170PD camshaft replacement

[DMitch16]

Shortly doing a top end overhaul and based on an inspection and the way the car is presently running I will be renewing cams, bearings (shells), seals, injector seals, valve stem seals, associated bolts and the cam cover gasket. Rockers, lifters and the rest of the valve gear are fine (on my 75k old AMC head) and everything else will be cleaned re-oiled and refitted.

The Question(s)?

Those who know what I'll be doing will be aware of VW special tool T10262 which is a rigid rack that bolts to and separates evenly the camshaft bearing frame that is bolted down on the head retaining the cams. I do not have one!

Is it absolutely necessary?
Can the job be done another way?
If not where can I buy, hire or borrow one of these?
Is fabricating one possible and does anyone have the specs for doing so or even better those for the original tool?

Thanks as always for any advice or assistance.

[Crasher]

The cams are £500 each (you can get the inlet cam aftermarket) and if you don't renew the followers (£46 x 16) the warranty of the cams is invalidated and if you don't renew the rocker shaft (£55 x 2) the rocker arms warranty is invalidated and you also have to replace the injector rocker shaft at £542...

The tool is absolutely vital.

These all add together as to why we just fit a new VAG head 03G 103 264 JX at £1806.83 inc VAT retail as this comes built up with cams, rockers, valves etc and includes rocker and head bolts plus seals, silicon sealant etc and is fantastic value for money, ready to accept the injectors but you still have to buy the injector shaft.

[DMitch16]

I have the cams, cam seals, injector seals, valve stem seals, assembly paste (from a recent Corsa engine rebuild) and all tools and other sundries except the VW tool. Had a new head at 121k but original valves and cams used in the rebuild by the engineering firm as they were still in reasonable condition and within acceptable tolerances. Had 2 oil drive key failures since then however.

Audi had the T10262 tool listed as £163.99 guide price but that was a few years back. A few VW dealers I have tried have been a bit off when it comes to them selling me the tool.

[Crasher]

It is one tool that is hard to buy.