Balance Shaft Module replacement

[Diesel lifer]

Is there any way to determine that the BSM has been replaced? I have about 170,000 miles on the 2005 Passat which the dealer claimed had had the BSM replaced when I bought it, uh, 12 years ago... I have the parts invoice to show for it, and talked to the mechanic who did the work. In the event that the BSM has been replaced, where do I search for sources of vibration at idle, that I can sense through the steering wheel? It's had a Stage 2 Malone tune, but little else for upgrades. Ah - Raxles, but I don't have vibes at speed from them. (Good outfit by the way.)
The VAG-com scan said that 1 glow plug circuit was bad, but I live in Florida, and it starts with no problem.

Thanks.

 

[zzdiesel]

Check motor mounts for leakage. Red stains. Also , if it happens only when in gear it is likely inner cv joints.

 

[Diesel lifer]

No leaks, and it has a shake in neutral. Mounts are pretty new. 1 of 2 CV joints pretty new, also, but that means not much.

 

[oilhammer]

You need to fix the glow plug... even in Florida, they are used. It's called afterglow.

Many new non-OEM mounts sold for these cars are for the gas engines, not the diesels. Make sure you got the correct ones. Next would be the trans mounts and roll bump stop mount up front.

You can also check the cylinder balance for something off, too.

 

[PickleRick]

You're in Florida....I'd be willing to bet your front snub mount bushing is non existent. That foam and the southern heat/humidity don't make for a long life. Also willing to bet your trans mounts are shot.

 

[Diesel lifer]

I'll look. The engine mounts were replaced in 2018, about 47,000 miles ago. The tranny mounts were more recent, about 40k ago.
What technique do you recommend to check the mounts? It's an automatic.

To my first question above, short of partial engine dismantling or hiring a very small mechanic, how do you determine if the Balance Shaft Module has been replaced?

 

[PickleRick]

Got a bore scope? Drain oil and look through the hole.

 

[zzdiesel]

Does the dealer claim that it was deleyed or replaced with a gear drive BS?

 

[Diesel lifer]

Well, the front of the engine is jumping like a cheerleader at homecoming, so that means the snubber is shot, as PickleRick forecast.
More troubleshooting to follow.

zzdiesel: It was replaced with the geared unit.

 

[zzdiesel]

Geared is good. But, unless you know differant, I would question if the engine mounts were the proper hydraulic ones.