Timing Chain Replacement
The timing chain links the crankshaft to the camshafts so the valves open at exactly the right moment. When it stretches or its guides wear, timing drifts, and on many engines a chain that jumps a tooth lets the pistons strike the valves. Replacing it early is far cheaper than rebuilding after a failure.
From AED 1,999Written quote after diagnosis, before work startsConvenience fee applicable · shown on your written quote
- 1-3 days, depending on how much of the engine front must come off
- Pickup and delivery from your door
- Convenience fee applicable · shown on your written quote
- Diagnosis free with repair
Signs you need timing chain replacement
- A rattling or chain-slap sound for a few seconds after a cold start
- Camshaft/crankshaft correlation codes such as P0016 or P0017
- Rough idle, loss of power or misfires with no sign of ignition faults
- Check engine light with timing-related or variable valve timing codes
- Metal flakes in the oil or on the magnetic drain plug
- Engine cranks but will not start after a chain jumps
What usually causes it
Long oil change intervals
Chains and tensioners run on engine oil. Dirty, thin or low oil wears the chain pins and guides faster, which is the single biggest reason chains fail early.
Failed hydraulic tensioner
The tensioner keeps the chain tight using oil pressure. If it leaks down or sticks, the chain develops slack and slaps against the guide rails.
Worn plastic guides
Chain guides are plastic over metal. Heat makes them brittle, pieces break off and can fall into the oil pan and block the pickup screen.
Stretched chain and worn sprockets
Over time the chain effectively lengthens as its pins wear. The timing retards slightly and the computer tries to compensate until it can no longer, and sets a code.
How we do timing chain replacement
- 1
Confirm the chain is the problem
We check codes and live camshaft adjustment values, listen for the rattle, and inspect through the oil filler or a cover where possible so you only buy what is needed.
- 2
Lock the engine at top dead centre
Using the manufacturer's locking tools we fix crankshaft and camshaft positions. Setting timing by eye is not accepted on these engines.
- 3
Replace the full set
Chain, tensioner, guide rails and often the sprockets are replaced together, along with the front cover seal and related gaskets, so the new chain does not run on worn companions.
- 4
Refit, refill, relearn
The engine is refilled with fresh oil and a new filter, the cam position values are relearned with the scanner and the car is road tested. We recheck for leaks and codes.
By make and model
BMW
The N20 four-cylinder turbo engine is known for timing chain guide and tensioner wear, sometimes with a rattle on start-up well before the chain fails.
Audi / Volkswagen
Early 2.0 TFSI (EA888 first and second generation) engines are known for chain tensioner trouble; stretched chains and timing codes are the typical sign.
In Dubai, Sharjah and Ajman
Oil thins and oxidises faster in sustained heat and heavy stop-start driving. A chain-driven engine that does 8,000-10,000 km between oil changes in Dubai traffic is under more strain than the schedule assumes, so we recommend shorter intervals for these cars.
Questions about timing chain replacement
How long should a timing chain last?
Manufacturers often describe chains as lifetime parts, but that assumes frequent oil changes and no defects. In practice, some engines need chain work between 100,000 and 200,000 km, others far earlier if the oil was neglected.
What happens if I ignore the rattle?
The chain can skip a tooth. On interference engines that bends valves and can damage pistons, turning a repair into an engine rebuild or replacement.
Is the whole kit really necessary?
Replacing only the chain leaves old guides and a tired tensioner to wear it out again. The labour to reach the chain is the main cost, so the kit adds little to the bill.
Can you use used or aftermarket parts?
The quote lists OEM and aftermarket kits. We would advise against used chain components, since you cannot know their wear and the labour is not recovered if they fail.
Last updated
Get a written quote
Tell us about your car. You get an itemised quote before any work starts, and you choose OEM, aftermarket or used parts.