Audi Q5 Timing Chain Replacement 2.0TFSI Guide

A video showing the replacement of a worn or stretched timing chain and original timing chain tensioner on an ea888 generation 2 2.0tsi engine.

[@baxrok2.]

This is the first time I've seen anyone change just the big chain and not both of them. Makes the job a bit easier. Thanks for the torque specs. Excellent info and thanks for sharing it!

[@FourRingsAuto]

Yes it is advised to do all the chains if necessary or if the customer has the budget. But it is no problem to do just the main timing chain.

[@Im2qwik]

Wow..did the whole job with one hand...impressive

[@FourRingsAuto]

Haha thanks

[@allahjoseph]

bro, legit! ahaha

[@Akokorudagmailcom]

Longer vids are always best. Audio is 7/10 the rest is 10/10

[@ojsnetwork]

Excellent. Very thorough and enjoyed that you indicated torque. I am using the manual but this is great to see how it is done completely. I like seeing the VCDS at the end as well.

[@31budlab]

The time length of the video is unimportant to me, the details of the work being done is of most value to me. Lots of details here. I'll be looking for more of your work in my subscriber box.

[@AudiB809]

Extremely helpful video. Thank you. And long is absolutely awesome. You give alot of detail on what to look for and what to do. 👌🍻

[@Automotive_Solutions]

Excellent job. Lots of useful information and tips in there. Much appreciated 👍😁

[@amird5411]

Awesome video!! Length of these videos are perfect. Thank you!

[@ikeo8666]

wow that dog is pretty smart. it taught me how to change a timing chain replacement

[@ireneusjustinpolicarp8628]

Must be ruff!

[@streetsommelier6037]

Great video! Thank you so much. I won't have to do the project blind now! ✌️😎

[@bouncebak6924]

Long is great. It's more about the details than the length. Short with not enough info is the worst, because usually we are looking to do our own repairs and could care less about how long it is. We just want the info to get the job done correctly. Great video...I just subscribed!

[@coryjackson6034]

You are so right...i guess sometimes when they show/make these videos they sometimes think some info or details we already know...but thats not always tue..

[@FourRingsAuto]

Mainly it's that the statistics show that people generally don't watch the whole video, so why spend the time filming more and editing more when it doesn't get watched?

[@misterrob9745]

@@FourRingsAuto For us who are interested we will always watch till the end ! long video is perfect we learned a lot from you , 谢谢你

[@alextrisciuc4993]

Really good video. Very helpful. 👏👏 long videos are the best✌thank you

[@tainos6456]

Very detailed an explained I'll do my own 09 Audi A4👍

[@Jhugh17]

Everyone remember to drain your oil before opening up the bottom

[@nequanlucas2162]

Good thing I came across this comment cause I would’ve sho left the oil in there 😂😂😂

[@georgeyboyhowe1685]

very informative video as usual keep up the good work happy new year

[@FourRingsAuto]

Thanks fella

[@DudeManBroAmigo]

Hi, great video! Question: how long should this job take from start to finish and would you also do the turbo at the same time? Thanks!

[@danielmiller6134]

Awesome video very informative and definitely subsrcibing to your channel, wondering if there is a name or size for the seal you point out at 6:50? Or if they sell kits with all the o rings needed for timing chain replacements Thanks!

[@ryansardjoemissier5430]

Longer films are best! A bit better audio. But furthermore very good.

[@petercarlsson8181]

Thank you for a good video, you always do great stuff and teach me a lot to, i bet lots of guys love it to.

[@evidencemutama7899]

Thanks for your help

[@TROOOL69]

I like your branch manager.

[@AndyRussell240]

Thank you so much for posting this video! What do you do if the gauze screen in the cam bridge is damaged? Is it replacable, or is a new cam bridge required?

[@FourRingsAuto]

Vw and audi have a technical bulletin saying to remove it if it is broken. There are 2 types of bearing Bridge though. One of my timing chain videos I showed how to remove it I believe.

[@FourRingsAuto]

I have in the past advised to replace them though. The worry I have is where does the gauze go. Likely into the sump.

[@robbiesheerin841]

Awesome video!

[@bochozack]

Fantastic video. I was trying to understand, Can get away with changing the tensioner without removing the chain? I am thinking of doing this for preventive maintenance. Thanks

[@FourRingsAuto]

Yes you can. Obviously though it is better to replace the chain too, as most are worn and "stretched" by now anyway.

[@BWCawesome]

What's the bolt that you said is one time use that goes through the cam bridge into the exhaust shaft?

[@DavidFKturbo]

Going to do the chain on my A5. Is it necessary to change the chain for the balance shafts? Does it also stretch? Thanx!

