OK , I have a 95 that has the infamous chain rattle after cold soak. I have "rebuilt" the tensioner twice now in the last 2~3 months and each time the noise comes back after a few days. It only rattles for a few minuets after I start it (like the first few times that I accelerate from a stop) then it goes away.
I would just like to hear other peoples experience with this...
I admit that the combination of getting older and laziness is what is stopping me from pulling the cover and doing the upgarde .
In my search's it seems that people just live with the noise with no ill effects, unless you're like me and you cringe every time you hear it.
so my questions are:

Does the upgrade fix the problem?

has anyone had chain failure due to this...or even heard of it?
any experience would be greatly appreciated .
Thanks

 

I have a 96 gle that does that noise at a low rpm...I think it is the timing chain

 

No, chain failure is an extremely uncommon event. In the time I've been here, I don't believe I've heard of a single VQ timing chain failure (that includes working in the performance scene).

If you want to get rid of the noise, install the upgraded tensioner and guide.

 

Yupp, I have the rattle on my 95 too. I have the "updated" tensioner and guide rail sitting in a box, but I've decided to let it be. I have gotten used to it over time, and since I will be selling it soon, there is no point in busting my ace to fix it. If you can live with it like me, go for it! I sometimes feel like the rattle is embarrassing, but haha, o well.

 

I have the same thing going. It sounds TERRIBLE for maybe 3-5 seconds until oil gets to it. What do u want for the parts you have tcaughey?

 

Thanks everyone for the responses.
It puts my mind at ease a little. I gotta say from my experience with cars and knowing that that sound usually indicates the chain is cutting into the timing cover, its a bit un-nerving to me. I will fix it , but right now i just dont have the time to do it.
So thanks ,especially you pmohr, I know you have quite a lot of knowledge with these A32s ...so thanks again.