Timing Chain Rattle fix, 4.0 V6 Ford Explorer/Sport Trac/Mustang/etc...

[@Love4raine]

My Ex-wife’s 08 sport track is making a rapid tapping or clattering sound that sounds like its coming from the front or lower engine somewhere but i cant narrow it down. It don’t sound like valves clattering or the sound of low oil its a very rapid clattering when idling. Hard to explain but i heard it after replacing her wheel bearings and asked her to test drive it. She started it and the INTIAL first second of the engine firing up it was loud then quickly leveled out to clattering. I asked whats that sound she said “ oh thats the Ford rattle, its a ford “ but thats not the Ford “ tick “ I’m used to hearing over the years and I’m 50 😂 . I wish someone had the sound recorded so i knew if this is what it is. That aluminum piece you are holding is what it sounds like. Its a consistent sound not erratic . she has a 2008 6 cylinder. I didn’t pay attention to which 6 i just glanced at the plug wires.

[@timothyeubanks3756]

I garuntee you it’s that tensioner. They break often and very common problem. It’s very loud especially at start up, and quiets down a little as it warms but still noticeable, will increase with rpm input. It’s a fairly easy fix, just need a day to tear it down. Sorry this happened to ya, it’s never a good feeling.

[@terryparnell3671]

Thanks for your video Mine is rattling on top drivers side bank up front. Can I just replace the spring tentioner? I have not done any timing cover removal yet to see if the leaf spring tentioner is bad yet. I am willing to but can it cause the same noise?

[@jimmybob562]

lol I replaced the entire timing chain set and it rattles at startup still. Livin with it. The constant rattle is gone tho.

[@timothyeubanks3756]

Yes that’s what broke on mine. That’ll definitely cause a rattle. Cheap fix but involved.

[@timothyeubanks3756]

@@jimmybob562did you replace the rear chains as well? Those might be cause the rattle you’re hearing

[@derekleon967]

Thank you I need to do to my Explore

[@Ben-h2o]

The rattle you speak of is more of a loud CLAK. I had the front tensioner (R) go out two years ago and that rattle sounded tame compared to the primary.

[@CollardGreenBeam]

Hey did yours go through the valve cover .

[@timothyeubanks3756]

Oh definitely! You can notice a difference for sure.

[@mr.feathers8697]

How many timing chain tensioners are there in a 2008 Ford Explorer V6 4.0?

[@timothyeubanks3756]

Do you mean the hydraulic tensioners, the coil spring tensioners, or all no matter the kind?

[@DonaldR11]

Can i Replacement only the front right Timing Cassette on my 4.0 V6 Ford Explorer/Sport Trac

[@timothyeubanks3756]

You can but it’s pretty involved man. Would really look into it first

[@JakeSoulFreeTravels]

So you've done this twice without removing the engine because you've not replaced the rear chain issues. Can you point me to where you learned how to do this? Or you just started taking things apart and got er done? I'm trying to figure this one out, so it can be done without pulling motor to do the front ones.

[@timothyeubanks3756]

So the rear timing chains, you have no other choice but to pull the engine. Luckily I don't have a problem with the rear chains/tensioners, but if it's the front chains, you can do everything fairly easily and pretty cheap without pulling the motor. I worked at Covert for several years so I have mechanical experience but I found this out by tearing it down until I found what broke. Hopefully that answers your question.

[@timothyeubanks3756]

To put it simple, take everything out of the way of the front cover. Once you get to there, you'll have to remove the harmonic balancer (Autozone loans a tool for) and then the cover comes off after you've taken the bolts out.

[@JakeSoulFreeTravels]

@@timothyeubanks3756 Thank you for the reply, yeah, it's the "little tool that you need" info that I'm always suspect about before I start doing something. I'm researching at I'm just a parts replacer guy with a decent amount of just basic tools, but just kinda worried. How long did it take you to do it the first time? Do I need a harmonic balancer gasket?

[@timothyeubanks3756]

@@JakeSoulFreeTravels definitely understand that man! Basic tools is all you need, make sure you mark your wire plugs so you know where they go after. Total work time, I would say maybe 10 hours, but I am pretty fast so I would guess 12-15 your first time. Its a good thing to replace every gasket/seal you remove. More than likely you're completely fine without replacing that seal, I didn't, and its totally fine, but I think that also comes with the front cover seal USUALLY, mine did.

[@JakeSoulFreeTravels]

@@timothyeubanks3756 Did you get Ford parts that broke again or something non-Ford. Would you recommend getting the kit that comes with chain and sprocket and chain guides? thank you for your response and time

[@derekleon967]

Thank my truck needs that

[@jmg36344]

Please add link to part. Thank you