[@alexmotoblur]

great video, I'll use this as reference when I do the timing chain change on my A5. I recommend you invest in a separate microphone. you give lots of great tips but it's difficult to hear sometimes.

[@FourRingsAuto]

Thanks for your advice RE the microphone, however I do this youtube channel for the viewers for free and never ask for anything in return. I don't get paid to do youtube videos so unfortunately a microphone and setup isn't practical at the moment. But I agree that the sound quality could be improved in places.

[@alexmotoblur]

@@FourRingsAuto keep it up and you'll be getting paid soon. you do good work, added value, and the universe will reward you soon.

[@nicksequino5081]

Just checked my camshaft adaptation intake bank 1 phase position sensor on my 2015 A4 (CPMB EA888 gen 2).....showed -6.02 degrees. Not exactly sure how the car didn't grenade itself before now, but I'm grateful. Might try doing it myself because the dealer wants $3500 for it.

[@FourRingsAuto]

Or find a good independent. Should be closer to $2k. Just make sure to get a detailed quote on what's being done. I've seen them still dunning at 7°, but yours is up there. The tensioner will be out a fair way.

[@mannydg6956]

Wished you guys are in Sydney, you would have a customer. How many hours would this take?

[@solmanJapan]

Wow the Q5 is awesome. You don't need to take the whole front end off. That must be nice. Would you recommend changing the timing chain at the recommended interval even if it's not stretched all that much? Mine is -3.12 so it's below 4 and I've opted to leave it for now.

[@petrolpower96]

Hi there, thanks for the video. I have a 3rd gen 1.8 TFSI in my A3 (CJSA engine code) Have you by any chance seen a stretched chain on the gen 3 EA888 engines? I’ve had oil changed every 7-10000 km’s and full service history at Audi. It has 140K on the clock so wondering if there is any specific km you would reccomend an inspection of the chain itself? Cheers.

[@tank0222]

체인이 늘어나서 타이밍체인이 넘어간차량 수리한적있어요

[@dnkomos1]

WELL DONE!!!

[@barbenfischen]

Good explanation thank you. my 1.8 TFSI is rattling from the front camshaft area when its warm (only in the lower RPM). Can you give me a hint please?

[@FourRingsAuto]

You can use a screwdriver like a stethoscope and put you ear to it whilst on different parts of the engine to zone in the on the location. Does it have 2 oil pressure switches? If so then it has a variable oil pump. You could try unplugging the solenoid on the the variable oil pump, which is next to the crankshaft pulley. If the noise is gone with the solenoid unplugged, then it is likely related to oil pressure. Of course an oil pressure test would be another good test if you have the tools.

[@MrRam2232]

Would the 2012 A3 Quattro have the bad timing chain/tensioner?

[@dzchrono8151]

good job i prefer longer videos

[@nandor690]

Thanks for the video! I’m about ready to do both my chains and everything. I like the longer videos like this for sure. So you believe in changing the chain because of the cam adaptation phase? I’m doing mine because I have been reading about it and mine is -5.87 degrees with the engine fully warmed up. Thanks for the time you put in to recording and editing these videos!

[@FourRingsAuto]

Yes, the negative phase position indicates a worn chain causing the timing to be retarded. The more the chains wears the longer it becomes, and the more retarded the inlet phase postion is.

[@nandor690]

Four Rings Auto right on man! Thanks for the info. It doesn’t really seem like that bad of a job. And it was only $480 USD for all the parts and seals and bolts to do the full job. That’s not including the price of the lower cover. I’m pretty sure I can get that off without damaging it

[@JH-sc7cs]

@@FourRingsAuto hey mate i just had -3.76 reading today on my 2012 audi q3 CPSA 2.0tfsi engine with 125k kms! It has the revised chain tensioner as it was checked and this was installed from factory I believe! What's the difference between the negative and positive readings? Should I change now or can I wait til its on +-4 deg as the web mentions 4 and 5 as the figure, but over 5 would be a no go zone. Thanks for this video

[@FourRingsAuto]

I've never had one with a positive number. Assuming you are using vcds and that the info you are reading is trustworthy, positive would mean that the timing of the inlet cam in reference to the crank is advanced.

[@FourRingsAuto]

Jason, check the centre bolt for the intake camshaft. It is the control for the variable valve timing. If it is sticking out proud in the middle, it can cause the valve timing to be advanced when it shouldn't be. The bolt/spool valve can fail like this. Make sure the outer electrical solenoid magnet moves back and forth and isn't sticking out too.

