Best Garage in Thousand Oaks to Repair Your Volkswagen’s Defective Timing Chain

The designs of Volkswagen models range from sporty sedans to lovable Beetles that reflect our character and suit our transportation needs. Many of us don’t realize how much we rely on our VW until something goes wrong. A fault in your timing chain can bring your day to a halt instantly. In this article, we will discuss how to respond quickly to a defective timing chain in your VW through learning the signs and symptoms of failure and giving you advice on where to go for help.

Timing Chain Function and Purpose

Your VW’s timing chain is a critical link between the top and the bottom of your engine. It is what connects the crankshaft to the camshaft so that your transmission is able to turn in a synchronized way. Without this connection your wheels would have not control.

Timing chains are more preferred than the traditional timing belt, because they have a longer lifespan and can take more wear and tear than a belt. This does not mean that timing chains are problem-free, as they can develop issues with their timing chain tensioner, the springs, and the hydraulics connected with this system.

Most models of VW have timing chains that are designed to last a minimum of 120,000 miles. However, there has been a smudge on VW’s record in recent years, as many lawsuits have been filed for the premature failure of VW timing chains with a 2-liter EA888 engine. There have also been issues discovered in some VW’s manufactured between 2008 and 2014. Therefore, if you drive a VW that meets this criteria, it is advised you have your timing chain inspected before the end of the warranty.

How to Tell if your Timing Chain is Defective

Your timing chain won’t give you a lot of warning when it develops an issue. When it starts to breakdown, it will cause the timing of your pistons and valves to become dysregulated, resulting in your engine becoming completely out of sync. This is a devastating event for your engine.

If you’re lucky, your engine will warn you by switching on the check engine light. You may also notice a rattle coming from your engine. If you pick up on either of these signs, you must pull over as soon as possible to protect your engine.

Your VW’s engine may refuse to start or may suddenly shut down when you drive. This can happen whether you experienced the earlier symptoms or not. When this happens, you should coast to the side of the road and call a recovery truck. It is imperative that you don’t continue to drive for your own safety and for the health of your engine. An engine whose timing is off will cause the engine pistons to crash into the valves and will quickly result in catastrophic damage which will need a rebuild.

The cost of repairing or replacing a timing chain and timing chain tensioner is nothing compared to the cost of buying a new engine. In fact, engine costs can be so high that often it’s more cost effective to buy a whole new car.

Fixing a Defective Timing Chain

To refer back to previous concerns on VW’s timing chains, a Volkswagen that is older than 2010 has a much higher risk for timing chain failure compared to other vehicles. So it is best to be proactive in caring for your timing chain. Keep up with routine servicing. If you think you have a timing chain issue in your Volkswagen, you should bring your car to the professionals before the issue gets more severe.

Bavarian Performance Specialist

Residents of Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, Westlake, Malibu, and Newbury Park, CA should visit the German car experts at Bavarian Performance Specialist to make sure their VW’s timing chain is in peak working condition. We are the experts in German motoring in your community. Our team at Bavarian are up to date with the VW timing chain controversy, and we will be able to best advise you on needed repairs or replacements for this unfortunate problem. Call our friendly customer service team today to schedule your next servicing appointment.