Removing camshaft timing chain from camshaft timing chain sprockets — AUDI

🧭 Before you start

Fits: Audi Q7 (4M, 2015–)

• Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job
• Special tools named: T40314, T40310, T40309/1, T10172/7, T10060A, locking pin, torque wrench

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• Risk of damage to valves and piston crowns.The crankshaft and camshafts must only be turned with the chain drive mechanism fully installed. — Remove timing chain cover (top right) .
• For greater clarity, this illustration and the one below it show the installation position with the steering rack removed.
• The chain tensioner is oil-damped and can therefore only be pressed back slowly by applying constant pressure.
• Do not loosen bolt (arrow) for intermediate drive (1) for cylinder bank 1 (right-side). If bolt for intermediate drive has been loosened, backlash must be re-adjusted .
• Apply counterhold tool T10172 A with adapter T10172/7 to head of bolts for camshaft chain sprocket for cylinder bank 2 (left-side) and remove bolts (re-apply counterhold tool several times as necessary).

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

🔩 Torque settings

Values can differ between engine variants — check the code stamped on your block.

ℹ️ Always cross-check the exact figure against your vehicle's factory manual before final tightening — a wrong torque can damage the engine. These values are extracted from workshop data and may not cover every variant or revision.

📋 Procedure

1. ⚠ Risk of damage to valves and piston crowns.The crankshaft and camshafts must only be turned with the chain drive mechanism fully installed. — Remove timing chain cover (top right) .
2. ⚠ Irreparable damage can be caused if the camshaft timing chains slip.Turn crankshaft only in direction of engine rotation (arrow). — Use wrench, 21 mm T40263 and adapter T40314 to turn crankshaft until vibration damper is at "“TDC”" position.
3. Lock exhaust camshaft of cylinder bank 1 (right-side) at "“TDC”" by inserting locking pin T10060A in hole (arrow).
4. Lock inlet camshaft of cylinder bank 2 (left-side) at "“TDC”" by inserting locking pin T10060A in hole (arrow).
5. Unscrew plug (arrow) from sump (top section). [Note: For greater clarity, this illustration and the one below it show the installation position with the steering rack removed.]

6. Screw locking pin T40237 into hole (20 Nm); if necessary, turn crankshaft (1) backwards and forwards slightly to fully centralise locking pin. — 20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
7. Remove bolts (arrows) for camshaft chain sprocket for cylinder bank 1 (right-side).
8. Slacken bolts (arrows) by a half turn.
9. With the help of a second mechanic, apply torque evenly to camshaft chain sprocket for cylinder bank 1 (right-side) by turning adapter T40310 anti-clockwise (arrow) and maintain this torque. [Note: The chain tensioner is oil-damped and can therefore only be pressed back slowly by applying constant pressure.]
10. Fit retainer T40309/1 into tensioning rail (1) and tighten bolts (2, 3), as shown in illustration.
11. Release tension on camshaft chain sprocket for cylinder bank 1 (right-side) and remove adapter T40310.
12. Unscrew bolts (arrows) completely and detach camshaft chain sprocket for cylinder bank 1 (right-side). [Note: Do not loosen bolt (arrow) for intermediate drive (1) for cylinder bank 1 (right-side). If bolt for intermediate drive has been loosened, backlash must be re-adjusted .]
13. Remove timing chain cover (top left) .
14. Lock inlet camshaft of cylinder bank 2 (left-side) at "“TDC”" by inserting locking pin T10060A in hole (arrow).
15. Apply counterhold tool T10172 A with adapter T10172/7 to head of bolts for camshaft chain sprocket for cylinder bank 2 (left-side) and remove bolts (re-apply counterhold tool several times as necessary).
16. Detach camshaft chain sprocket for cylinder bank 2 (left-side) and secure camshaft timing chain with a piece of wire to prevent it from falling into chain case. [Note: Do not loosen bolt (arrow) for intermediate drive (1) for cylinder bank 2 (left-side). If bolt for intermediate drive has been loosened, backlash must be re-adjusted .] [Note: Locking pins T10060A must not be tensioned; it should be possible to move them easily. If necessary, turn intermediate drive slightly to align camshafts (fit two bolts and turn using counterhold tool T10172 A and adapter T10172/7).]
17. Position camshaft chain sprocket for cylinder bank 2 (left-side) with timing chain on intermediate drive.
18. Loosely screw in bolts (arrows).
19. Position camshaft chain sprocket for cylinder bank 1 (right-side) with timing chain on intermediate drive.
20. Screw in bolts (arrows) loosely for camshaft chain sprocket for cylinder bank 1 (right-side).
21. Check that camshaft timing chain is positioned correctly on guide rail and tensioning rail.
22. With the help of a second mechanic, apply torque evenly to camshaft chain sprocket for cylinder bank 1 (right-side) by turning adapter T40310 anti-clockwise (arrow) and maintain this torque.
23. Remove retainer T40309/1.
24. Release camshaft chain sprocket.
25. Remove bolts (2, 3).
26. Apply an initial torque of 10 Nm to camshaft chain sprocket for cylinder bank 1 (right-side) in clockwise direction (arrow) using a torque wrench and adapter T40310. — 10 Nm (7.4 lb-ft)
27. Detach torque wrench and adapter T40310 from camshaft chain sprocket.
28. Pre-tighten bolts (1, 2) for camshaft chain sprocket for cylinder bank 1 (right-side) to 10 Nm. — 10 Nm (7.4 lb-ft)
29. Screw in bolts (arrows) for camshaft chain sprocket for cylinder bank 1 (right-side) and pre-tighten to 10 Nm. — 10 Nm (7.4 lb-ft)
30. Pre-tighten bolts (arrows) for camshaft chain sprocket for cylinder bank 2 (left-side) to 10 Nm. — 10 Nm (7.4 lb-ft)
31. Tighten bolts for camshaft chain sprocket for cylinder bank 1 (right-side) to final torque.
32. Tighten bolts for camshaft chain sprocket for cylinder bank 2 (left-side) to final torque.
33. Remove locking pin T40237 and locking pin T10060A.
34. ⚠ Irreparable damage can be caused if the camshaft timing chains slip.Turn crankshaft only in direction of engine rotation (arrow). — Use wrench, 21 mm T40263 and adapter T40314 to turn crankshaft 2 rotations until vibration damper is at "“TDC”" position.
35. While turning in this direction, lock crankshaft (1) with locking pin T40237. Tighten locking pin to 20 Nm. — 20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
36. ⚠ The crankshaft must be exactly in "“TDC”" position to ensure accurate valve timing adjustment.If crankshaft has been turned past "“TDC”" position, turn crankshaft two further rotations until it is again positioned just before "“TDC”". Then turn further in the same direction and lock crankshaft with locking pin T40237. — Check that camshafts on both cylinder heads are positioned at "“TDC”".
37. Lock exhaust camshaft of cylinder bank 1 (right-side) at "“TDC”" by inserting locking pin T10060A in hole (arrow).
38. Lock inlet camshaft of cylinder bank 2 (left-side) at "“TDC”" by inserting locking pin T10060A in hole (arrow). [Note: The adjustment is OK even if the locking pins T10060A are difficult to insert.If it is not possible to insert the locking pins T10060A, repeat the adjustment procedure .]
39. Remove locking pin T40237 and locking pin T10060A.
40. Install timing chain covers (top) , .

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