A3 3.2 - timing chain replacement

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RoscoG

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Afternoon all,

It's time for a timing chain replacement on my A3 3.2 (2004). Have checked a few other posts about this and was wondering what would be wise to do whilst the engine is out?
Dual mass flywheel?
Any other recommendations?

Also, if anyone knows anywhere in the south of UK that has done this work before and is reasonably priced would love to hear. Currently weighing up quotes

Any help appreciated.

Thanks!

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Manual?

while the engine is out I would do everything you can afford. Clutch, flywheel, check the flex joints for leaks.

may I just ask how you know the chain needs replacing?
 
It's DSG, 86k on clock, mechanic (Audi specialist) pointed it out when I had a full service in may. Rattling/ticking when idling. Revs acting strange when accelerating. When I put my foot down, revs sometimes just drop out and there's a strange lull in power then will pick up after a second or two. This happens at low and higher speeds. Ticking at idle is very noticeable (attached pic from service)
c1d22246d50bcf4cfc2a3d6eaa47cce4.jpg


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I bought an A3 3.2 a good few years ago (it was my second actually) that had a rattling timing chain.
The garage paid for it to be replaced after a lot of negotiation. It cost north of £5k but it was done at a main dealer and they replaced everything. I did get quotes from elsewhere around the £1.5k mark.
The rattle went but it would still hesitate.
I eventually found the cure with a little known software update that cured the hesitation around 2k revs. Many people have also since had this update to cure the same issue. It may be worthwhile to check yours has had this, you can tell from the software code within the ecu.
 
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Holy moly. That’s some list. Not much change from 3-4K there. Way more than the cars value.

in N does it hold constant rpm at 2k? I had this problem that can be mis-diagnosed as a stretched chain but is a ecu software issue. But with the year of your car it is quite possible it is one of the ones with the weak chain.
 
Yes, a bit of work to do alright. On the plus side, I paid 1.5k for it. Interior and exterior are pristine. I'm based in Guernsey, so not VAT. So hopefully get it all done for under 4 k

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Yep sounds like you need the update
Search 3.2 hesitation on here and you'll find everything you need
 
Good. So there is definitely an issue with the chain and/or ecu software.

if you have a few hours to kill there is a massive thread on here about this issue.

www.audi-sport.net

Help needed!..3.2Q DSG Hesitant engine ~ 2k rpm

I've got a running problem with my A3. I picked the car up about 3 weeks ago and have noticed it has a problem when the revs get to around 2k rpm. It's apparent when driving, but also when parked, it's also impossible to hold the car at 2k rpm. The revs bounce up and down by around 300rpm either...
www.audi-sport.net www.audi-sport.net
 
Thank you for the info, will read tonight

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abmat said:
Good. So there is definitely an issue with the chain and/or ecu software.

if you have a few hours to kill there is a massive thread on here about this issue.

www.audi-sport.net

Help needed!..3.2Q DSG Hesitant engine ~ 2k rpm

I've got a running problem with my A3. I picked the car up about 3 weeks ago and have noticed it has a problem when the revs get to around 2k rpm. It's apparent when driving, but also when parked, it's also impossible to hold the car at 2k rpm. The revs bounce up and down by around 300rpm either...
www.audi-sport.net www.audi-sport.net
Click to expand...
Crikey that brings back memories!
Skip to page 16 for the fix
 
All I’d say is you have to confirm your chain isn’t stretched prior to doing the update as the update alone won’t fix it.

I did this by looking at the measuring blocks in vcds.
 
abmat said:
All I’d say is you have to confirm your chain isn’t stretched prior to doing the update as the update alone won’t fix it.

I did this by looking at the measuring blocks in vcds.
Click to expand...
Ok, are there specific blocks to check? Will need to find someone on the island who uses vcds and check. So any guidance around what to check specifically would be fab

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I can’t remember off hand, but iirc the value has to be between -8 to +8, blocks 90, 91. It’s been a while.
 
Just an update, so I had the ECU update installed by local Audi garage.

Didn't fix the issue.

It was the chain, it has stretched. Replaced locally for a very reasonable price, compared to some of the quotes I got!

£2,300 for chain, intake solenoid and labour.

Thanks for the help everyone

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RoscoG said:
Just an update, so I had the ECU update installed by local Audi garage.

Didn't fix the issue.

It was the chain, it has stretched. Replaced locally for a very reasonable price, compared to some of the quotes I got!

£2,300 for chain, intake solenoid and labour.

Thanks for the help everyone

Sent from my KB2003 using Tapatalk
Click to expand...
Hi where did you get this done if you don't mind me asking - seems like a very fair price
 
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