MINI Cooper Timing Chain Tensioner Replacement 1st gen

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Get the tensioner I used here: amzn.to/2sR1c0g
How to replace a MINI Cooper timing chain tensioner on a first gen Mini. The timing chain tensioner seemed like it was bleeding off pressure or sticking intermittently and causing the engine to rattle. I would start the engine warm after shutting it off and it would rattle, and the engine would rattle sometimes when it was cold, but I could shut it off, then start it again, and the sound would go away. It looks like the MINI factory timing chain tensioner, so of course it's the most logical thing to replace. I've driven the Mini about 200 miles at this point and the noise seems to have gone away. Usually I would have the noise multiple times a day.
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[@aDIYCarGuy]

Update: this did not fix my rattle. I did not hear the rattle again before posting the video. It seems to be less frequent though. Of course, I am not advertising this video as how to fix or diagnose the rattle, just as how to replace the tensioner for those who need to replace it. The rattle could be something else with the timing chain or lifters or something else.

[@motomonster525]

the tensioner is fully extended. The timing chain is stretched and/or guides are worn.

[@othomile]

that's because the tensioner was extended, it would have been stuck in. Yours was perfectly fine

[@richardnorman1158]

Did you manage to cure the problem mine does the same

[@bootao009]

@@richardnorman1158 did u managed to fix it??? I have the same problem... trying this today

[@richardnorman1158]

M9 BEAST it was the chain guide in the end easy to do mate

[@jasonhoward9322]

Saved me a lot of money this video, was ready to sell my car as spares or repairs! Thought a con rod was gone Thanks very much

[@tombanes]

Good mention about the automatic not having the oil cooler in the way. . I have a 06 S automatic and could not understand what everyone was talking about.

[@garza7676]

You can do it from the top , I just remove the oil cap and filter and used a 1/2 socket drive to break it loose . I highly recommended that you replace this tensioner .Great Video .

[@TreeBeardNero]

Can you take the filter out without having to refill the oil? Granted you'll lose a bit, but just wanting to know if it's fine to take out and put straight back in

[@DuckSherminator]

Works great with a 3/8 wobble extension, I did it from the top. Thanks for the video, was really helpful.

[@superheavydeathmetal]

When you say you did it from the top, do you mean you did it from the hood and did not have to remove the wheel and wheel well liner?

[@DuckSherminator]

@@superheavydeathmetal that's it, you can also do it like that. But I think your method just makes it easier... Didn't have a jack where I was, only reason I did it like that.

[@keeponbreakingme]

Thanks for giving the socket size!! Nobody else did! You're awesome!

[@alrodney777]

Very good explanation bro , your video is better than others 😅. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@demonrobertketchie5409]

I just did my hydraulic tensioner from the top, without removing anything. I have an 06 cooper s. Try a 3/8 drive short socket, 3/8 drive small breaker bar with a pipe slid over breaker bar handle once socket and mini breaker bar is in place. Break free, loosen with hand after. It took about 7 minutes to change part, rattle gone.

[@Kenneth_McGrew]

do you have to drop the oil to do it?

[@thesolitaryadventurer]

@@Kenneth_McGrew no

[@laszlokatona573]

Simple and clear video , great work..

[@fezh4543]

Hey nice video I did replace mine on my R53 But I still hear the rattle on cold start Not when is warm I can start up the car at warm no rattle just on cold start Can be my timing belt going bad? My rattle is not loud at all not sure how loud needs to be but barely can hear it like little clicks and goes away since get warmer Any thoughts? I will appreciated

[@aDIYCarGuy]

more likely lifters but I don't know for sure, it will have to be diagnosed

[@fezh4543]

a DIY Car Guy Hey I appreciated for replying back to me So can be lifters maybe? You think that can be easy done by at shop or have to be a Mini dealer So far in my town few ppl say will do the timing but I will say to check before I do anything I guess Thanks again for helping Your videos help me with the tensioner and wheel bearing and strut towers so helpful

[@fezh4543]

a DIY Car Guy Hey I appreciated for replying back to me So can be lifters maybe? You think that can be easy done by at shop or have to be a Mini dealer So far in my town few ppl say will do the timing but I will say to check before I do anything I guess Thanks again for helping Your videos help me with the tensioner and wheel bearing and strut towers so helpful

[@fezh4543]

a DIY Car Guy Hey I appreciated for replying back to me So can be lifters maybe? You think that can be easy done by at shop or have to be a Mini dealer So far in my town few ppl say will do the timing but I will say to check before I do anything I guess Thanks again for helping Your videos help me with the tensioner and wheel bearing and strut towers so helpful

[@aDIYCarGuy]

I suspect it could be the lifters, it sounds like it to me. However, it could be a timing system issue - the plastic guides or a stretched chain; but I can't be 100% sure without tearing it apart. I don't have the energy to tear it apart right now, but I might in the future. An experienced mini shop should be able to handle it. If you have the means to pay a dealer, the dealer would certainly know what to do (sell you a new one lol). I'm glad my vids have helped you so far and thank you for watching!

[@managementfordesertwxlf2721]

getting ready to replace mine. this video helped out alot !

[@jeepchievous]

How many miles dose your mini have brah! ? Lol mine has 225697 I put on tha timing chain kit bout 10 months ago.

[@aDIYCarGuy]

It's at 156,000. That's some impressive mileage you've got!

[@jakesadventures5583]

Did you get a Rattle noise when Underload as well

[@aDIYCarGuy]

nope. tbh my noise sounded more like bad hydraulic lifters. but I haven't heard the noise since I replaced this

[@tombanes]

I got the noise just like you. not on cold starts but on warm restarts it lasts about 45 seconds to one minute and under high acceleration I think I’m hearing the same noise. did you ever figure out what the problem was if it wasn’t the timing chain tensioner?

[@thedoggization]

I'm also interested in hearing how it turned out? Was a whole chain replacement kit needed?

[@lessemo]

You did so many replacements for the R53. It even seems that is an unreliable car, or maybe is just the milage. I want one 😭

[@aDIYCarGuy]

It's both I think. To be fair, the car is old; but it is made of really cheap materials.

[@ChrisNieves]

I don't it easier to tackle it from the top with the same flex head half inch breaker ratchet

[@pandaaguilera1487]

Hi..you can do it from top with out take off nothing..is very easy..

[@albertollorente7255]

mate thanks a lot, and really thanks too with the links :-)

[@montyshelby]

Awesome cheers

[@mycrossover5393]

Sorry you do realise you can just remove the Tensioner from the back if the engine rather than removing oil filter housing etc.. its simple an easy. This makes more work and cost more money because you have to then change Gaskets.

[@meirionrhys3786]

no need to remove anything, go in from the top, 5 min job