[@toledotom57]

My 2013 Audi Q5 CPMA engine did something? I think the chain jumped time? What are the part #'s on the old tensioner? What is the new part # tensioner? They replaced mine 12 months ago and 4,375 miles. The tensioner part # is 06K-109-467K they replaced. I found it to be dbpa code on looking for OEM genuine parts? What is the correct one for this DET - CPMA Engine from Austria? They seem to have Not Made many of these engines and they all seem to have failed? Please help me what should go in the engine timing train? I might get stuck doing this job. Car is at the Dealership who sold me the car 13 months ago. They did the timing chain 1 month before I bought it! The other person owned it 4 months and had it back to the dealer 4 times for engine light. They fixed it and she traded it in on another car! I bought it less than 30 days since they did the timing job.

[@andrewb8072]

Thanks for this, great video. I was wondering if you have ever seen a cam bridge gauge/mesh come loose and cause a low oil pressure fault and a P0016 code? My car is a 2012 A4 1.8tfsi and had the new timing tensioner, new chain and oil pump plus cam bridge bracket approx 10000miles ago, but has just popped this code up on a intermittent basis cheers from the UK!

[@FourRingsAuto]

Only heard of oil pressure issues with the screen if there is something blocking the guaze up. Usually ends up damaging the cams. P0016 is a timing code. Check the bolt for the inlet cam that goes through the cam bridge, the one that is reverse thread and requires rhe special tool to undo. If that is sticking out in the centre it will cause an advanced valve timing issue. Make sure this bokt is not over tightened too. Could also be caused by a lazy/delayed response from the external electronic solenoid for the variable valve timing. That is of course if the base timing has been set correct, but if you had an issue with this, you'd end up with a relatively constant fault code.

[@FourRingsAuto]

Seen gen 2 ea888 like these have oil pressure light on the dash for things as simple as a failed pcv valve. The car has 2 oil pressure switches so it can run in regular oil pressure state, and when needed regulate the oil pressure lower to reduce emissions etc.

[@andrewb8072]

Awesome thanks for your help. I think the bolt you mentioned was also replaced at the same time as cam bridge but will check. As you say timing is not a constant fault so thinking more oil based. Occured during lockdown when only taking short 5miles journeys and oil never getting to temperature. My mechanic guy was stumped but has agreed to inspect the top covers and cam bridge. Hopefully the cam isn't damaged!!! Thanks for your help and stay safe down there

[@andrewb8072]

With a PCV problem would that cause an intermittent issue? Sometimes the car runs fine. Thanks

[@FourRingsAuto]

The pcv issue i once had that caused an oil pressure light only came on at idle when hot. The pcv caused the idle speed to drop enough to drop the pressure enough to trip the light.

[@simonsherwood7169]

Skilz, thought u going to show the degrees with new chain

[@tainos6456]

Like the branch manager checking up on employee😁

[@FourRingsAuto]

He's a very bossy guy

[@tainos6456]

😂👍

[@MyDeere3320]

How do you crank the engine and not starting it? Is there a sensor you have to unplug?

[@virtisconsole12]

Hello from NE Pennsylvania, wow really great video, and I’d prefer longer , you don’t need to edit or Fast Fwd any content for us, I fact I was surprised you were able to do that job in the limited service position, I would have gone with full service to really get to the lower parts. So I have a 2013 B8 A4 same motor, can you describe the status for me to check my chain and tensioner? How do I know if I have the older version? And did that Q5 throw P0016 codes which prompted the work? Can some tell me the best way to read the best cam position in VCDS? Does the motor need to br at operating temp what rpm to check the degree of retardard based on a potentially stretched chain? Did you say if less than -5° meaning s larger negative number than -5° than it needs to be changed? Really liked the video, good details

[@FourRingsAuto]

Larger than -5° so say -6° is bad. I'd change it at -5° Max in my opinion though. Customers discretion. Remove the round rubber bung in the lower timing cover and you will see the tensioner.

[@michaeljackson2867]

is there a way to tell what years had 8 bolt lower timing chain covers vs. 15?

[@leticiamg7411]

good video exelente¡

[@FourRingsAuto]

Thanks for your feedback. Really appreciate it

[@Krzykyle2]

Whats the front lower chain for and is it timed. I seen it hanging down at one point then back on but no explanation.

[@tjmone74]

Two questions. 1. Can I just pull the front clip forward (and not remove it fully) like you did on a B8 A4? 2. What is the expected time it should take to do this job?

[@tank0222]

빠르면 3시간?

[@tonyguo4600]

Hi would you mind to tell me how much you guys will charge for this replacement?

