2012 MK6 GTI Timing Chain Replacement Questions (WA)

**akabs** · 11-11-2021, 12:49 AM

Hey guys,

I recently just bought a new-to-me 2012 mk6 gti with 153k km on the clock. And just the other day I heard rattling coming from the engine on cold starts. I contacted vw in wangara and have booked in an appointment for them to look at the car on friday 10/11/2021 and see what has happened. I suspect the timing chain needs replacement. I also asked eurospec and got quoted $2200 including parts and labour :'(. Just wondering if any of you have replaced a timing chain with any other dealer or private mechanic and how much it dented your wallet. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

**Lucas_R** · 11-11-2021, 08:40 AM

Theoretically a 2012 Mk6 GTI model "should" have the updated tensioner and timing chain and be much less likely to have issues, but it seems every VW/Audi with a chain driven engine require the timing chains to be replaced (due to stretch) at some point.

I used to have a 2010 Mk6 GTI and had the noise on startup for a few seconds. I had everything but the timing chain replaced (was advised at the time that the chain was fine as car only had around 55,000km on it) but always wished that I had paid a few hundred extra to have the chain replaced. I paid $950 for what I had done (chain tensioner, chain guides, timing chain cover, labour). Would have been another $400 or so to replace the timing chain at the same time.

With 150,000+ kms I would be replacing the timing chain in addition to the other items I mentioned above.

You will see this topic has been asked quite a bit over the years and people have talked about their experiences.

Timing Chain and Tensioner Replacement Cost

**Jaffs** · 11-11-2021, 09:55 AM

I have a Mk 6 GTI with 117000 km and occasionally get a rattle on cold starts since I bought it with 85000 km, but it doesn't seem to come from the timing chain region of the motor. I don't think it's the timing chain and from what I've read, these engines make all sorts of noises at times (one known rattle is the wastegate actuator rod, which can be bent slightly to eliminate it). Make sure oil is always changed and topped up and if you don't have the dodgy tensioner (hard to know exactly when the updated version came in during 2012 but you can check through the inspection hole - videos on the net) then it should be ok. Timing chain stretch can be judged from the intake cam adjustment at idle with a scan tool. Apparently it should be less than +/- 5 degrees. Deutsche Auto Parts has all kinds of videos on these sorts of issues. Humble Mechanic is awesome too.

**akabs** · 11-11-2021, 01:57 PM

Thanks for the prompt reply guys.

Topped up oil from between min and max to just below max, started her up and still heard rattle noise.
I do not have a scan tool (will be getting one soon) but I did however get in contact with VW and they said they will waive the diagnostic fee if I choose to get the problem sorted with them.

I'll be calling around to see if I can get quotes from other dealers and mechanics. Hopefully it won't cost more than $1500.

**Jaffs** · 11-11-2021, 07:15 PM

One oil top up wouldn't help if that's the issue and it's too far gone, but it might keep a shonky style tensioner in better working order during it's life. Not all scan tools might work anyway (luckily the SP Tools SP61150 did what I needed when I bought it a week or so ago) and I guess the experts would recommend this: Ross-Tech: VCDS

That's so generous of VW. Hope it's not the tensioner because one rattle too many will trounce your motor. Let us know how it goes. So you're taking it in tomorrow (Friday)?

**akabs** · 12-11-2021, 04:28 PM

Ok so.

Went to vw, they started the car and didn’t hear a rattle. Took them 2hrs from my booked in time to tell me that. I let them know that it was only on cold starts so they proceeded to keep the car for 5hrs. Obviously, once they started the car again the rattle came up, then I got a call with a quote for $5580!! They said it was a predicted 13hr job at $160hr + GST. I may not be a mechanic but 13hrs definitely doesn’t sound right.

NO WAY I’m paying that much just for a timing chain replacement with no other engine damage!!

Once it was confirmed that it was a timing chain rattle, I decided to call up some local euro specialists which all quoted me around the same figure $1700-$1900 with roughly 6hrs work.

So I will be booking a repair with VA Technic on the Wednesday.

Ps. I forgot to add a YouTube clip of what the engine sounded like for other people reading this post.
- VW Golf Mk6 GTI (2.0 TSI) engine timing chain tensioner rattle - YouTube

If your engine sounds like this, please go get it checked out ASAP. You would rather spend $1900 for a timing chain replacement rather than $8000+ for a complete engine rebuild/replacement.

Thanks for all the help everyone. If you can recommend an alternative repairer located in Perth, Western Australia I would appreciate it.

Thanks 😊