I have a problem on my 2005 TDi A4, rattly engine was first thing I noticed with slight grinding noise when on motorway, Note I am also due for timing belt change. Indy (A4Audi) mechanic thought I would need this conversion. He suggested trying for goodwill. I have booked in for diagnostic next Friday with official dealer but get feeling this will not get any where except a very large quote. I am told in region of £1000 for parts and £600 at least on top of this for labour!!!!!!!.

Very informative if not worrying thread on www.pistonheads.com at

http://www.pistonheads.com/xforums/t...20chain%20woes.

Basically Tame tech said "IF the chain didn't break yet and the upper gear isnt worn, you CAN just replace the chain and the tensioner and the oil pump drive gear(the one that bolts too the oil pump). Audi still sell them, I did one last week, and the week before, its a perfectly acceptable repair. !!HOWEVER!! if the upper gear on the end of the crankshaft has had its teeth worn or damaged by running with what will now be a misshaped chain, then its a really bad idea, unless your driving it straight to an auction.

Its a 50p plastic chain guide that breaks on the chain tensioner, causing the chain to rub on the metal plunger which very quickly destroys the chain. Not everyone hears the noise, chain breaks destroys all the gears and no oil pressure destroys the turbo, if not all the engine as well. Count yourself lucky you heard it.

BE WARNED, we have had a number of these where the gear would not come off the end of the crank, or the gear has broken up and made it impossible to remove from the crank, even had a technician injured by the exploding tool. These cars have had to have engines. Now I try one time to get if off with the Special audi puller, if it doesnt happen first time, I say it needs an engine. If you indy man hasn't done one before he wont like it much."

I read the article quoted in article above about how to undertake the conversion. http://pics.tdiclub.com/data/3419/BHW_Balance_Shaf...



I am praying I can just replace the chain and this 50p micky mouse design bit mentioned!!!! Then say keep car for another year then sell. I only bought it 6 months ago!!.

I assume that they only way to ascertain whether a replacement can be done is to strip it down?

If replacement is all that is required any idea on cost of parts? and labour time. Note I have to get timing belt done any way so I assume some of the time would have been required anyway?

Finally, I am trying not to drive motor, sounds like if this part failed it would right car off!!! any thoughts on this also?

Any comments advice would be welcome.

Note the VW site has 20% of 2005 Tdi's affected with this problem!!!!

Murdo

murd.thomson@ntlworld.com