Cam chain tensioner pads etc - S2

[rowey200]

Hey folks, just after some advice re checking / replacing the cam chain tensioner pads etc on my S2, as this is the next job / thing to check on my list.

If I take the cam cover off am I looking for physical wear on the tensioner pad or is it the case just 'replace the pads at a certain interval'?

As an aside I note from the service history that came with my car that the cam chain tensioner itself, the pads, the oil feed pipe and the chain were changed a few years / 50k miles ago. Perhaps this means I have nothing to worry about?

Any advice gratefully received as ever []

 

[zcacogp]

The pads (top and bottom) start off snowy-white and get progressively browner and browner as they get older and are cooked in hot oil for long periods of time. As this happens they become brittle and also wear. If they are the colour of a very milky coffee they are probably OK, but you also need to check that they are both present (!), that they don't have significant grooves worn in them and that they aren't cracked or have bits chipped off them. It always used to be the case that the top pad was easy and cheap to get and hence was changed often, but the bottom pad was harder to get, more expensive and harder to change and hence was commonly neglected. However I think that changed a while back as someone started selling bottom pads cheaply so the problem should have gone away by now. Oli.

 

[Paul190H]

Check them sooner rather than later, the effects of the pad failing:

Wish I'd known when I purchased my S2. Still all done now. Paul.

 

[rowey200]

Many thanks for the information. I didn't really appreciate that there was also a lower pad. I will pop the cam cover off and check out the condition of them

ORIGINAL: zcacogp The pads (top and bottom) start off snowy-white and get progressively browner and browner as they get older and are cooked in hot oil for long periods of time. As this happens they become brittle and also wear. If they are the colour of a very milky coffee they are probably OK, but you also need to check that they are both present (!), that they don't have significant grooves worn in them and that they aren't cracked or have bits chipped off them. It always used to be the case that the top pad was easy and cheap to get and hence was changed often, but the bottom pad was harder to get, more expensive and harder to change and hence was commonly neglected. However I think that changed a while back as someone started selling bottom pads cheaply so the problem should have gone away by now. Oli.

 

[rowey200]

Right folks,

Got a bit delayed sorting this as I broke my arm and have been in a cast. The cast came off today so I'm keen to get cracking - regarding the pads (top and bottom), where is the best place to purchase them? Porsche Bristol want just over £80, is this the going rate or can I do better?

Any recommendations most welcome!

 

[pauljmcnulty]

Sounds about right. The tensioner service kit (944 105 949 00) and four crush washers (900 123 050 30) work out around £80 before Club discount. (From Steve Rose, who's done a very detailed "how to" guide that'll be in a future Porsche Post feature.)