Anyone familiar with a CAM chain tensioner for a VW 2.8L Passat?

Anyone familiar with a cam chain tensioner for a vw 2.8L passat? I was putting new urethane bushings on the chain tensioner when the lower end, (the one you screw the compression tool into), fell out. I did not see all the internal parts, but the lower fits inside the main tensioner housing with a spring, that's what I initially found. I cleaned them off and put them back together and reinstalled it. After finishing, I cleaned up a bit and noticed a urethane rod about an inch long, perfectly round, beveled at one end and a bit bigger around than a pencil that is oil stained and has darker stains like where it sat against or inside that spring perhaps. The darker stains resemble a threaded rod, but a little further apart. I have never seen this part prior and have no idea where it belongs, but my best guess is it came from inside the spring that fits inside the lower tensioner that fits in the main tensioner body. Can anyone please verify this? I have had no help from dealers, mechanics or online stuff. Car has been apart for three weeks and is my wife's car. The car initially needed a timing belt, leaky valve cover, tensioner gaskets and a water pump replaced. I did that and all the seals, vacuum and coolant hoses, breather hoses, pvc or breather valve and fluids. This is the last piece needed besides putting the radiator and core support back on. Unfortunately, it will need to be taken apart again to fix this, but I'd more than willing to so I can avoid screwing anything up. HELP! Thanks!