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Timing chain replacement in Helsinki
We diagnose and replace timing chains on passenger cars and small vans. The timing chain synchronises the crankshaft and camshafts – unlike a timing belt, the manufacturer has usually not specified a fixed replacement interval for it. On well-known chain engines we recommend replacement before 200,000 km.
Allow about two days for the jobA timing chain replacement usually takes about two working days. On large and special engines the time is estimated separately.
- 1.2 TSI (CBZB) approx. 800 €
- 1.4 TSI (CAXA) approx. 950 €
- BMW N47 approx. 1,400 €
- Recommendation: replace before 200,000 km
Our most common timing chain jobs
We repair these engines a lot, so we know how the job is built up and where the typical wear points are. The prices are total prices: parts, seals, oil and labour.
VW 1.2 TSICBZB
approx. 800 €in total
For example Golf, Polo, Octavia, Fabia. Timing chain kit, seals, oil and filter, and labour.
VW 1.4 TSICAXA
approx. 950 €in total
For example Golf, Octavia, Touran. The kit also includes the VVT sprocket. Typical symptom: a rattle for 2–4 seconds on a cold start.
BMW 2.0 dieselN47
approx. 1,400 €in total
For example 118d, 320d, 520d. The chain is at the back of the engine on the gearbox side, so the work is done with the gearbox removed. On four-wheel-drive models more parts have to be removed and the price may be higher. Complete kit: timing chain, balancer chain and oil pump chain.
✓ Included in the price
- timing chain kit: chain, tensioner, guide rails and sliders, and the sprockets for the engine
- seals and single-use bolts
- engine oil and oil filter change – chain kit manufacturers usually require it as a condition of the parts warranty
- OBD check and reading and clearing fault codes
× Not included in the price
- diagnostics before the replacement, if the condition of the chain is uncertain (85 €/h)
- additional repairs found during dismantling, such as the water pump or leaking seals – always agreed before the work
Other engines: we calculate the price based on the registration number. V6, V8 and V12 engines, Land Rovers and some Mercedes-Benz models are a story of their own – we repair them too, but the time and price are always estimated separately.
Prices include VAT at 25.5%. The work and parts carry our normal warranty of 12 months / 15,000 km, which does not limit liability for defects under the Consumer Protection Act.
When should the timing chain be replaced?
Replacement or inspection is due if:
- the car has a CBZB, CAXA or N47 engine and is approaching 200,000 km
- you hear a metallic rattle for a few seconds on a cold start – the tensioner has not yet got oil pressure
- the noise continues after starting
- the engine management shows timing-related fault codes, for example P0016
- the engine runs roughly or has lost power
- chain stretch or a tensioner fault is suspected
Inspection or replacement?
Assessing the chain always takes time
Wear can be assessed in different ways: on some engines indirectly from diagnostic values, such as the phase difference between the camshaft and crankshaft, on some from the position of the tensioner through an inspection opening, or by opening plugs and checking the tensioner mechanism. All methods take time, however, so on well-known chain engines a preventive replacement is often the most sensible solution.
CBZB, CAXA and N47Replace at 200,000 km at the latest, preferably before.
Other enginesWe start with diagnostics and tell you whether confirming it requires dismantling.
Diagnostics 85 €/hSimilar noises can come from other parts too – we first find the source of the noise. Car diagnostics
What happens if you keep driving with a faulty chain?
A worn chain does not usually break all at once, but the damage can quickly become expensive.
1The chain stretchesThe links wear, play increases and the timing starts to drift.
2The chain jumpsIn a more serious situation the chain can jump a tooth and the engine timing is disrupted.
3Engine damageIn many engines the valves and pistons hit each other – the repair costs many times more than a chain replacement.
Important
A chain replaced in time costs many times less than an engine repair
The timing end is one of the most important parts of the engine. When the chain fails, you may be looking at a cylinder head and valve repair – at worst damaged pistons as well.
If the chain has already jumpedDo not try to start the engine repeatedly. We first check the timing and the damage – a new chain kit alone is not always enough.
Why does a timing chain stretch?
A “stretched chain” means wear in the links and other parts, which increases the play in the chain. The chain wears faster if the car is used for heavy work – for example with a trailer or heavy loads – or if lubrication is poor: the oil is changed rarely or is of poor quality. The quality of lubrication has a very large effect on chain wear.
heavy loads and towinginfrequent oil changespoor-quality oiltensioner functionengine design
Oil and servicing
Lubrication makes a big difference
Too long change intervals, the wrong oil or low oil pressure weaken the hydraulic tensioner and shorten the life of the timing end.
With the replacementWe always change the engine oil and filter to the specification required by the manufacturer and check the condition of the lubrication system. Oil change
Frequently asked questions
Does a timing chain have a replacement interval?
On most cars the manufacturer has not specified a fixed replacement interval, unlike for a timing belt. In our experience, on CBZB, CAXA and N47 engines the chain is worth replacing at 200,000 km at the latest, preferably before. On other engines the decision is based on the design, service history, symptoms and diagnostics.
Why are other parts replaced as well as the chain?
The chain, tensioner, guide rails and sprockets wear together. Replacing only the chain with worn parts would shorten the life of the new chain. Some engines also have several chains, for example for the oil pump – which is why the content of the repair always depends on the engine.
Does the quality of the chain kit matter?
Yes. Chain kits from unknown brands can stretch quickly, and the problem comes back soon after the replacement – we do not recommend them. The best are complete quality kits, for example Febi or Iwis. The more affordable FAI has also proven durable in use.
Why is it worth changing the oil more often than the long life interval?
A long life change interval can be as much as 30,000 km. Over such a long interval the oil has time to age and form deposits, which weakens the lubrication of the chain and tensioner – and that is exactly what wears the chain.
If you want the engine to serve you reliably for a long time, we recommend an oil change every 15,000–20,000 km. It is one of the best ways to protect the timing chain. Oil change
How long does a timing chain replacement take?
Usually about two working days. On V6, V8 and V12 engines, Land Rovers and some Mercedes-Benz models the work is more extensive, and the time is estimated separately.
What if more repairs are found during dismantling?
We tell you what we found and the price, and any extra work is agreed with you before it is done.
Request a quote for timing chain replacement
We will calculate the price for your car. Tell us:
- the car’s registration number
- any fault codes or results of previous diagnostics
- what kind of noise you hear and when
If you are not yet sure whether a replacement is needed, start with diagnostics.
Call 050 599 0357 (Mon–Fri 9–17)
or message us on WhatsApp or email asiakaspalvelu@primpex.fi