Is this the beginning of the end?

[audi_driver79]

Hi Peeps,

As in my previous post last week I have been waiting for a tensioner to come and the car has been sat at a garage all week with the oil drained. The part came yesterday so I thought all was well. Then came the dreaded phone call that there was another problem. Namely a crack in the chain drive sprocket. I didn't know what to do so stupidly as they said they didn't have the time or the knowledge there to fix this I okayed them to put it all back together and refill it with oil so I have now paid out out on more work which will have to be redone.

I have contacted Grizz and Doug and they have never seen this happen before and a local specialist who has a sprocket has quoted me 2-3k just to replace the chain and sprocket, timing belt etc and oil even though I only paid for this last month. Its a nightmare to be honest but I am sure this will be worthwhile provided there are no other surprises as the car hasn't had any other problems as such in the 19k miles I have driven her over the past 4 years. What do I do and should I get anything else done while he has these parts off?

Am I flogging a dead horse? I don't have loads of money to throw at it and I have a 10 month old son that I want to make sure he has what he needs so where do I draw the line? I guess if this garage inspects it then finds anything else wrong I can just call a stop but the car will be in pieces. Its driveable now but only on the chance this part won't fail so I daren't, I mean I could go and see we buy any car but its living on borrowed time. If I get the work done I will definitely keep it as it was my wedding car and has so many memories for me. What are your thoughts and any concerns? I need advice from all you Audi owners....

[C_J]

Get it done, use it and enjoy it!

[SuprSi]

Wow, even if the sprocket doesn't fail it won't be doing the chain any good.

I feel for you, hindsight is a wonderful thing when it comes to giving a garage daft instructions. How are the intercoolers/gearbox/brakes? if they're all good i'd probably suggest just getting the work done as they seem to be pretty reliable when all up together.

[audi_driver79]

Everything else is fine. I had the gearbox serviced in my ownership and they replaced the front brakes same time as the cambelt service. I guess he will let me know if there are anymore issues when he starts to inspect it in 6 weeks! Gutted.....

[Mɐʇʇ]

It's not that big a deal to pull the cams out. There are a few specific steps to put the crank in the right position & untorque the cam cap bolts in the right order - elsawin has all the steps in it.

[audi_driver79]

Your making me feel better but its all the labour taking it apart again, from what I have heard thats the problem.

[bam_bam]

How the fcuk did that sprocket manage to crack?

Do what you need to, it's just a car.

[Daveperc]

My inclination would be to get the thing on a flat-back just as it is, complete with all the bits, and get it to MRC or Unit20 - let them check it over and then sort it. No point in having the garage re-build it and then have someone else take it all apart again in a few weeks.

There's no substitute for the experience of the experts in figuring out what else may need doing, and having the skills/tools to sort it properly.

Dave

[stuartph]

Would it be worth cutting the oil filter open, to see if any metal bits have got in it

[audi_driver79]

To clarify I am not getting the same garage to look at it again. I have decided to use a local specialist who has rebuilt these engines for racing cars as well as road going versions and he has all the necessary expertise plus I can get the car to him easily enough. I have every confidence in him or my next call would have been to Unit 20 for sure. Like I said only thing is he is booked solid for 6 weeks, luckily my insurance runs out this week so I will wait til its fixed (I hope) so I am not in a great rush. Breaks my heart to see it stood there waiting.....

[mavada]

Dont break your heart, when its all fixed youll be glad you had it fixed.
Its just à luxuary problem not driving it for weeks...

[audi_driver79]

Guess your right Mavada. When the nice weather comes I hope it will be ready and probably better than ever. I want to keep my C5 RS6 as long as I can and when it's no longer possible I'll have to change up I hope. Still love the C5 the most but at least the battle bus can ferry me around in between for now. I will let you guys know what happens, fingers crossed!

[audi_driver79]

Quick update. Car hasn't been started and battery is off as it's not insured at moment. But a certain car website has offered me 7k but only for 24 hours period and they know about the fault with the car. I could take the money and run but I think this is a testament as to how desirable these cars are.

I was tempted but I would hopefully make back the cost of the repairs barring anything unforseen. Even if it ends up costing more the car is still worth more to me. Just thought you'd be interested to know anyway....

[bam_bam]

£7K?!?!? It only books at 4.5 - 5ish, donit?

[audi_driver79]

They do but if your paying that for one at the moment its bound to have a knackered gearbox etc. I don't think the book price is a true reflection really as your looking at 8k upwards I would hope? This company would also pay me instantly and come and get the car I forgot to mention that.