Removing and installing timing chain covers (left/right) — AUDI

🧭 Before you start

Remove both cylinder head covers and their attachments (air cleaner, Lambda probes, combination valves, secondary air pump, Hall sender connectors and coolant pipes). Slacken the cover bolts in sequence, release the covers from the sealant and clean all surfaces oil-free. Apply sealant to the joints with the lower cover and to each cover, fit both covers within 5 minutes, and reinstall head covers and ancillaries.

Fits: Audi A8 D4 (4H, 2010–2017)

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• Slacken and remove cover bolts in the sequence 9 to 1.
• Block the timing housing openings with a clean cloth while scraping off old sealant.
• Check the sealant's use-by date and cut the nozzle to approx. 1.5 mm.
• Too thick a bead can clog the lubrication system; keep it as specified.
• Fit the covers within 5 minutes of applying sealant.

Written for this job from the workshop steps below · TorqFix editorial.

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

📋 Procedure

1. Remove coolant pipe (rear left) .
2. Remove air cleaner housing (left-side) .
3. Remove Lambda probe 4G286.
4. Unscrew bolts (1 and 3) and detach combination valve (left-side) with secondary air pipe. [Note: Disregard (item 2).]
5. Detach heat shield sleeve.

6. Unplug electrical connectors (2) for Hall sender 2G163 and (1) for Hall sender 4G301. [Note: Place a cloth underneath to catch escaping engine oil.]
7. Press release tabs and disconnect oil return hose (3).
8. Remove cylinder head cover (left-side) .
9. Slacken and remove bolts in the sequence: (9 ... 1).
10. Remove secondary air pump motor V101/V189 with bracket .
11. Remove Lambda probe 2G108.
12. Unscrew bolts (2 and 3) and detach combination valve (left-side) with secondary air pipe. [Note: Disregard (item 1).]
13. Remove bolt (1) for coolant pipe (rear right).
14. Detach heat shield sleeve.
15. Unplug electrical connectors (2) for Hall sender G40 and (3) for Hall sender 3G300.
16. Remove cylinder head cover (right-side) .
17. Slacken and remove bolts in the sequence: (9 ... 1).
18. Carefully release timing chain covers from bonded joints and remove covers.
19. ⚠ Risk of irreparable damage to engine.Block off the opening in the valve timing housing with a clean cloth to prevent small items from dropping into the engine. — Remove old sealant from grooves on timing chain cover and from sealing surfaces.
20. ⚠ Risk of eye injury.Wear safety goggles. — Remove remaining sealant on timing chain cover and cylinder head using rotating plastic brush or similar.
21. Clean surfaces; they must be free of oil and grease. [Note: Note the use-by date of the sealant.]
22. Cut off nozzle of tube at front marking (nozzle ∅ approx. 1.5 mm).
23. Apply a thin bead of sealant (arrows) to the edges between the timing chain cover (bottom) and the timing chain covers (right/left).
24. ⚠ Make sure lubrication system is not clogged by excess sealant.The bead of sealant must not be thicker than specified. — Apply sealant bead (arrow) onto clean sealing surfaces of timing chain cover (left-side) as illustrated.
25. Apply sealant bead (arrow) onto clean sealing surfaces of timing chain cover (right-side) as illustrated. [Note: The timing chain covers must be installed within 5 minutes after applying the sealant.]
26. Install timing chain cover (left-side) and tighten bolts .
27. Install timing chain cover (right-side) and tighten bolts .
28. Install cylinder head covers .
29. Secure coolant pipe (rear right) Exploded view - coolant pipes.
30. Install combination valves for secondary air .
31. Install Lambda probes .
32. Install air cleaner housing .
33. Install coolant pipe (rear left) .

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