[@pulpanochamaster]

Excelent video! Maybe i missed it, how many miles for a 2.0 gasoline timing chain to be replaced? Thank you.

[@FourRingsAuto]

After 100,000km generally. Every service we check the phase position measured value to see how bad it is and advise from there.

[@alexandro6126]

@@FourRingsAuto I have 200k milies and never replace my timing chain.

[@FourRingsAuto]

Maybe you have carried out better maintenance than most? Some will make it to those kms if they are doing 10k km or less intervals it seems. The cars that do lots of kms in shorter periods tend to get higher kms before issues.

[@alexandro6126]

@@FourRingsAuto Mine is 2015 q5 2.0t and i don't know what gen is it. But thanks for your answer

[@FourRingsAuto]

Gen 3 likely in a 2015. They don't suffer the same failure rate.

[@azamcoolem5729]

Any ticking sound after chain replacements?

[@renshooo]

No need to do the balance shaft chain and guides? Great video, thanks for taking the time.

[@FourRingsAuto]

If they are worn yes. It is a good idea depending on the condition of the rest of the engine. If it has been poorly maintained then it is advised to do all chains. Obviously adds more labour and parts costs too.

[@Imofficiallyunofficial]

Bro I doubt you will respond to this comment I understand this video is old I have a 2011 Audi A4 is the process/engine the same there is no videos of people changing the timing chain like you did everyone else uses a cherry picker or doesn’t give enough detail to explain to someone like me what to do I can follow and repeat this process but am unsure if the engine is even the same please help

[@seanh9869]

How come in every video the top cam marks on both exhaust and intake are always in different positions when installing the new chain? Doesnt matter as long as they are roughly pointing up and the marks line up?

[@jmgbarquitectos]

I have a Q5 TFSI 2.0 from 2015. 67,000 km. A year or so ago, I started to feel a vibration from something that appears to be engine failure. It has never been detected because apparently the fault is so small that it is not marked by the computer. Although lately he has started dialing more codes. The failure always occurs slowly, in D or R, but always stopped. You accelerate and it goes away. The vibration became so extreme that it was turned off last time. I took him in and they changed the thermostat on the water pump (which was full of liquid). Before that I changed the spark plugs, bovines and recirculation valve, cleaning the throttle body ... for testing. Do you have some similar problem?

[@topiasr628]

Just wanted to follow up on this, did you ever get this sorted? Sounds like coils to me but I don’t even know if I classify as an armchair expert...

[@EJR20]

Does an A4 2.0 have a camshaft bracket?

[@stanghp1]

Which type of sealant do you use for the lower timing cover?

[@FourRingsAuto]

Black silicone. Audi and VW sell it. Or can get loctite branded stuff too.

[@michaelrobinson3935]

Are there any timing marks on camshafts housing to line up the camshafts marks

[@FourRingsAuto]

No there aren't. There are the coloured links on the chain if you are removing the chain and either reinstalling or renwing it. There are also measurements from the centre rib on the top chain guide to the inlet timing mark. Then there is another measurement between the inlet mark and the exhaust mark whilst the engine is at tdc.

[@michaelrobinson3935]

Four Rings Auto The reason I ask because my marks on the chains are on the outside of the marks on the cams. I hope that made sense.

[@alilkaihal7915]

❤❤❤💪😍👍

[@anoldfriend3901]

Is there a trick to getting the oil dipstick tube back in? Is it possible to get it back on without removing all this stuff?

[@FourRingsAuto]

Oil on the o-ring helps getting the dipstick back in.

[@alexmotoblur]

how do you crank to build up oil pressure without starting the engine? I have a key you push in to start the engine.

[@FourRingsAuto]

Disable the fuel and ignition

[@alexmotoblur]

@@FourRingsAuto by pulling fuses or via VCDS / scan tool?

[@FourRingsAuto]

@@alexmotoblur i personally disconnect the ignition coils, and leave the wiring plug for the injectors unplugged.

[@user-xk9pd5hx1e]

buenas tardes me parece espectacular tu video yo tengo un audi 5 con codigo de lfalla p0016 (g40) (g28) desincrinizacion

[@thefixer4892]

What is the cost at a repair shop?

[@CarlCostelloPlays]

Do all tsi engines suffer the timing chain and tensioner failure ? Thanks

[@FourRingsAuto]

The gen 1 and 2 engines suffer from the issue.

[@CarlCostelloPlays]

@@FourRingsAuto ok i asked because i know the 2007 on mk2 seat leons suffer from the failure but the Audi on this video looks new. Could be older but it looks new.

[@FourRingsAuto]

Yeah yours would be a gen1 this is a gen2 in a newer q5.

