Put the chain on the lower sprocket first and route it on the guides. Take the intake cam adjuster and put it on the chain and put the bolt 95% on, but keep it loose so it can rotate. "thread" the exhaust cam sprocket onto the chain and bolt it loosely to the exhaust cam. You want it about quarter to half turn loose also.
Full Answer
What happens if your timing chain breaks on a Volkswagen Golf?
If it jumps a tooth, or breaks entirely it can lead to permanent engine damage. It’s important to know the symptoms of a bad timing belt or chain, so this doesn’t happen to your Volkswagen Golf.
How often do you change the timing belt on a VW?
1.9L TDI BEW - The most recent recommend timing belt replacement interval for VW 1.9L TDI BEW models is 80,000 miles. • 2004-2005 VW Jetta change interval is 80,000 miles for TDI BEW A4 chassis (aka Mark IV).
When should you replace your timing chain?
These noises are all signs that you should replace your timing chain. When your timing chain gets too worn, it is usually replaced with a new kit that contains a new tensioner and chain guide, as well as a few other parts of the timing chain apparatus. Some vehicles have more than one chain.
What is the change interval for a VW Golf?
• 1999-2006 VW Golf change interval is 75,000 miles for 2.0L 8V (US) A4 chassis (aka Mark IV). • 1998-2005 VW Beetle change interval is 75,000 miles for 2.0L 8V.
Can I change timing chain myself?
You may find the need to replace your timing chain at some point; however with the right tools, a service manual and some mechanical know-how, you can do it yourself. Just be aware that this is a major job and can have serious consequences for your engine if done incorrectly.
How much does it cost to replace a timing chain on a VW?
These kits usually cost between $150-$250, but with the labor included, it could cost you up to $1500. You can find information for installing a new timing chain in your service manual.
Do VW timing chains need to be replaced?
Although the timing chain is made out of metal, it is subject to wear and tear and will eventually require some maintenance or it may need to be replaced. According to Volkswagen's own warranty and maintenance schedules you shouldn't have to worry about this maintenance for 120,000 miles.
How many labor hours does it take to replace a timing chain?
5 to 8 hoursCamshafts open and close the intake and exhaust valves at precisely the correct time during the combustion process inside the cylinders. Overall, replacing the timing chain and its associated hardware should take a qualified mechanic 5 to 8 hours to complete.
Is it worth fixing a timing chain?
A timing chain doesn't need to be replaced unless there is a problem with it. Is the timing chain immune to mechanical failures? The simple answer is No, it is not. Timing chain problems are not uncommon, especially in high-mileage vehicles.
How do I know if my timing chain needs replacing?
Signs of a Faulty Timing ChainRattling Sound on Starting the Engine or Idling. A common finding in a vehicle with a bad timing chain is unusual rattling noise when the engine is started or when brakes are engaged. ... Misfiring Engine. ... Contaminated Engine Oil. ... Check Engine Light. ... Inability to Start the Engine.
How long do Volkswagen timing chains last?
Most Volkswagen timing chains are made to last at least 120,000 miles. Unfortunately, there are multiple lawsuits for owners of the 2-liter EA888 engine because the timing chains in them seem to break much sooner. Additionally, there may be issues with Volkswagen vehicles made between 2008 and 2014.
Will a broken timing chain destroy my engine?
If the timing chain breaks, the loose metal rolling around inside the motor can lead to serious engine damage.
How do you check a timing chain?
1:162:50How to Check a Timing Belt or Timing Chain in Your Car - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhen you look down inside on the front of the crankshaft pulley you can see I painted a white lineMoreWhen you look down inside on the front of the crankshaft pulley you can see I painted a white line here so it's easy to read when you flash the light on it. Now you can see with the light flashing.
How hard is it to change timing chain?
Changing a timing chain is not outright difficult but is considered a complex job due to the large number of steps involved. If you can handle tasks like replacing tie rod ends and bleeding brakes, then odds are this is your next step.
Will check engine light come on for timing chain?
A stretched timing chain contributes to poor engine performance and increased emissions, triggering the check engine light and the storing of a diagnostic trouble code. A mechanic will need to inspect the code and prescribe the necessary repairs.
What does a failing timing chain sound like?
A lax timing chain, or worse, a broken timing chain with loose parts within the engine, will produce a rattling sound when your car is idling. This rattling sound is typically most prominent while the engine heats up and disappears after some time.
How does a timing chain work?
A timing chain operates like a bicycle chain that connects from the inside of your engine to the transmission, the way your foot pedals connect to the wheel gears on a bicycle. Like the timing belt, the goal is to keep the engine and transmission running in unison.
How many miles does a timing chain last?
Whereas your timing belt will wear out and require replacement anywhere between 40,000 and 100,000 miles, a timing chain does not wear out. It will only need a replacement if something goes wrong with it.
Why does my timing chain wear out?
If it loses lubrication causes the timing chain to gather too much friction and start to wear out quickly. Lack of oil is common in vehicles with high mileage. Rubber has a natural elasticity that keeps it tightly connected to the engine. Metal does not.
What is timing belt?
A timing belt is a high-quality rubber belt with teeth. It is located outside the engine and has a cover that protects it from damage. This is the standard engine setup for most cars. The rubber material allows the belt to fasten tightly and smoothly to both the engine and the transmission. A harder material would not have as much cover area, giving it less traction or “grab.” The flexibility of rubber also allows for the tightest fit and least amount of slack, which gives the least amount of variation between the two turning points in the engine and transmission. For a belt connecting the timing of two systems, this lack of slack is critical to keeping things running in unison.
How much does it cost to replace a timing chain?
Some vehicles have more than one chain. In these cases, professional technicians often recommend replacing all of them. These kits usually cost between $150-$250, but ...
Does metal have a timing chain?
Metal does not . To compensate for this lack of flexibility, timing chains have an apparatus called a chain tensioner that keeps them tight and prevents them from vibrating. This tensioner can be a spring-loaded part, or they can be operated by oil pressure in the engine.
Do cars have timing belts?
It is not unusual to hear about replacing timing belts in car engines, and there are specific service periods in which replacements are recommended so that you don’t suffer engine damage from a broken timing belt. Some cars do not have a timing belt, though. Some Volkswagens, for example, have a timing chain instead.
Why does my VW timing belt last so long?
The following are some reasons why you see the difference in how long a VW timing belt and related components last: (1) un-logged engine idle times and sitting in traffic; (2) warm-up time in cold weather; (3) environmental climate factors; (4) related engine maintenance that may have been overlooked.
How many miles should a VW Jetta timing belt be?
Please Note: When originally released, the recommended timing belt interval for ALH TDI VW Jetta Golf Beetle was 40,000 miles for automatic transmissions and 60,000 miles for manual transmissions. However, in 2003 VAG raised the timing belt interval to 100,000 miles. This was done because of improvements made to the timing belt idler bearing ...
What is timing belt service?
1) Timing belt service was performed using the same timing belt and timing belt tensioner that are supplied to VAG, which are engineered to meet factory interval requirements. 2) Timing belt service was performed by an experienced competent ASE certified VW mechanic who is familiar with your specific engine.
Is it safe to change timing belts?
It is our recommendation to closely inspect all timing belt components before the recommended interval. Play it safe, changing your timing belt may seem expensive. However, choosing to exceed your timing belt service interval is risky and can lead to unknown repair costs that will far exceed typical timing belt replacement service cost.