Removing timing chain from camshafts: Audi Q7 (BHK, BHL, BSM, CJGA, …)

🧭 Before you start

After the top covers come off, the engine is set at TDC, camshafts pinned and the crankshaft locked through the sump plug. The opening is covered, the sprocket bolts removed and the sprockets and chain taken off. Refitting starts with the left sprocket and chain, bolts loose and camshaft pinned, then the right side. A clockwise torque is held on the right sprocket while both sprockets' bolts are tightened, the pins and adapter are removed and the remaining bolts tightened. The engine is turned two revolutions to TDC, locked again and the timing checked, with readjustment per bank if needed, before the sump plug and covers go back.

Fits: Audi Q7 (4L, 2005–2015)

• Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job
• Special tools named: T40060, locking pin, torque wrench

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• Turn the crankshaft only in the direction of engine rotation; a slipped chain causes irreparable damage.
• The adjustment pin's side pin must end up in line with the camshaft centre to get true TDC.
• Crankshaft locking pin goes in at 20 Nm; camshaft clamps are tightened to 25 Nm.
• The camshafts must not be turned with any cylinder at TDC.
• Renew the sprocket bolts that are tightened to an angle.
• If the crank goes past TDC, turn two further rotations and come up to it again.

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

🔧 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. Remove timing chain covers (top) .
2. Assemble tools as shown in illustration.
3. ⚠ Irreparable damage can be caused if the camshaft timing chains slip.Turn crankshaft only in direction of engine rotation (arrow). — Turn crankshaft until vibration damper is at "“TDC”" position. [Note: The adjustment pin T40060 has a flat (2) which makes it easier to insert when the locating bores in the camshaft and cylinder head are not exactly in line.The adjustment pin is inserted initially so that the side pin (1) is perpendicular to the imaginary line between the adjustment pin and the centre of the camshaft.To obtain the correct "“TDC”" position, the side pin (1) must then be turned 90° (arrow) so it is in line with the imaginary line between the adjustment pin and the centre of the camshaft.]
4. Check that camshafts on both cylinder heads are positioned at "“TDC”". [Note: Place a cloth beneath the sump (top section) to catch escaping oil.]
5. Unscrew plug (arrow) from sump (top section).

6. Screw locking pin3242 into hole (20 Nm); if necessary, turn crankshaft backwards and forwards slightly to fully centralise locking pin. — 20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
7. Secure bracket T40246 as shown in illustration.
8. ⚠ 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 adjustment pin T40060 from both camshafts.
9. Remove bolts (arrows).
10. Remove bolts (arrows).
11. Remove camshaft sprockets and camshaft timing chain. [Note: Renew the bolts tightened with specified tightening angle.]
12. Check that camshafts on both cylinder heads are positioned at "“TDC”".
13. Remove adjustment pin T40060 from both camshafts. [Note: If the pins cannot be inserted in the camshafts, the camshafts can be turned slightly using adapter T40061. To do so, screw securing bolts for camshaft sprocket into camshaft.]
14. ⚠ Risk of damage to valves and piston crowns.The crankshaft must not be at "“TDC”" at any cylinder when the camshafts are to be turned. — Fit camshaft sprocket (left-side) with camshaft timing chain.
15. First screw in two bolts (1) loosely for camshaft chain sprocket.
16. Use adjustment pin T40060 to lock camshaft (left-side).
17. Fit camshaft sprocket (right-side) with camshaft timing chain.
18. First screw in two bolts (1) loosely for camshaft chain sprocket.
19. Use adjustment pin T40060 to lock camshaft (right-side).
20. Remove bracket T40246.
21. With the help of a second mechanic, apply a torque of 20 Nm to camshaft chain sprocket (right-side) in clockwise direction (arrow) using a torque wrench and adapter T40062 and maintain this torque. — 20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
22. Tighten bolts (1) and (2) for camshaft chain sprocket (right-side).
23. Tighten bolts (1) for camshaft chain sprocket (left-side); while doing so, second mechanic must keep maintaining torque.
24. Remove adapter T40062 and adjustment pins T40060.
25. Tighten remaining bolts for camshaft chain sprockets (both sides).
26. Remove locking pin3242.
27. Assemble tools as shown in illustration.
28. ⚠ Irreparable damage can be caused if the camshaft timing chains slip.Turn crankshaft only in direction of engine rotation (arrow). — Turn crankshaft two rotations until it is again positioned just before "“TDC”".
29. While turning in this direction, lock crankshaft (1) with locking pin3242. Tighten locking pin to 20 Nm. — 20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
30. ⚠ 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 pin3242. — Check that camshafts on both cylinder heads are positioned at "“TDC”".
31. If the pin cannot be inserted in one of the camshafts, loosen all bolts (arrows) of relevant camshaft chain sprocket approx. 1 turn.
32. Apply adapter T40061 to the heads of the loosened bolts.
33. Turn camshaft slightly backwards and forwards with adapter T40061 until adjustment pin T40060 can be inserted.
34. With adapter T40061 and adjustment pin T40060 still in position, tighten bolts on camshaft sprocket to approx. 5 Nm. — 5 Nm (3.7 lb-ft)
35. Remove adjustment pin T40060 and adapter T40061.
36. Tighten bolts for camshaft chain sprocket to final torque.
37. Repeat procedure on other cylinder bank if necessary.
38. Remove locking pin3242.
39. Check valve timing once again .
40. Tighten plug for "“TDC”" drilling in sump (top section) .
41. Install timing chain covers (top) .

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