How do chain tensioners work

Can be two different things. Chain tensioners for bikes with horizontal dropouts are small gadgets that hook over the rear axle and pulls it towards the rear to help keep the chain tensioned. Chain tensioners for bikes with vertical dropouts are like a small spur wheel usually in the position where a rear derailer would have been. These push the chain downwards to keep an even tension on it.

You should always replace the timing chain, tensioners and sprockets whenever you rebuild the engine. Timing Chains 2 with respective guides, tensioners and sprockets. The service manual recommends to have it checked every 10, miles. The 2. It is not necessary to change timing gears when changing a timing chain unless they have become worn. You won't know if this is the case until you get the cover off and inspect them. It is necessary to change any chain tensioners when you change your timing chain.

Then line up all the timing marks and remove the tensioners and guides then remove the cam gears and the chain. Depends on engine, and manufacturer. Some have hydraulic tensioners, some have mechanical tensioners. Timing Belt. Mine just went out. You might have to replace the tensioners too.

There are two "secondary timing chain tensioners". Ford part 's 1ea. There are also two "primary timing chain tensioners". Ford part 's ea.

If any more information is needed concerning timing chains and all related parts I have a complete list with all Ford part numbers and approx. Possible cam chain tensioner has broke. It is the gear that drives the camshaft. It is affixed to the end of the camshaft. It is driven by a belt or chain that goes around another gear at the crankshaft and has one or more tensioners to keep it tight.

All timing chain mechanisms have timing chain tensioners. Check to see that the tensioner mechanism is functioning correctly. Some are tensioned using spring tensioners, some use oil pressure, and some use a combination of both. If the tensioner is worn or the plastic shoes break, and yes they can break, or if the chain or cam gears are worn it is possible for the chain to jump, especially at high revs. A "timing set" includes all the parts needed new timing chain, tensioners, sprockets, etc.

I have a Nissan Quest 3. The GM 2. As far as I know, it had no belt. However, the tensioners are notorious for failure When this happens, the valves contact the pistons, bending them. If the engine is starting to sound like a diesel, you should consider having the chain and tensioner replaced.

Depends a lot on the model and age. Some of the three cylinder engines in the onwards cars have had issues, these were brand new in and the designs have been modified since to fix some of the problems that have appeared. One big problem with the 1.

In theory the chain is supposed to save on maintenance and never need replacing like an ordinary rubber cam belt, but in practice a problem with the tensioners meant that many of them slipped at around , miles, meaning the engines had to be stripped and rebuilt with new chains and modified tensioners. Be wary of any older pre 1. Call your Ford dealers service manager and provide the VIN on the dashboard and see if you qualify.

The standard CBRF ie models cam chain is tensioned by a plunger inside a housing bolted to the centre rear of the cylinder block. This plunger pushes on the cam chain rear guide. There is no external or manual adjustment, instead, the plunger is under spring pressure and engine oil pressure. Some people consider that the original tensioners are unreliable, and aftermarket manual tensioners are available. APE makes one, and their website shows how to adjust it.

Log in. BMX Bicycles. See Answer. Again, if the tensioner is truly going bad, it would seem necessary to check the extent of the damage. So, you might be wondering how to go about checking the timing chain tensioner. Well, before your car goes through a complete timing chain tensioner failure, here is an easy way you can inspect your tensioner. Before you get started with anything, it would help if you park the vehicle safely and turn the engine off.

Then, open the hood and look through at the passenger side, where you would find a chain cover. Such action would help you fix the parts right when you finish the inspection. Once you can find the chain, you would find the tensioner at its side, completely attached. Then, work on loosening the chain from the tensioner by moving it in the required direction.

Once you do that, the chain appears loose enough, and you can easily get it removed. Before completely removing the tensioner from its position, you want to be completely sure that it is the cause of the problem. If you can still hear strange sounds, then the fault is from the tensioner and you may want to check it further. You can further check the tensioner on your work table, inspecting the extent of the damage.

