2.0 TDI oil pump / balance shaft failure?

Im looking into buying a Audi A4 2.0 TDI, i do not want a car with this problem or one that wil arise in the future,

Am i correct in thinking that its just 2005 cars with the Engine code "BLB" or are other models affected and if so what engine codes? Cheers
 
A little research will reveal this issue is related to SOME of the early BLB coded engines.
I say SOME because I have a colleague with a 230,000 ( beat that on a five year old car ! ) mile BLB coded Avant that has only had a/c, radiator and water pump problems.
 
I'll start with a big thank you to those who have taken the time to document the issues on this thread/forum. It helped me decide how to handle the same fault on my Audi A4 55 TDi last weekend.

I had a routine service done (indi garage) in March where the noise was noticed and recorded as a suspect timing belt problem. I hadn't heard anything before that and before long the sound got worse so I thought I'd take it in. My indi didn't do computer fault fixes (i had an airbag light and a reverse sensor issue) so I found a nearby Audi indi specialist. Best decision I made in all this.

They rang late in the day to say they'd tracked the noise to the balance shaft and had a quick word with Audi about getting the replacement tensioner. A few calls later the decision was apparent - Audi said get the conversion kit (£1000+ parts) or wait until August for the replacement part from somewhere in Europe. Indi suggested I track down the part online. Once I'd found this thread and read a bit I decided to do the conversion. The car was in and he said he'd change everything while he was there. I needed wheels for work (who rented me a car for 10 days) and had to get it done. I made the same calculations as others on a sale (with serious down value) versus conversion and advance major service (I'm at 60k and was on first timing belt).

Job was done and despite days of work, mechanic only charged 8 hours. He even rang at one point just to complain (i think). He said Audi sold the kit but wouldn't tell him how to fit it. He rang several dealers who also delcined, with one saying they had never done one (all Merseyside/West Lancs). Eventually one of his mechanics called his wife who worked at a dealer to have a word with the foreman. My guy also bitched about the sprocket removal! He showed me what he removed - just like your pics - and said the sprocket was worn right down. He reckoned just looking at the whole assembly he felt it wasn't up to the job. He reckons the change is over-engineered versus the original which is poorly designed.

Scores on doors were:
Parts £922.39
Labour £360 (as I said - held at 8 hours)
VAT £224.42

TOTAL: £1506.81

with new timing belt, oil and filters and all my error codes cleared.

I'm as acked of as the rest of you as the car runs like a dream again. The brand new 2.0 TDi Astra I had during the interim isn't a patch on the A4.

Wrath/Nathan - you are a true champion. Email me for details (my email is the username I use here at hotmail.com)
 
Thanks for your story pittso. All the costs (where the engine/turbo wasn't affected) seem very close to the main dealer I used in the North East which is surprising. Good to know you got the conversion and I found the car sounds less noisy. I'm now happy with my car but yet again, urge everyone who has had the fault, to write (not phone) Audi UK Customer Services to at least log the fault. Looking at this thread there are more and more people becoming affected including the case on the other recent thread where the owner had bought the car days before and now has the fault. We need these all logging to Audi.

Both Audi UK and Audi Germany are claiming this isn't a fault. Yes, if you push and the car has a full service history at a dealer then you may get something out of it but the point is to have it logged.

After recording many instances of this, mileage isn't the issue. Affected cars have done between 40,000 and 150,000, I believe the cause is down to the lifespan of the plastic which Audi could not detail their testing or the contractor used to manufacture it.

Please, everybody, log it with Audi.
 
Wrath, do you have the address of Audi UK and perhaps a template of what you've written inside the letter?

I'm a little rubbish at writing letters but will happily give it my all if it gets us anywhere!

Thanks for all your help in my thread. Muchos Gracius.
 
Thanks for the thanks :)

I'm a bit reluctant to publish any of my letters as I don't want people to send exactly the same ones in, however, this thread is very long and for someone to get all the relevant information from it would take time soooo.....

I think I/we need to setup a web-site specifically for this and then we can put all the relevant info, links, solutions on there.

What do people think? Anyone able to giveup some web-space, ideas for web domain names (I'll buy it if need be), anyone handy at knocking up a simply but nice looking site template?

The address is: Audi (UK) Customer Services, P.O Box 400, Walsall, West Midlands WS5 4XX

Write, don't phone!
 
I'll get on this as soon as I can! Not happy with Audi in the slightest!
 
Nathan,

I've sent you my letter which is strongly worded but not all guns blazing hopefully. I'm told with these letters stick to the facts and how you feel because those can't be disputed. I don't expect anything more than to be part of a growing record that they will be forced to react to eventually. Please everyone let Nathan know of the issue if you've had it then when Watchdog (or maybe a newspaper consumer champion) can see the size of the problem and hound Audi with confidence of a cover up.

