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How to Replace timing chain on Audi A4 B8 3.0 TDI quattro

Special tools

  • Camshaft holding/alignment tool – No.T40061.
  • Camshaft locking pin x 2 – No.T40060.
  • Camshaft sprocket holding tool – No.T40062.
  • Crankshaft turning tool 1 – No.T40058.
  • Crankshaft turning tool 2 – No.T40049.
  • Crankshaft locking pin – No.3242.
  • Injection pump/balancer shaft locking pin – No.3359.
  • Primary timing chain tensioner locking tool – No.40071.

General precautions

  • Disconnect battery earth lead.
  • Remove glow plugs to ease turning engine.
  • Turn engine in normal direction of rotation (unless otherwise stated).
  • Observe tightening torques.
  • If fitted: Mark position of crankshaft position (CKP) sensor before removal.
  • Do NOT turn crankshaft via camshaft or other sprockets.
  • Do NOT turn crankshaft or camshaft with timing chain removed.

Valve timing procedures

How to Replace timing chain on Audi A4 B8 3.0 TDI quattro
How to Replace timing chain on Audi A4 B8 3.0 TDI quattro
  • Timing chains located at rear of engine.
  • Removal/installation of timing chain requires:
      • Gearbox/drive plate removal.

NOTE: All bolts with an angular torque setting MUST be replaced.

  • Turn crankshaft until just before TDC on No.1 cylinder.
  • Remove blanking plug from sump [1] .
  • Install crankshaft locking pin [2] .
  • Slowly turn crankshaft pulley clockwise until locking pin can be inserted in crankshaft [1] . Tighten to 20 Nm.
  • Ensure hole in RH camshaft sprocket at 7 o’clock position [3] .
  • Ensure hole in LH camshaft sprocket at 5 o’clock position [4] .
  • If not, remove crankshaft locking pin and turn crankshaft 1 turn.
  • Install camshaft locking pin as shown [5] .
  • Rotate camshaft locking pins to alignment position [6] .

NOTE: The side pin of each camshaft locking pin must be in line with centre of camshaft sprocket.

  • Ensure balancer shaft can be locked in position [7] .
  • Lock timing chain tensioners in retracted position before carrying out engine repairs:
      • Push plunger into tensioner housing [8] .
      • Insert 3,3 mm pin to lock tensioner plunger [9] .
      • Fit primary timing chain tensioner locking tool [10] .

NOTE: If camshaft locking pins cannot be fitted valve timing is incorrect.

  • If necessary, slacken bolts of each camshaft sprocket 1 turn [11] .
  • Rotate LH camshaft until camshaft locking pin can be fitted [5] .
  • Rotate camshaft locking pin to alignment position [6] .
  • Repeat procedure for RH camshaft alignment.
  • Hold LH camshaft with holding/alignment tool.
  • Tighten LH camshaft sprocket bolts [11] . Tightening torque: 5 Nm.
  • Remove LH camshaft locking pin [5] .
  • Remove camshaft holding/alignment tool.
  • Tighten LH camshaft sprocket bolts [11] . Tightening torque: 23 Nm.
  • Repeat procedure for RH camshaft alignment.
  • Remove crankshaft locking pin [2] .
  • Release timing chain tensioner after repairs [9] & [10] .
  • Turn crankshaft two turns clockwise until just before TDC on No.1 cylinder.
  • Install crankshaft locking pin [2] .
  • Slowly turn crankshaft pulley clockwise until locking pin can be inserted in crankshaft [2] .
  • Ensure camshaft locking pin can be inserted [5] .
  • Rotate camshaft locking pins to alignment position [6] .

NOTE: The side pin of each camshaft locking pin must be in line with centre of camshaft sprocket.

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