Further diagnosis should include testing the extent of the tension it provides using a torque wrench. If the damage requires a new timing chain tensioner replacement, you can always check the local auto store near you. Note: After noticing some 2. Kindly lower the engine and navigate to the tensioner. Get the plugs out using suitable tools, and you can also check for the model number if the need arises. It seems crucial to replace the chain to save you the stress of doing so later.

Kindly note that this price covers the cost of the parts and the labor charges. The price for this task can also vary based on your location, the extent of the damage, and the service station. Again, you may ask for the specific cost of replacing the chains of specific car makes. Nevertheless, since you would be changing both parts, you may get a discount from your local mechanic.

If you think you can fix the parts yourself, you can purchase them from the local auto store and get started. Kindly note that the job may be time-consuming, as it takes hours if handled by an expert mechanic.

Thus, the cost of replacing the tensioner seems pretty costly. Nevertheless, it is worth it, and your car would have improved performance. It is unsafe for folks to drive cars with bad timing chain tensioners, as there is not enough pressure to keep the chain in place.

Thus, the chain may get off soon and cause a sudden car stop, which seems dangerous for the driver and other road users. With such a problem, if one drives at high speed, the engine may get locked up and might end up causing a brake failure.

There may be complete damage with the reduced engine performance soon that leaves you stranded on the road. It is recommendable for one to replace the tensioner along with the chain. Nevertheless, certain cases where the timing chain tensioner is worn out prematurely due to some factors.

You would notice some signs that tell that the chain tensioner is failing, and you can conduct a further inspection to see if there is a need for a replacement.

These symptoms often include a knocking sound, check engine light turning on, and an engine misfiring. There is this tendency of the engine running poorly when the chain becomes off by a tooth. So, it would be best to rectify this issue and make the chain run at its optimum alongside the connected parts.

Resetting the tensioner involves the tightening or loosening of the spring inside the plunger. First, you need to get the tensioner out and remove the pin to activate it get the plunger out. Using a flathead screwdriver, you should work on tightening the screw at the top. Then, push back and fix the pin back in, ensuring that the plunger gets right out when you pull the pin.

One can adjust the timing chain and make it appear tighter or even loose. There is no exact specification when it comes to the tension for the timing chain. In essence, the decision depends on the needs of individual drivers. Nevertheless, tightening the chain can make it move smoothly with the pressure of the tensioner. However, the process may seem pretty challenging for some folks, but you can seek the help of a mechanic.

For the chain to move in a proper way, there is a need for the tensioner to work optimally. Thus, a failing tensioner would mean that the chain, crankshaft, and camshaft may stop running, causing a halt in the vale and piston movement.

A few symptoms of a bad timing chain tensioner that helps you pick on the problem quickly before further damages occur. You can look through the common signs explained in this piece and plan on replacing your damaged tensioner to make the vehicle run smoothly.

Hi There, I am R. Hasan Tito, a mechanic, and owner of this website. My friend and I created this website to share our knowledge, expertise, and experience with our fellow mechanics' community and car users.

I have been working as a mechanic for over fifteen years. The automotive industry is making a great shift towards electronic vehicles. This is something that seemed impossible in the past of it has come to pass. We have seen several electric vans, but Do you own a Chevy ride and find your car key stuck in the ignition, Chevy Colorado, or car model and make your own? I guess that's why you're reading this piece of article. It can be very Skip to content The smooth running of the engine depends on a properly functioning timing chain tensioner.

What is a Timing Chain Tensioner? With that in mind, some symptoms of a bad timing chain tensioner include: Check Engine Light The check engine light illuminates only when there is something wrong with the engine. Noisy Engine There is often a timing chain tensioner noise from within the engine due to a failing tensioner. Engine Failure When the camshaft and crankshaft movement starts getting disturbed and the valves no longer open and close, the engine starts failing.

How to Check Timing Chain Tensioner?