C5 Rs6 Cam Adjuster Options?

[super-ron]

I've had a search but most are ancient threads and looking for some current info.

Now the Genuine Cam Chain Adjusters are no longer available what are our creditable options?

I fitted 2x genuine adjusters to my S6 8+ years ago and they were £650 a side iirc, i need to do my RS6 and a customers RS6 but phoned TPS and they said they are now no longer available and were £740+vat when they still were!
My RS6 has unbranded (chineese) ones fitted before I owned it and they've lasted well for the last 6 years, but are now getting more rattly on start up. If it put the £150 a side ones in mine and they last another 5 years I'll be happy to do them again. For a customers car I want a bit more certainty.

So what's the current consensus

[Nobby]

Hi Ron! (I’ve watched quite a few of your vids on YouTube btw - keep up the good work).

The credible options are few and far between.
- genuine Audi (some might still be available from heritage sites)
- VAICO
- FAI

And then non branded Chinese ones.

I’m currently swapping one of mine for a VAICO unit which still aren’t that cheap.

[srichards]

Is it worth searching the Rock Auto site to see if they list them or any alternatives? Ditto Autodoc.

What's the original part number?

A couple of sites mention repair kits but I have no idea whether that's any use.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-jh-motorspo ... 109087n~j/

[Felix2566]

Not to derail the thread.
But most of the failures with the tensioner seem to be the pads wearing out rather than the actuator itself.
Assuming the actuator is working (from memory it can be tested with Vagcom). Would it be better to keep the OEM actuator/solenoid and just change the pads?

I think a few people have gone this route, be interested to hear from them as this is an alternative to replacing the whole unit.

I will be taking the engine out of mince shortly and will of course be doing belts and chains while it's out plus possibly pads depending on their condition. For me it's less about the cost of the parts more what is the most reliable way to go.

[TOPMAN]

Hi Ron

This is Craig Barlow, we've spoken in the comments section of some of your videos

The hardest part when you start this job is finding the feckin' part numbers as ETKA doesn't list them anymore, I think they are expecting you to buy a complete cylinder head from Audi Tradition for a million dollars instead
The part numbers are as follows:
077109088p cyl 1-4
077109087p cyl 5-8
It's the same adjuster as used in many of these belt 4.2 V8's found in Audi's and VW's.
I remember from previous posts that the Vaico branded adjusters were confirmed as good. However if I was doing this job again I would try the Stark or ESEN SKV adjusters, because they appear to be remanufactured and still have the original Audi stamps on the body (minus the 4 rings logo).
Audi Tradition doesn't have them in stock, but they do have the 077109087D and 077109088D for the D2 4.2 A8/S8 which should work, but I cannot confirm 100%. They are 708euros each plus postage (I have an account and can help if you need).
ECS tuning in Merica has genuine in stock for US$1054 and US$1638 so approx $2700 plus postage and import fee's.

Good luck buddy!

[Mɐʇʇ]

This is the correct part, as fitted to my old RS6:
https://www.autodoc.co.uk/vaico/12246760

And I think this is the other side:
https://www.autodoc.co.uk/vaico/12246761

This was the thread I did on them: viewtopic.php?f=2&t=133688&p=974425
I also replaced the shoes on the adjuster I didn't replace and all worked well. I didn't like the blauparts adjusters, I used the ones Nobby has also used. Can't remember why I didn't like the blauparts ones, now.