So what distinguishes a timing chain from a timing belt? Both a timing chain and belt perform the same basic function. These mechanisms are created to maintain the relative position of the valves opening and closing to the position of the piston as the engine is running, regardless of whether you drive a Porsche, Mercedes Benz, or BMW with an internal timing chain, or an Audi or Volkswagen with an external timing belt. When a valve is opened at the incorrect time, it may come into contact with the piston and cause a catastrophic engine failure.
The piston will raise (building compression) and the valves will open precisely, allowing air and fuel to enter the combustion chamber and exhaust to depart in less than one thousandth of a second in an engine with perfectly timed ignition. When valves open or close prematurely or lately due to a timing issue, the piston will be driven into the valve, most frequently bending the valve and possibly punching a hole in the piston crown, rendering the engine worthless. These fixes could cost as little as $4,000 to $5,000 or, depending on the engine, much more.
An internal timing chain is used by brands including Porsche, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz. These chains are stronger and less prone to break on their own. The same outcome is more frequently experienced when other chain-holding components, including chain tensioners and chain guides, fail. Check engine lights and a rattling sound, which is typically heard while starting an engine, are early warning indicators of a breakdown.
Initially using timing chains, Audi and Volkswagen switched to an external timing belt in the 1980s, 1990s, and the majority of the 2000s (now returning to chain drive systems). The timing belt is simpler to inspect and replace than the timing chain. On most models, replacing a timing belt with all associated parts (including a water pump on most models) costs between $700 and $900, which is significantly less than doing the same for a timing chain. The external timing belt’s drawback is that, like all belts, it eventually wears out and needs to be replaced. Timing belts should typically be changed every 80,000 miles, or every five years. Each time they are serviced or at least once a year, these should be visually inspected.
It’s vital to keep in mind that modern German performance cars, whether you drive a Porsche, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Volkswagen, or Audi, will last you for many miles and years if you maintain them properly. Count on our specialists in Austin for Porsche, Mercedes Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, and BMW repairs. Simply drop by German Auto Center and ask if you have any questions. At 8215 Research Blvd, we are conveniently and centrally situated, and we are here to help.
In This Article...
How can I tell whether my Audi uses a timing chain or belt?
The first step is to examine your engine to determine whether your car has a timing belt or a timing chain. If you see a tinplate or plastic cover on the side of your engine, you have a timing belt. Your engine has a timing chain if it lacks one of those.
There are a few instances where this rule isn’t true, but thankfully they are uncommon. For instance, a dry belt is concealed under the engine of the Peugeot Pure Tech. Consult your car’s owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website if you have questions about your vehicle that you can’t figure out by looking at the engine. Alternately, schedule a visit with WhoCanFixMyCar at your neighborhood mechanic.
Is there a timing belt or chain on the Audi 2.0 T?
Time for another 2.0L TSI Audi engine tip! Owners of 2008 or newer Audi and VW vehicles are well acquainted with the 2.0L Turbo Straight Injection (TSI) 4-cylinder engine. These engines were created to have the least amount of displacement while still producing a large amount of power.
For the most part, the 2.0L TSI is a well-built engine. With far higher fuel efficiency, it can produce 200 horsepower and the feel of a 6-cylinder engine. Yet there is one significant impediment. The timing chain in these engines has the potential to be extremely problematic.
Numerous customers have visited German Auto Center for complete engine rebuilds after the timing chain tensioner failed. When the timing chain becomes faulty, this “stretched (by as much as 2 inches), which results in the chain jumping and all the valves bending. The engine is essentially wrecked after this occurs.
What then triggers this timing chain stretching that destroys engines? soiled oil Many motorists are unaware that worn-out oil that isn’t lubricating the timing chain rollers might accelerate their deterioration. Timing chain rollers deteriorate with use, and this is when the “Stretching takes place.
We are starting to encounter 1-2 Audis each week that need extensive engine repairs because the issue is so widespread. It’s a problem that often surfaces shortly after the warranty expires, around the 60,000-mile mark.
Fortunately, the solution is relatively simple. Change the oil much more frequently than the 20,000-mile interval Audi advises (after the first five). Our technicians now advise that you replace your oil every 5,000 miles because they have dealt with timing chain problems repeatedly. Additionally, a substance like complete Mobile 1 synthetic oil is recommended.
This frequency will keep your oil clean so that problems with your timing chain and tensioner are avoided, combined with high-quality oil and filters. This type of maintenance is worthwhile because dirty oil also contributes to a ton of other engine issues.
More frequent oil changes cost a bit more, but you’ll save thousands by preventing an engine disaster that renders your car inoperable.
Which Audis have problems with the timing chain?
The 3.2 and 3.6 liter Audi engines, as well as the 3.6 liter Volkswagen engines, all frequently experience timing chain problems after 60,000 or so miles. This covers the years 2008 through 2015. We offer a 2 Year Nationwide Warranty on Parts and Labor, which is twice as long as the new car dealer, and our crew has well over 100 years of combined experience working on vehicles just like yours!
Failure of the Audi Timing Chain It’s important to pay attention to timing chain problems or Check Engine lights. While the engine is operating, it may result in the intake or exhaust valves making contact with the piston. If this occurs, you will need to remove the cylinder head and replace the valves. Currently, you won’t
Additionally, the pistons, cylinder walls, and cylinder head would need to be inspected to make sure no additional harm was done.
How can you tell if this incident included your car? You may experience any of the following problems if this chain is worn out or fails. engine sounds when starting up, No start condition, fault codes P0016 (Crank/ Cam position sensor correlation), or P0328, as well as timing chain jumping (because of which you probably have major engine damage) (Knock Sensor 1 Circuit High Input).
Which automobiles are impacted? It’s hard to say for sure, but based on all of our expertise, we think that any Audi and VW have problems with their timing chains and tensioners. Never drive with the Check Engine light on; this is a serious warning sign. Have the vehicle inspected. We advise verifying to make sure because we can’t be completely certain.
How widespread is this? Although the frequency of this has yet to be determined, here are my opinions. You should unquestionably have your system tested because this problem is widespread. Why? Engines are far more expensive than a timing chain kit upgrade because driving while your tensioner is out of date is a pretty big gamble.
What should I budget for? Realistically, upgrading the tensioner will take more than half a day of shop time to do. However, completing this will guarantee that your car has the most recent update, which should stop any more problems.
An Audi A4 has a timing chain, right?
The Audi A4 features a variety of engines with either a timing belt or a timing chain from the model years 1996 to 2021. All of its engines, though, are disruptive.
In a combustion engine, the timing belt (or chain) maintains the correct synchronization between the various engine parts.
Serious engine damage may result if the belt or chain strains or breaks.
Timing chains are typically rated for the lifespan of the engine, while timing belts have a suggested replacement interval, however they do need to be inspected on occasion.
Understanding the timing system in your car or a potential purchase might help you save future costs and hassles.
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Is there a timing chain or belt on the 2008 Audi A4?
Every Audi A4 produced between 2010 and 2021 has an interference engine with a timing chain. All 4 cylinder A4s use timing belts from 2007 to 2008, whereas V6s have chains.
In 2008, the sedans have a timing chain while the cabriolets (convertibles) have a timing belt.
For instance, whereas the 2009 Audi A4 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo 200 horsepower (FSI), Cabriolet option has a timing belt, the 2021 Audi A4 2.0L 4 Cyl. Turbo 201 hp (40) option has a timing chain.