Swing Secondary Air Injection (AIR) system hose bracket forward.

- Remove bolt - arrow - at wiring harness bracket.

Pic 5

Press coolant pipe in direction of coolant pump using pry bar when removing coolant thermostat housing so that is not pulled off.

- Remove coolant thermostat housing - 2 - while pressing coolant pipe - 1 - toward coolant pump with pry bar.

Pic 6

Vehicles with engine code BUB:

- Disconnect the hose - 3 - and the vacuum hose - 2 - from the Secondary Air Injection (AIR) combination valve.

Pic 7

- Disconnect coolant hose - 1 -.

Vehicles with engine code CBRA:

- Disconnect the hose - 1 - and the vacuum hose - 2 - from the left Secondary Air Injection (AIR) combination valve.

Pic 8

Ignore - 3 - and - arrows -.

All Vehicles

- Identify and disconnect electrical connectors:

pic 9

1. Camshaft position sensor (G40)

2. Camshaft position (CMP) sensor 2 (G163)

3. Camshaft adjustment valve 1 (N205)

4. Camshaft adjustment valve 1 (exhaust) (N318)

- Remove wiring guide from camshaft timing chain cover.

- Loosen cylinder head cover bolts in sequence - 11 to 1 -.

Pic 10

- Set crankshaft to TDC mark by turning crankshaft on vibration damper screw in direction of engine rotation - arrow -.

Pic 11

- Cams - A - of cylinder 1 must face each other.

Pic 12

- At the same time, (T10068 A) must engage in both shaft grooves. Turn crankshaft 1 additional turn if necessary.

Pic 13

- Remove camshaft timing chain tensioner - arrow -.

Pic 14

___________________________________

Naser, if there is no noise from the chain, no codes, and the vehicle is running well, this may be one you want to avoid. Remember the old saying. If it isn't broken, don't fix it. LOL

Regardless, let me know if this is what you wanted. I hope it helps.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 5:23 PM
Tiny
NASER NASER
  • MEMBER
  • 836 POSTS
Thanks for the info. Can you tell me what you mean by: My biggest concern is if VVT is changed, but as long as the chain doesn't move, it shouldn't change. You just won't be able to see it." Am not following you there.
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Tuesday, March 2nd, 2021 AT 5:38 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,645 POSTS
My concern is the cams jump time. If there is enough play in the chain, they are under some tension. Since you aren't opening things, you won't see if the timing is off or if something happens. I believe this is an interference engine, so you don't want a timing issue. Maybe I'm being a bit too concerned, but it was just a thought I wanted to let you know.

Joe
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Wednesday, March 3rd, 2021 AT 3:57 PM

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