VW Sirocco timing chain tensioner replacement?

[freakyshadows]

Hi all,

I've been experiencing what sounds like a chain rattle on startup for half a second. This only happens intermittently and more often when cold. I checked the oil, was quite low (no oil light yet) and topped it up. Since topping up the noise seems to have stopped.

Car is 2010 VW Sirocco (2.0 TSI 210) and runs a dream otherwise. I've seen lots on the forums about the chain tensioner going which can cause slipped teeth etc. and major problems.

I'm after thoughts on where I should go with this:



Get the tensioner replaced (quoted around £700 at VW specialist) as a preventative measure
Get VW to visually inspect it/diagnosis (£140 ish)
Or leave it and hope the noise doesn't return?


Here's a clip of the engine starting (I couldn't get it to recreate the usual rattle here though) Dropbox - 47116.mp3 (https://www.dropbox.com/s/un2q2qyra2nldw4/47116.mp3?dl=0).

How big of an issue is this really?

Thanks!!

[zollaf]

how many miles and what sort of service history ? i.e. when was the last oil change ?

[freakyshadows]

76k. Serviced at dealers or VW specialist with long life every 10k. Last oil change was 4k miles ago/4 months.

[fearce]

What was the outcome here?

[freakyshadows]

Better late than never!

Took it to a VW specialist, had a quick listen and advised to change chain and tensioner.

Work carried out and noise stopped.