Removing and installing camshaft timing chain: VW Golf VII Variant / Golf VII (BKS, BUN, BWS, BZB, …)

🧭 Before you start

Support the engine, remove mounting, support, covers and ancillaries, set TDC and remove timing valves and bearing saddle. Lock the tensioner, clamp both camshafts and remove rails, tensioners, triple sprocket and all chains. Confirm the crankshaft flat is horizontal, mark block and triple sprocket, align the balance shaft markings and fit the balance shaft, oil pump and camshaft chains with coloured links on their marks, then refit rails and tensioners (50 to 60 Nm on the variants listed). Refit the bearing saddle and timing valves, turn the engine two revolutions, close up and adapt the control unit's learnt values.

Fits: VW Golf VII Variant (BA), VW Golf VII (5G, 2012–2020); platform codes AU1, BX5

• Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job
• Special tools named: T10352/2, T40271/2

Don't miss

• Timing valves have left-hand threads.
• The crankshaft is at TDC only when the flat section on the crankshaft is horizontal.
• Position coloured chain links at the sprocket markings on all three chains before tensioning.
• After two engine revolutions the coloured links no longer align; that is normal due to the ratio.
• Do not cant the bearing saddle; oil the bolt holes and run the bolts in by hand first.
• Adapt learnt values in the engine control unit after working on the chain drive.

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.

📐 9 workshop diagrams for BKS

Real factory drawings for this job — timing marks, bolt locations and routing. Locked in the free view.

📋 Procedure

1. Support engine in its installation position .
2. Removing engine mounting .
3. Remove engine support .
4. Remove upper timing chain cover .
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7. Turn vibration damper to TDC position using counterhold tool T10355.
8. Turn vibration damper to TDC position using counterhold tool T10355.
9. Remove lower timing chain cover .
10. Turn assembly tool T10352/2 in direction of (arrow) to remove timing valves on left and right. [Note: The timing valves have left-hand threads.]
11. Unscrew bolts (arrows) and remove bearing saddle.
12. Remove bolts (arrows).
13. Screw in valve lever T40243(arrows).
14. Press together circlip (1) of chain tensioner and hold it in that position.
15. Slowly push valve lever T40243 in (direction of arrow) and hold it in that position.
16. Secure chain tensioner with locking pin T40267.
17. Remove valve lever T40243.
18. Bolt camshaft clamp T40271/2 to cylinder head and insert it between splines of chain sprocket in direction of (arrow 2). If necessary, turn inlet camshaft in direction of (arrow 1) using assembly tool and adapter T40266.
19. Bolt camshaft clamp T40271/1 to cylinder head.
20. Using assembly tool T40266, locate exhaust camshaft in direction of arrow (A). Remove bolt (1) and guide tensioning rail (2) downwards. Turn exhaust camshaft clockwise (A) until camshaft clamp T40271/1 can be inserted in teeth of chain sprocket (C).
21. Remove guide rail (1). To do this, use a screwdriver to release catch (arrow), and press off guide rail forwards.
22. Unscrew bolts (arrows), and remove chain tensioner (1).
23. Press tensioning bar of oil pump chain tensioner in direction of (arrow) and lock it with locking pin T40011.
24. Remove bolt (1).
25. Remove chain tensioner (2).
26. Unscrew bolts (1).
27. Remove guide rail (2).
28. Remove camshaft timing chain from camshaft sprockets and fit it onto camshaft journals (arrows).
29. Remove chain tensioner (1) for balance shaft timing chain.
30. Unscrew bolts (1).
31. Remove tensioning rail (2) and guide rails (3 and 4).
32. Loosen tensioning bolt (A).
33. Unscrew clamping pin (B).
34. Remove triple chain sprocket. To do this, remove timing chain for oil pump drive.
35. Remove camshaft timing chain and drive chain for balance shaft.
36. Check if crankshaft is positioned at TDC. The flat section on crankshaft (arrow) must be horizontal.
37. Using a permanent felt tip marker, make a marking on cylinder block (1), as shown in illustration.
38. Mark tooth (1) of triple chain sprocket which is aligned with marking (2) using a permanent felt tip marker.
39. Turn idler gear and balancer shaft so that markings (arrow) are aligned as shown in illustration. Do not loosen bolt (1). The markings on idler gear and balance shaft are difficult to see.
40. Fit drive chain for balance shafts. Position chain links with coloured markings (arrows) at markings on chain sprockets.
41. Install guide rail (1), and tighten bolts (arrows).
42. Fit camshaft timing chain onto camshaft journals with coloured markings (arrows) properly aligned.
43. Fit timing chain for oil pump drive onto triple chain sprocket.
44. Swing triple sprocket towards engine ((direction of arrow)), and fit it onto crankshaft. The markings (arrows) must align.
45. Position link of drive chain for balance shafts with coloured marking (arrow) at marking of triple sprocket. Install tensioning rail (1) and guide rail (2). Tighten bolts (3).
46. Install chain tensioner (1).
47. Make sure that adjustment has been carried out correctly: chain links with coloured markings (arrows) must be positioned at markings on chain sprockets.
48. Fit camshaft timing chain on inlet camshaft, exhaust camshaft and crankshaft. Position chain links with coloured markings (arrows) at the markings on chain sprockets.
49. Install guide rail (2), and tighten bolts (1).
50. Install upper guide rail (1).
51. Install chain tensioner (1), and tighten bolts (arrows).
52. Install chain tensioner (2). The retaining clip (arrow) must be seated in recess in upper part of sump. Tighten bolt (1) and remove locking pin T40011.
53. Using assembly tool T40266, turn inlet camshaft in (direction of arrow 1) until camshaft clamp T40271/2 can be removed from between teeth of chain sprocket (2). Relieve tension from camshaft.
54. Remove camshaft clamp T40271/1 and T40271/2.
55. Make sure that adjustment has been carried out correctly: chain links with coloured markings (arrows) must be positioned at markings on chain sprockets.
56. Screw in and tighten bolts (arrows).
57. Moisten holes (arrows) with engine oil. [Note: Clamping sleeve (1) is not fitted on all bearing saddles.]
58. Fit bearing saddle. Do not cant bearing saddle, while doing so. Screw in bolts (1...6) by hand.
59. If a clamping sleeve is installed, it is pulled into the cylinder head together with bolt (1).
60. Remove locking tool T40267.

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