2008 R36 Timing Chain (Engine Rattle)

[Bugsmasher80]

The car has 145,000 km and a full VW service history, out of warranty.

An engine rattle on start up has led to the engine and box being removed and the chain and tensioners being replaced this week.

Has anyone had a similar expereince, and how many K's were on the clock?

Should a chain last longer than this?

Thanks.

[XXX-1.8T]

My car has this issue and only has 70,000kms lucky i have warranty.

Also my mother in law's Golf GT had the same issue as well.

Unfortunately her's was out of warranty.

VW have revised the tensioners as its not the timing chain thats the issue.

[snerlo]

Mine does the same thing on cold start up and it only has 64,000. Another mate (ironman) has the same thing on his but his has over 100,000km. VW should be making this a recall I think!!! (wishful thinking I know). XXX-1.8T is right, I think it is the tensioners that is the issue, not the chain.

[Bugsmasher80]

Thanks for the reply fellas.

I reported the rattle at my previous service, and it was dismissed. A couple of months later, VW noted the engine rattle whilst conducting a very minor repair. I am now facing just under a $5K bill for the repair.

To VW's credit, they have applied a 30% discount on parts as a 'Good Will' gesture because of the factory service history.

Sounds like maybe I've done alright by getting 145,000 out of it before the rattle kicked in! Thankfully no other damage was caused.

[XXX-1.8T]

If your car is under warranty you guys should sort it out.

I also claimed my DSG as it was acting funny as well.

They said it wasnt the mechatronics but the clutches?

Total cost of repair bill is $8000!

Thank god for Allianz Extended Warranty.