Its a real shame they don't offer some goodwill - at least reduce the cost of the parts and send out a technical note for garages to fix this for you. It is such a good car but now I will think twice about buying another Audi when before it was a given.
 
pittso said:
Nathan,

I've sent you my letter which is strongly worded but not all guns blazing hopefully. I'm told with these letters stick to the facts and how you feel because those can't be disputed. I don't expect anything more than to be part of a growing record that they will be forced to react to eventually. Please everyone let Nathan know of the issue if you've had it then when Watchdog (or maybe a newspaper consumer champion) can see the size of the problem and hound Audi with confidence of a cover up.

Its a real shame they don't offer some goodwill - at least reduce the cost of the parts and send out a technical note for garages to fix this for you. It is such a good car but now I will think twice about buying another Audi when before it was a given.
Click to expand...

hi,

i have just suffered a oil pump failure on a november 2006 B7 car which i believe is gear driven so its not isolated to the earlier engines. Garage is currently assessing damage...
 
Is this a cheaper repair than a gear conversion though??
 
Hi

Just reading through this thread as on Thursday My A4 BLB engine suffered chain failure. Had the car 18 Months with 105K on the clock. The car has full Audi service history with the last service done 19th of this month (8 days ago) at Audi Wakefield and less than 250 miles later BANG.:puke:
Bradford Audi have said there would be no controbution but Wakefield have offerd 25%. Still an eye watering £2000 before discount. Did you get anywhere with your campaign?. My cars on the drive used as a storage cupboard at the moment. Fortunatley i am Ex motor trade and a MOT mate is an Audi Tech. Any thoughts or comments please!
 
I'm looking in to buying A4 2.0 TDI and it has BLB engine but it is the later one with gear-driven oil shaft...
Am I correct thinking that it should be ok?
 
Had the Red Oil Pressure Light come on yesterday - limped at reduced speed about 5 miles and then arranged a tow to my local AA dealership.

They have now told me it''s likely to be the oil pump but they need to take the sump off to check.
They have quoted £374 for Labour to remove the Sump.
Possible Oil Pump & Pump Driver at £577.60
It could have damaged the turbo too.
Worst Case Scenario quoted £1,584 - which from reading the forum doesn't seem all that bad (still hurts though!!)

Cars only done 46k and I've had regular Audi Services but of course it's outside of warranty now.

I will definately be writing a few complaint letters.
 
hi there .I have the same problem with my audi blb engin reg 55 tdi.first came the oil presure in the screen and as i brought to the garagge the confirmed that balancer shaft chain is brocken ,the plastic part than oil pum is gone and turbocharger ,the mecanic told me that is a bit oil in turbocharger so it seems it will be very expensive thing and even if i change this parts he is not sure that is all sorted because iratle in the engine.is there any one who had the same problem please help me with any addvice
 
Hi guys, I have not been on fora while, but reading back from feb, there seems to be increasing numbers that are affected, for example, the two guys above.

for u Guys, I suggest you read the threads fully above, you will most likely have the oil chain problem, this needs replaced with new lower sprocket & tensioner, like i did, or you convert to a gerar system Price for conversion tends to be from 1500 to 2000. The cheaper method is do what i did, read back to feb. Although i would not recommend this if you do high mileage.

I also think its worth getting the problem logged by audi UK, as Nathan suggests, but get any hopes up fora contribution, it won't happen.

All the best from Scotland1
 
Jarek - you'll be fine with the gear driven engine. Flori and BluePete I'd echo weggie - please get it logged with Audi to increase the pressure on them but don't expect any support from them.
 
Hi fellors,

Can u please tell me if my Passat with a BKP engine can be affected with oil pump failure?

My chassis number is WVWZZZ3CZ7P004752. Any info is appreciated.

Cheers,

Daz.
 
PLEASE HELP! ANYONE! LOL

I had my A4 (05) serviced no more than a month ago and had the MOT done. On Friday I was driving along and the oil pressure light came on, and then after some unusual noises the car lost power. I managed to limp back to my house which was fortunatly only a few hundred yards away and got the AA to tow it into Audi. The woman called me up a casually and said oh yes sir you need a new engine. Can we go ahead? I thought it was a joke! I went down today to speak to someone in person to get some answers and they quoted the engineer as saying the balance shaft had failed and ripped into the gearing and the teeth of the gears had exploded into the main engine body.

It apparantly has caused irreversible damage and they said that at minumum it will be £4.5k for a new engine but could rise to up to £7k if the turbo has been damaged. They will not know until they have stripped the engine down further!!!!! Which will cost money just to strip it down!

I am actually shaking with rage whilst typing and I am really desperate for someone to shed some light on this situation and give me some ideas on what to do next! I could not believe there attitude in Audi! I expect it from Ford but not Audi!

PLEASE ADVISE!!!!
 
If that has happen then, you will need a new engine, but I would not get the work done by Audi. 2.0 TDi engines can be picked up used at your local scrap yard, or try ebay. you then need to find a good garage to do the work.
 
Could the same thing be happening with me? I seem to be going through a lot of oil whilst at the same time there appears to be a lot of oil leakage in the engine bay around the oil filler cap.

