Replace tensioners at 27K for $2,300?
12-01-2004, 12:59 PM
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Replace tensioners at 27K for $2,300?
I have a 99 A6 2.8Q Avant which has been making an intermittent metallic clattering under the hood on ~2/3 of cold starts. It's inaudible at idle, but it lasts about 3/4 of a mile, and sounds similar to spark knock, but more metallic.
My dealer's $160 diagnosis: "I think it might be" the timing "chain" tensioners. He wants ~$1,250 for 2 parts and $1,000+ for labor. This seems mighty steep for a possible fix for an intermittent problem.
Aside from my obvious need to find an honest, independent shop [any suggestions near Berkeley, CA?], does anyone have an informed opinion as to whether it makes sense to replace tensioners at $27K miles? If so, should I also replace the belts, water pump, thermostat, etc. (as usually recommended) this early?
My dealer's $160 diagnosis: "I think it might be" the timing "chain" tensioners. He wants ~$1,250 for 2 parts and $1,000+ for labor. This seems mighty steep for a possible fix for an intermittent problem.
Aside from my obvious need to find an honest, independent shop [any suggestions near Berkeley, CA?], does anyone have an informed opinion as to whether it makes sense to replace tensioners at $27K miles? If so, should I also replace the belts, water pump, thermostat, etc. (as usually recommended) this early?
12-01-2004, 02:21 PM
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I've had that same ticking noise in my 4.2 during cold weather
for two winters. My Master tech said it was the lifters also and not to worry.
FYI: That price is a almost double what I paid earlier this year for timing belt, water pump, tensioners, etc. including labor. I did it due to mileage, 98k, and still have that noise. Dr Jim
FYI: That price is a almost double what I paid earlier this year for timing belt, water pump, tensioners, etc. including labor. I did it due to mileage, 98k, and still have that noise. Dr Jim
12-01-2004, 03:27 PM
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Maybe try the $5 solution first; otherwise very different idea
I saw what sounds like this on a C4 A6 with the 12V engine, though at more like 70K miles. In that case (A4's too), there are some oil drain valves in the V below the intake manifold. If those function incorrectly, it causes the ticking noise when the motor is not warmed up or recently started. There is a TSB for this for the C4's if you look long enough.
First suggestion: Get an oil cleaning additive like Risoline or Gunk at the parts store that you put in briefly just before an oil change. That stuff can be hard on seals, so be warned it could trigger an oil leak. But that seems less risky at your mileage. And if it did, the seal is flaky anyway and needs fixing. The same cleaner is used to address sticky lifters too.
The more involved solution if it is this--pull off the intake manifold to get at these parts. They are called antidrainback valves or something similar. It's several hours work, and less than $100 in parts (including intake gaskets).
I just did both directly, and it went from loud tick like a really bad couple of lifters to no noise at all.
First suggestion: Get an oil cleaning additive like Risoline or Gunk at the parts store that you put in briefly just before an oil change. That stuff can be hard on seals, so be warned it could trigger an oil leak. But that seems less risky at your mileage. And if it did, the seal is flaky anyway and needs fixing. The same cleaner is used to address sticky lifters too.
The more involved solution if it is this--pull off the intake manifold to get at these parts. They are called antidrainback valves or something similar. It's several hours work, and less than $100 in parts (including intake gaskets).
I just did both directly, and it went from loud tick like a really bad couple of lifters to no noise at all.
12-01-2004, 03:47 PM
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sounds like $2300 worth of dealer nonsense
These engines are known to be noisy, with come-and-go ticking/clattering that you describe.
My '00 Avant does it, too. My local dealer said that Audi's have a reputation to sound like tractors at time, with particularly emphasis for noisy lifters. My first inclinition is to not let that dealer mess with your car or take your money.
My '00 Avant does it, too. My local dealer said that Audi's have a reputation to sound like tractors at time, with particularly emphasis for noisy lifters. My first inclinition is to not let that dealer mess with your car or take your money.
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12-01-2004, 03:54 PM
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Re: Replace tensioners at 27K for $2,300?
I had some small leaks (crankshaft seal and camshaft seal) on my 2000 2.7T A6. When I saw what was required to get to the area I decided to do the timing belt kit, water pump and thermostat, sepentine belt and tensioner. I threw in the valve cover gaskets for good measure, did a Mobil 1 oil change and was done. The entire bill was $1,096 !!!
Here is a breakdown of the parts:
crankshaft seal $7.63
camshaft seal $10.66
water pump $171.1
Serp belt tensioner $82.38
Serp belt $40.00
Timing belt kit w/pulleys $341.95
valve cover gaskets $54.86
tax $36.17
labor $374.00
10% DISCOUNT
total $1,096.18
I found this great little independent shop and they treated me real right. But I think ur getting hosed. I will never go to the Stealer again.
Good luck
al
Here is a breakdown of the parts:
crankshaft seal $7.63
camshaft seal $10.66
water pump $171.1
Serp belt tensioner $82.38
Serp belt $40.00
Timing belt kit w/pulleys $341.95
valve cover gaskets $54.86
tax $36.17
labor $374.00
10% DISCOUNT
total $1,096.18
I found this great little independent shop and they treated me real right. But I think ur getting hosed. I will never go to the Stealer again.
Good luck
al
