Scirocco Central

As above really .. Wanting to get the tensioner changed for a piece of mind. Currently have 53k on the clock, no rattle on start up as of yet. Have a quote for the whole kit (chain, tensioner, guides etc) for 780. I was told it was not possible to change just the tensioner alone and had to change the whole lot in one go? Is it all that common for them to fail, vw told me it is almost unheard of when I asked them.

I got mine done on warranty as I could hear the rattling took a month of arguing and getting Volkswagen customer services involved to get it sorted. No more rattle. Customer is always right in the end

They say that by default even if it effects 1/2 of all cars they will say they have never herd of it! My car was on 52k, From what I have read it is quite common.

Been to VW a few times regarding warranty (Chain, Fuel Pump, Ignition barrel, Intake manifold, Split washer hose, hooting clutch), The only thing I didn't have to fight them for was intake manifold throwing an engine management light!

I'm sure you can just get the tensioner done but you might aswell get the chain done aswell while your there.

Mine unfortunately is out of warranty by a year now, think I'm going to just go ahead with it and save myself the worry

Get a decent indie VW garage to do it. will be much cheaper!

I'm not sure with regards to this particular engine but usually chain tensioners that are tensioned by oil pressure are accessible to remove without any serious strip downs as they usually screw into the block and resemble a large bolt. Sometimes covered inconveniently by things like power steering pumps and alternators as it is the side where the belts are. Again specifically to this engine I cannot advise accurately but I would say it would be worth a check first.

Volkswagen will most likely advise replacement of the chain as well because if the tensioner is defective the chain is also likely stretched and will be superceded by a modified part number.