Any ideas? I hope this is not the same problem as this will be very costly over here in CY.

Cheers.

P.S. After reading this thread, it does not sound good! :crying:
 
It's possible but from my knowledge the symptom usually manifests itself as a horrid noise and/or oil warning light coming on.
 
Ah ok! Well fingers crossed then. I'm due an oil service anyway so I will get it checked out. Cheers.
 
I've now had the (slightly aggressive) defensive phone call from Audi UK 'customer service' who don't seem to even understand my complaint, never mind the even begin to acknowledge it as a fault. I will escalate the complaint as Wrath suggests and ensure it is logged correctly. I don't expect to achieve much else.
 
Well just an update on my results. (see previous post from me) My car is a laet 2006 car with a gear driven pump. It failed.........


The result £7k for a new engine and turbo...


jetbox
 
That seems to be the standard price for dealers judging by the various emails I've had. Between 7k and 9k when the engine has been totalled.
 
Flipping heck, im almost glad i have a 2.0t petrol, i dont think the savings with diesel £200 a year in my case would be worth all that heartache and expense, sorry to hear it peeps
 
jetbox said:
Well just an update on my results. (see previous post from me) My car is a laet 2006 car with a gear driven pump. It failed.........


The result £7k for a new engine and turbo...


jetbox
Click to expand...

Ineteresting this one! I presume yours has a BRE engine if it is late 2006. What exactly failed? This sounds totally different to the issues with the BLB engines.
 
p1lts said:
Ineteresting this one! I presume yours has a BRE engine if it is late 2006. What exactly failed? This sounds totally different to the issues with the BLB engines.
Click to expand...


Hi,

Yes. Repair carried out by Audi. A bearing within the balancer shaft/ oil pump assembly broke up. Balancer shaft then moved on defective bearing. Drive gear teeth damaged and swarf throughout engine.

I switched off the engine as soon as low pressure light came on. Audi say its a known issue with the gear driven pumps too.

Audi is a dirty word in my house at the moment...
 
jetbox said:
Audi is a dirty word in my house at the moment...
Click to expand...

Not as dirty as "C-Max" or "Ford" in my house. I've now waited 4 months for a new fuel filter holder for the C-Max. There are more squeaks than a box of ADHD mice. Last ever Ford I'll own.
 
Hi
I have the same problem,have had words with Audi UK they say no known faults with the 2.0tdi my local dealer gave me word for word response,i called again and got a goodwill gesture from Audi but the whole thing stinks and its still going to cost £1600 plus cambelt change /water pump.
Awaiting reply from a manager at Audi UK,I Dont think they should make a profit out of replacing a faulty part,will let you guys know if i get anywhere,have told them i will not let this rest and wil be contacting the Chairman ect plus Watchdog/the one show/top gear.We need a voice!!!!!!!! dont give up be a pest! hope this helps
 
Holy crap this hasn't cheered me up. Can someone give me a little help/ info . Basically I've bought a audi a4 2.0 tdi s line 2005 model. It's done 60k and has had new cambelt , tensioners, and water pump done at 54k .firstly how do I know if my engine is the code that has this fault and also is there anyway I can tell. It seems to drive fine and seems smooth. Do I need to worry in that case? Or do I have to strip the front end off no matter what?
 
fozworth said:
Holy crap this hasn't cheered me up. Can someone give me a little help/ info . Basically I've bought a audi a4 2.0 tdi s line 2005 model. It's done 60k and has had new cambelt , tensioners, and water pump done at 54k .firstly how do I know if my engine is the code that has this fault and also is there anyway I can tell. It seems to drive fine and seems smooth. Do I need to worry in that case? Or do I have to strip the front end off no matter what?
Click to expand...

One of the problems with this thread is the sheer number of posts but all the info is there. Your engine code is printed on a sticker in the spare wheel well in the boot. I would put money on yours being a BLB as most of the 2005 models were. Should you worry? I did and got it changed over as I didn't enjoy my car fearing it would break at any moment. Unfortunately there is little warning when/if it fails and some people have been landed bills around £7k-£9k and some with mileage as low as 43k.

It is difficult to show any sort of numbers of problems vs. cars been made....we will never find out...however I get posts every week from fresh people caught out by the problem.

Some say, don't worry, there must be loads of cars out there with no problem and done 100's of thousands of miles.
Some say, it's worth getting it fixed now rather than later.

The choice is yours.
 
Hi
had a call from Audi uk and they wont budge on this issue i have a goodwill offer and thats it still going to cost £1500 plus cambelt and water pump,you could take out a warranty with Audi and this would cover you.
The problems we have are
Out of warranty
Needs to be Audi history (mine is)
Not bought from Main dealer 2nd hand (can anyone afford that?)
Can only get goodwill from dealership (would still be cheaper to fix from a good indie)
They do not recognize any forums!!
AUDI SAY THIS BALANCE SHAFT IS NOT FAULTY!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will pay the bill but will not let this rest,will be sending letters to the right people(need my car back)
Any ideas??????????????
 
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