question on chain tensioner....
 

Car is at the dealership for a rattling/grinding noise when I initially start the car. It also happens when I leave 1st and 2nd gear. They said that the chain tensioner was loose.

I asked the dealership what would cause this after 26000 miles. They could not tell me.

I have done some searches on here and found that it could be due to infrequent oil changes or low levels.

Well, oil has been checked monthly and changed every 4.

Do any of you have any ideas...?

this is a common problem on the 2001's. mine got replaced recently. (m)
 

it seems that they updated the part from 058 109 088 D to 058 109 088 E.

This is a easily replicable problem. Mine is audible @ around 1200rpm.

1) Depending on your tranny, manual or tip, u will need to put the engine under load conditions.

2) In my case, it's a tip.

3) In N or P, and when u rev the engine, there is no rattle/noise.

4) Put the trans in D, hold down the brake with your left foot and rev to 1200rpm (gotta try a few times and play a bit) and the rattle noise comes up.

Showed the Audi tech how to replicate the noise and he learnt a new trick from me :-) they also replaced a leaking valve cover gasket whilst doing this repair. check around for leaking gaskets or seals and tagged it to the work order so that they can fix them all in one job.

Good luck.

thanks much....more
 

They ended up replacing the cam shaft chain adjuster.

1 058-109-088-E Adjuster
1 03070 Hose Clamps
1 058-198-217 Gasket Set
1 058-198-025-A Gasket Set

Noises are gone... I have a manual and luckily when I started it for them the noise was there. The noise when coming out of 1st is now gone. I think that was part of the same problem.

Re: question on chain tensioner....
 

My 2001 1.8t exhibits the same problem, and the dealer is going to replace the tensioner as well (I guess it's really an adjuster).

I was wondering how complicated of a fix this is and how long did it take your dealer to do?

Thanks!