You can inspect the top of the chain by removing the front seal. Note that you should use a seal install tool to prevent the seal lip from folding over, otherwise it could leak. I do rent all the balance shaft kit tools and the TB tools, send me a PM if interested, it can go out right away. The crankshaft sprocket bolt is also a single use only bolt so you need a new one if you loosen it.
To inspect the tensioner which requires oil pan removal which requires subframe lowering.
You could replace just the tensioner, the part number is VW# 03g115124 but I wouldn't because you're doing 90% of the effort without fixing all the problems. Before the tensioners were having problems, the oil pump driveshaft was wearing out. The gear motion is smoother and should fix it. Read this FAQ for a magazine article on it: http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/b5/oil-pump-failure-passat-tdi.htm
To inspect the tensioner which requires oil pan removal which requires subframe lowering.
You could replace just the tensioner, the part number is VW# 03g115124 but I wouldn't because you're doing 90% of the effort without fixing all the problems. Before the tensioners were having problems, the oil pump driveshaft was wearing out. The gear motion is smoother and should fix it. Read this FAQ for a magazine article on it: http://www.myturbodiesel.com/1000q/b5/oil-pump-failure-passat-tdi.htm