[@fedjadrndarski5606]

I have done chain, tensioner and guides replacement on my 2010. Mk6 GTI at 128.000km with OEM parts. It works perfect.

[@dzchrono8151]

sir please i am locking for a video of timing chain of the golf mk7 R 2.0 TSI do you have any one thancks a lot

[@FourRingsAuto]

I haven't done a video on one yet. They aren't very problematic compared to the older model 2.0tsi engine. Time will only tell though, and as soon as I do another I'll be filming it.

[@dzchrono8151]

Thanks for all your help

[@peterredgrave5922]

How much for the labor cost?

[@alexescobar6131]

Hello. Where are you located?

[@user-kg3fq9jk6k]

❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@itsyaboigage9041]

How long did it take to do this?

[@FourRingsAuto]

From memory, timing chain replacement is about 5 hours roughly, including cleaning all the surfaces well for fresh sealant which is probably the most time consuming part of the job.

[@ricodegallo3060]

👍

[@CarlCostelloPlays]

🙂

[@TheDragonl91]

Can you reuse the crank bolt?

[@FourRingsAuto]

No. If it comes loose because you reuse it, you will have piston to valve contact.

[@allinone8528]

Good work,, Sar i need job there???

[@adrianstan9082]

Mine pointed to 6.99. How do I know is not just the sensor ?

[@FourRingsAuto]

The intake phase measured value? Why would it be the sensor when it is giving you a value? The timing is retared.

[@adrianstan9082]

Yes, the intake phase. I am still looking for hopes lol

[@FourRingsAuto]

@@adrianstan9082 stretched chain highly likely. Get it sorted before it jumps when starting the car...

[@stevebrown6206]

Just watched this thinking I’d attempt myself after doing my defender….! Never!! Not even a consideration now! 😂😂

[@the_photarist1845]

I would not even attempt this job lol. Why i havent pulled the trigger on a used Audi. Most other things i can mess and tinker with but diving into a motor like this looks scary.

[@Wishnuful]

Thanks for the video. Please try to keep the camera steady, when you make future videos. You need a buddy for recording. Regards!

[@chafedcoochie4744]

Fun fact, 15 more mins and the whole front end is off, which will make it a whole lot easier

[@kaubut0145]

Great video!! What kind of torque wrench is that? Also I completely rebuilt a 2.0 in a 2009 VW Passat. After I’m having this noise, not coming from the drive belt pulley. It’s at the bottom half, thought it was the oil pump but just replaced that today and noise still there. I do remember having a issue putting in the top balance chain guide, maybe chain rubbing against it? I would appreciate your help, here is a video of the sound kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWrGZaJ-irqXgZo thanks in advance.

[@FourRingsAuto]

Snap on Tech-angle digital torque wrench.

[@kaubut0145]

@@FourRingsAuto thanks for the reply! Also I completely rebuilt a 2.0 in a 2009 VW Passat. After I’m having this noise, not coming from the drive belt pulley. It’s at the bottom half, thought it was the oil pump but just replaced that today and noise still there. I do remember having a issue putting in the top balance chain guide, maybe chain rubbing against it? I would appreciate your help, here is a video of the sound kzbin.info/www/bejne/lWrGZaJ-irqXgZo thanks in advance.

[@bucksnort216]

liked video except for the dog

[@Archiegser]

Content is great background noise needs reducing.

[@CarlCostelloPlays]

4:33 I SMELL A SHITTY TSI WITH ITS FAULTY DESIGNED TENSIONER AND STRETCHING CHAIN.

[@FourRingsAuto]

You mean the dog can smell it? hahahahaha probably

[@onlyonecannoli3952]

Next time use a wrench instead of a spammer.

[@brandonfiore8982]

I'm sorry that you guys had to do this kind of work for money.

[@FourRingsAuto]

Why? It's easy work and profitable.

[@brandonfiore8982]

@@FourRingsAuto This is hard work, this is not easy work.

[@FourRingsAuto]

Maybe for some. For a good vw audi specialist this should be easy work. Time consuming, but easy to a competent mechanic/technician with good attention to detail. I have completed many jobs far more difficult that these. But I enjoy the larger repairs.

[@brandonfiore8982]

@@FourRingsAuto Can you work on a W8 engine?

[@FourRingsAuto]

To be honest I've not had the pleasure. As far as I'm aware, they weren't sold in Australia. I have worked on W12 Audi A8 D3 models though, and W12 Bentley Continentals, so similar. Everything is well packaged.

[@jameswan670]

I dont understand why timing chain should be changed...very poor quality of German cars.

[@marceloigorra9155]

Front bumper? 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