Cam Chain Tensioner

[Gonzokew]

hi,

currently in the process of replacing the cam chain tensioner as I keep getting camshaft set point not reached. (16395) it's a bam engine.

It's in a specialist shop at the minute and they said that a brand called lukas (not sure if that's spelt right) is cheaper and has lifetime warranty. I wanted to get a genuine from audi but they advised me to use this as it's the same quality apparently.

Anyone had any experience with this?

Thanks in advance

 

[<tuffty/>]

In my experience pattern parts are massively variable... the one I got from GSF was ok and is still going but... they use anyone that will supply them and the quality varies from the cheap crap you get on eBay to something plausible...

Based on the number of failures I have seen on pattern part VVT units I would most likely get an OE one if I have to replace the one I have as the no name branded ones are a lottery... despite what a supplier may claim...

<tuffty/>

 

[Stuart B]

Lucas isn't a no name brand though.

 

[<tuffty/>]

Because Lucas (or Lukas according to the OP) probably don't actually make these parts and buy them from the same place as most of the other pattern part manufacturers

Feel free to fit a Lucas MAF and a Lucas VVT tensioner and let us know how you get on...

<tuffty/>

 

[Stuart B]

oh I see so they are generic "OEM grade" parts which are simply stamped with a manufacturer logo to try and get some sales, a bit like some TVs where they are all essentially one manufacturer with "sony guts" but all different badges, or even the NowTV freeview HD box which is a Rochi (or whatever) smart tv box rebranded, I think it is common with some broadband routers too eg TalkTalk

digressing slightly - but with the Apple versus Samsung court case about the S2 being a compete copy of the IPhone from 7 years ago or whatever - it transpired that the IPhone used mostly Samsung parts.

 

[Silva bullet]

Ahh the dreaded code as chain rattle.
Got this problem year's ago so replaced oem chain tensioner with a lucas tensioner from euros plus gaskets and bits.
In my situation lucas one is bang on no problems bearing in mind that my old one lasted about the 130k so I'm thnkn my lucas wount do that much but will see I guess..

 

[Gonzokew]

Ok thanks for that, it's just strange as I said I wanted an Oem tensioner and they're saying to use this as it's " just as good ".

I won't take any chances and get one from audi. They're now £445 + vat now if anyone wanted to know.

 

[Gonzokew]

Got the car back today after replacement tensioner, chain and gaskets from Audi. Now I'm going to go throw up after paying the bill.

Hopefully all will be good

 

[Silva bullet]

Good to hear that your car's sorted.
Stealer always rob us don't they...at least you got 2 years warranty on the part I bought my lucas tensioner a year ago so I'm in the danger area lol but have to say it's still going strong I also cover a lot more miles now so fingers crossed I suppose

 

[Stuart B]

the Lucas VVT tensioner came with a lifetime guarantee, I am sure you'll be fine.

 

[Silva bullet]

Lifetime warranty I didn't know that I thought it's just the usual 12 months that you get.
It was bought 2 years ago from eurocarparts with gaskets and cimpression tool.

 

[Tomsy]

I had that code since I bought the car then I changed cam belt etc and no code now, it must have been a tooth out?
I was very happy.

 

[Silva bullet]

Must have been a tooth or 2 out for sure glad your sorted mate.

 

[Tomsy]

I thought I would have to shell out for a new tensioner eventually but my cam belt tensioner sh#t itself and so I changed the belt,tensioner and water pump and the fault code never came back so saved myself a few hundred quid for a genuine vvt tensioner.
So... the code can also be for a tooth out instead of the vvt tensioner, something to consider.