Chain Length, Checking

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2016 Volkswagen Beetle, 2015 Volkswagen Beetle, and 2014 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 Overview - Herbie Beetle Decorative Film .

-- Remove right 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 .