The balance shafts in your engine exist to keep your engine moving smoothly. They do this by rotating at twice the speed of the crankshaft to essentially balance out any vibrations.
Unfortunately, due to the extremely high speeds that they operate at, the bearings within the balance shafts can wear out over time. Wear is also excellerated by runing an engine low on oil. In our experience, vehicles that have 10k mile oil change intervals (and especially in those where the oil isn't topped off regularly) have a much higher chance of the balance shaft bearings being worn down.
Since the balance shafts are tied into the timing and oil pump systems via a separate lower chain, they must move freely or other engine issues can occur. One of the most common issues associated with balance shaft failure is a loss in oil pressure. This will typically be accompanied by the oil pressure light coming on at various RPMs. Performing an oil pressure test will not show any signs of failure.
Installation/Replacement
Due to their relation to the timing chain system and their location within the engine, we do not recommend attempting to replace these yourself. Proper tools and a good mechanical understanding of the TSI engine are absolutely required to perform replacement of the balance shafts. In addition, several other parts and hardware are required to be replaced when performing this service.
Replacement of the lower timing chain and the related intermediate sprocket is also required. This is required because these parts wear at the same interval.
Fitment/Applications:
- 2009 VW Mk5 GTI, GLI 2.0T TSI
- 2009-2010 VW Mk5 Jetta 2.0T TSI
- 2009-2016 VW Eos 2.0T TSI
- 2010-2014 VW Mk6 GTI 2.0T TSI
- 2012-2013 VW Mk6 GLI 2.0T TSI (Gen1 only)
- 2012-2013 VW Beetle Turbo (Gen1 only)
- 2009-2011 VW B6 Passat 2.0T TSI
- 2009-2017 VW B6 CC 2.0T TSI
- 2009-2017 VW 5N Tiguan 2.0T TSI
- 2017-2018 VW 5N Tiguan Limited
- 2009-2016 Audi B8/B8.5 A4 2.0T
- 2008-2016 Audi B8/B8.5 A5 2.0T
- 2013-2016 Audi B8.5 A4 Allroad 2.0T
Previous Revision Part Numbers:
- 06H103273AN
- 06H103273AP
- 06H103273BG
- 06H103273BH
- 06H198205A
- 06H103273M
- 06H103273N
- 06H198205F
- 06H198205G