Chain Length, Checking

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, 2014 Volkswagen Beetle, and 2013 Volkswagen Beetle. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

If due to complaints (for example noises) an elongated camshaft timing chain is suspected, the chain length can be checked as described as follows.

Procedure

-- Remove the noise insulation, refer to NOISE INSULATION OVERVIEW .

-- Remove right front wheel housing liner, refer to FRONT WHEEL HOUSING LINER .

-- Remove the bolts -arrows-.

Fig 1: Identifying Air Guide Pipe

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-- Disconnect the air guide pipe by lifting the clamps -2- and opening the hose clamp -3-.

-- Remove the plug -arrow-. The plugs must be replaced.

Fig 2: Identifying Plug

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-- Turn the vibration damper in direction of engine rotation until the chain tensioner piston is extended the maximum distance in the direction of -arrow-.

Fig 3: Identifying Vibration Damper

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-- Count the visible piston splines.

NOTE:

The visible splines are all of the splines that are located to the right of the chain tensioner housing -arrow-.

If six or fewer splines are visible: the camshaft timing chain must not be replaced.
If seven or more splines are visible: the camshaft timing chain must be replaced, refer to CAMSHAFT TIMING CHAIN .