black94vr 0 Posted January 21, 2009 hi all , ive got a 94 vr6 and need to know about the dreded timing chains it done 103 k doesnt seme noisy how much should this cost me whats involved and when should i be getting it done thanks Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris Smith 0 Posted January 21, 2009 My local VW specialist garage said it would cost in the region of £1200! :shock: He advised it's not worth worrying about until you can hear the chain rattling. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jim Bowen 1 Posted January 21, 2009 mine is on 172,000miles and not had it done. I know people do it as a precaution, but its a very expensive precaution. I'd rather save the money towards a total rebuild or R32 conversion if it came to that Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
CorradoVR6-Turbo 0 Posted January 21, 2009 where in th uk are you? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruny 0 Posted January 21, 2009 I'm in the process of doing mine now with 105K on the clock, no issues really I just thought it was time it was checked. really pleased I did bacause the top tensioner was showing real signs of wear. [Check out the piccies on my gallery] I would advise it needs doing but you will probably only need to replace the tensioner which shouldn't be that expensive. You dont need to drop the engine or gearbox if only doing the top tensioner rail, replace with the all plastic Mk 4 one. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Roger Blassberg 0 Posted January 22, 2009 You can inspect it, but you cannot get the top tensioner blade out without taking off the gearbox; its bottom pivot point is inside the lower chain cover. The only parts you can change with the gearbox on are the hydraulic tensioner piston and maybe the top guide rail. It's the old type top blade that wears out the most. Best wishes RB Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bruny 0 Posted January 22, 2009 Humble apologies , I stand corrected . 105,000 miles my toptensioner looked like this, I wouldnt want to run it much longer :shock:016.JPG[/attachment:2uu0x1kb] Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Roger Blassberg 0 Posted January 23, 2009 I have just done mine, at - wait for it - 203k. It was, unsurprisingly, worse than yours!! The top end of the bearing material had been completely feathered to a sharp edge and the rivets had disappeared. Another few hundred miles and it would have been a disaster. The guide rails and the bottom tensioner were similarly worn to yours. It rattled alll right, but not really horribly. Best wishes RB Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
black94vr 0 Posted January 23, 2009 where in th uk are you? in newbury berkshire i no storm developments are only up the road think there good from what ive bean told Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
chazrad 0 Posted January 24, 2009 I would budget for around £1000 (incl VAT) for Stealth Racing (Vince) to do the job for you. His work is excellent and I have no hesitation in recommending. Otherwise, see if you can recruit some help from a few of the knowledgeable guys on here to help you do it all yourself. You'd certainly save a load of cash even after paying for all the beer, chips, pies etc!! :D Where are you based? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
dr_mat 0 Posted January 24, 2009 Humble apologies , I stand corrected . 105,000 miles my toptensioner looked like this, I wouldnt want to run it much longer :shock:016.JPG[/attachment:dmqr3y5k] That would have run for a while longer I'm sure. Mine was wearing the surface of the top rivets at 115k miles when it was replaced! And I've seen MUCH worse on this forum too. But fair enough, you've done it now and you won't have to worry about it. Probably ever..! The job takes a long time - you need to take the gearbox + clutch off to get in - the labour charges add up very quickly. Stealth are one of the most competitive for a job like this because they've done so many - they don't take as long as the other guys who are typically doing it for the first or second time, so they can charge less. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
black94vr 0 Posted January 24, 2009 I would budget for around £1000 (incl VAT) for Stealth Racing (Vince) to do the job for you. His work is excellent and I have no hesitation in recommending. Otherwise, see if you can recruit some help from a few of the knowledgeable guys on here to help you do it all yourself. You'd certainly save a load of cash even after paying for all the beer, chips, pies etc!! :D Where are you based? good lord thats a bill and a half dont think haynes do manulals for them do they ? my previous mk1 gti was a bit easyer then lol erm ill do it my bloody self i guess i got a big warm garage thanks for the advice people new i could count on you Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MK1Campaign 0 Posted January 24, 2009 Last time I asked Stealth the price was £750 plus vat and that included a new clutch too. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Chris Smith 0 Posted February 11, 2009 My local VW specialist garage said it would cost in the region of £1200! :shock: He advised it's not worth worrying about until you can hear the chain rattling. I hear a slight 'tap tap tap' as the engine turns over on idle. Reckon this is just the cams or could it be the chain tensioner on it's last legs? I feel like I'm on egg shells with this, any strange noise, 'WHAT'S THAT?!' :eek: Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
swiftkid 1 Posted February 11, 2009 Heres a full and in depth write up of how to change the timing chains. Me and my friend did it on his MK2 VR6 and we arn't mechanics, just people with old cars that need fixing. If you have done previous work on your car and you have the right tools it should be fine, just a little daunting at first! http://mk2vr6.com/board/viewtopic.php?f ... ace+chains Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tonedef 9 Posted February 11, 2009 There's also a very comprehensive write up in the wiki featuring more photos than you can wave a stick at. If Haynes went into the same amount of detail you'd need a truck to carry your manual about in :D Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites