Can you tighten a timing chain?

Rotate the eccentric to tighten or loosen the timing chain. The timing chain should be loose enough to prevent binding and tight enough to keep from falling off. When you think the chain is adjusted, tighten the eccentric and rotate the cranks to see if there is a tight spot.

What happens if you don’t replace timing chain tensioner?

In truth, many things go wrong with the timing chain tensioner failing. When the tensioner goes bad, the chain may appear loose within its connected parts, causing it to fail. Again, the timing chain failure causes the engine to malfunction, and in extreme cases, the car would not run.

How much does it cost to replace a timing chain tensioner?

The average cost to replace timing chain tensioner is around US$1000 to US$1600. In which the service is around US$600 to US$1000 while aftermarket auto parts are estimated between US$450 and US$600.

Can I drive with a bad timing chain tensioner?

A broken timing chain will cause an engine to not start or fail while driving. If it breaks or jumps while driving, the pistons will be damaged from contact with the valves. The valves themselves will bend and potentially ruin the engine.

What does a bad tensioner sound like?

When the tensioner or tensioner pulley fails, the loss of tension can cause the belt and pulleys to make high-pitched rattling or chirping noises. If the pulley bearing completely fails, it can also cause a squealing or even a grinding noise. Symptom 2: Knocking or slapping. This can cause a slapping or knocking noise.

How does the timing chain work on a Mini Cooper R56?

MINI R56 models with a turbocharged engine utilize a gear driven timing chain to synchronize the crankshaft and camshafts. Once our MINI engines have around 100,000 miles they may develop a problem where the timing chain guides wear or break. This creates a dangerous situation.

Can a faulty timing tensioner cause a Mini Cooper to fail?

Faulty timing tensioners can lead to issues, and ultimately complete engine failure. Simply following the scheduled maintenance on your Mini isn’t enough to prevent timing chain issues, and the on-board computer doesn’t monitor the condition of the timing chain.

When to replace the timing chain and tensioner?

Support the engine from above or below. TIP: Screw plug 11317562528 is recommended to be replaced when doing the timing chain and tensioner replacement. This photo shows the timing chain and guides, often referred to as the timing chain cassette.

What do you need to know about the Mini Cooper?

This article applies to the Mini Cooper (2007-2013). Problems with the timing chain tensioner in certain models of the 2nd generation Mini Cooper were all too well known among owners, but it took a lawsuit and several years before BMW/Mini decided to acknowledge and correct the problem.