The local dealer said they would fix it under warranty. The catch to this was a $500 tear down of the motor and a warranty inspection, and on top of that the $500 warranty work deductible.

Those guys are friggin evil.

 

Ouch....

But if the engine is nfg it might be worth it.

 

Based on everything in this thread that I've read I have the exact symptoms for phasers and a bit of chain slap on cold starts. Got all the parts for $400 to get it done myself. I'll feel better about fixing the issue myself and saving money in the process.

 

First hick up with the job right at the start. Nowhere in town has the right sized fan clutch removal tools to fit around the nut.

 

Use a big adjustable or oversized vice grips. It come off pretty easily

 

When it comes to buying all these parts, what is the best deal currently? I found a kit on ebay : http://m.ebay.com/itm/261259751377?nav=SEARCH

Is that everything needed? Would it be cheaper to piece it together separately? Ive read 90 percent of this thread and im more than grateful for all the helpful info!!

Oh, and is anyone replacing vct solenoids at the same time or is that not really the problem? I was thinking to do that too but wouldnt mind saving 200$.

 

I pieced my parts seperately between rock auto, tasca, and amazon. For me it was cheaper. However, I always shop around for the best overall deals.
I would recommend the latest revision solenoids. They are supposed to hold oil pressure to the top-end better. FYI, my solenoids were originals at 115K miles and the oil screens fell apart while attempting to clean them - could have caused a ton of sh*t if they came apart in the engine.

 

Thanks for the response!

Where did you get your replacement solenoids?

 

Apart from the sloenoids, does the ebay kit have everything needed?

 

I got them from Tasca. They were $38.05 a piece for the latest revision.