A8 D3 3.0 TDI QUATTRO - Hydraulic Chain Tensioner????? Know issue???

[victor95]

Hi,

I have just bought a 2004 A8 3.0 TDI Quattro on 87,000 full Audi service history, but i have the chatter on start up, which my dad spoke to audi mechanics and they diagnosed it as the hydraulic chain tensioner on the left bank which is a known weak part. They quote 5-6 hrs labour with the job costing between £500-600.

My dad is a mechanic and i was wondering is this something we could do ourselves?

Any help would be great done a search on google with not many results.

[a8 tech]

Its normally the right bank and both banks can be done in situ but if it was me and they have diagnosed the left bank i would do the lot and the chains (engine out)

[victor95]

Thanks for the reply,

To me it actually sounds tappy on my side as i can really hear it on start up with the door open so it could more likely be the right, but until i let the audi guys see it i wont know for sure.

I'm guessing it's not something you could do at home? (non engine out)

[a8 tech]

its more likely to be right bank (drivers side) and yes you could do it at home but you need locking tools

access isn't that bad but be warned these chains stretch and i have had to replace the lot after the fault reoccurred but out of the 20 or so i have done only one needed the full chain set and tensioners but i have also had two chains snap prior to any repairs