pfishwacker

Perhaps you know the answer to this. I need a new cam chain tensioner solenoid (2004 A8L), so I apparently need to buy the whole assembly. The sensor is removable from the OEM and I don't want to mess around with the timing chains if I can help it. The tensioners run from $300 on e-bay to $700+ on Parts Geek. Two questions: (1) Does anyone have any experience with the low cost tensioner (pretty sure from China), and (2) do you know if the solenoid from the e-bay version is removable or have your replaced the solenoid with one from e-bay?

Thanks for your help. If you have any other suggestions I'm all ears!

mishar

Have you tried to clean that valve first?

Cheap one from China. Solenoid is removable but I am not sure that it fits the OE tensioner.

pfishwacker

Hi Mishar,
Thanks for your reply. Had work so could not respond until now. I first replaced the cam position sensor due to P0020 and P0022 codes, to no avail. After a real scoping decided it was the tensioner. I have the eBahn diagrams but I have not removed the unit. Can you be specific about which valve to clean? I'm tentative working around timing chains (I learned this stuff in the 60's) and want to touch all the bases before I got exploring. Thanks!
pfishwacker

mishar

There are two screws holding that solenoid. Take it off and clean the valve that actuates the tensioner.

pfishwacker

Thanks. Any suggestions on stabilizing (paint, zip ties, etc.) the timing chain when I remove the tensioner so I can reassemble correctly?

mishar

Replacing a tensioner is a serious job. I can only suggest following instructions from Bentley Manual or ELSA.

pfishwacker

Anyone have the Audi part number for the right (A) bank cam chain tensioner?