Timing chain replacement: VW VR6 1 Golf4, Bora, Beetle, AAA (AQN, AXJ, AYT, AZX, …)

🧭 Before you start

Fits: platform codes 2.3, VR5, |, 3.2, RSI, VR6, R32

• Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job
• Special tools named: locking tool

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

📐 47 workshop diagrams for AQN

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

📋 Procedure

Preparation and removal

1. General:
2. Disconnect the battery
3. Place the front in the service position
4. Check that the camshafts are locked
5. Remove the air-conditioning compressor

6. Remove the engine lower cover
7. Remove the ignition coils
8. Disconnect the throttle body connection(s)
9. Separate the gearbox from the engine
10. Remove the timing chain cover
11. Clean off the old sealant
12. Vehicles with automatic transmission
13. Loosen the drive plate bolts diagonally
14. Disconnect as shown:
15. Remove the chain tensioner
16. Remove the upper timing cover
17. Remove the lower timing cover
18. Remove the tensioner
19. Remove the chain guide(s)
20. Remove the gearwheel
21. Remove the camshaft chain
22. Remove the crankshaft chain

Installation and checks

23. Refit the gearwheel
24. Stage 2:
25. Refit the chain guide(s)
26. Note: Use new bolts
27. Refit the upper cover
28. Tighten the bolts slightly
29. Remove the locking tool
30. Turn the engine 2 rotations clockwise
31. Fit the timing chain lower cover
32. Refit the upper cover
33. Refit the tensioner
34. Align the crankshaft timing marks
35. Lock the camshafts
36. Refit the valve cover
37. Refit the inlet manifold
38. Further refitting is in the reverse order of removal

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