Timing Chain Replacement
Also called timing chain rattle
A timing chain does the same job as a belt but is designed to last much longer. It still wears: the chain stretches, the plastic guides break up and the tensioner runs out of travel, giving a rattle on start-up and often a camshaft position fault code. Replacement means chain, guides and tensioner together, and cleaning the debris the old guides have shed. Poor oil change history is the usual cause, so we also look at oil condition and the oil feed to the tensioner.
Signs you need this
- A rattle for a second or two on cold start-up
- Camshaft or crankshaft correlation fault codes stored
- Rough running or reduced power alongside the rattle
- Plastic fragments found in the sump or on the strainer
- Long oil change intervals or a history of missed services
Not all of these have to be present, and one of them on its own can mean something else entirely. That is what the diagnosis is for.
What the job includes
- Diagnosis confirming chain stretch, by fault codes or measured timing deviation
- New chain, guides, tensioner and sprockets where worn
- Timing cover seal and gasket replaced on reassembly
- Sump inspected and cleaned of broken guide debris where required
- Oil and filter changed as part of the job
- Timing verified by hand rotation and by scan data after start-up
How we do it
Confirm chain wear
Scan data showing camshaft timing deviation, plus the start-up noise, confirm stretch rather than another top end noise.
Access and mark
The timing cover is removed with the engine set at its timing position and every mark recorded first.
Replace the full set
Chain, guides, tensioner and worn sprockets are replaced together, since an old guide will destroy a new chain.
Clean the debris
Broken guide material is removed from the sump and strainer so it cannot block the oil pickup later.
Verify timing twice
Timing is checked by hand rotation, then confirmed again on scan data once the engine is running.
How we work
The same on every job, which is why we can write it down.
Diagnosis before quote
We find the fault first. A price given over the phone for a noise nobody has heard is a guess.
The price is agreed first
You approve the work and the cost before a spanner is picked up. Extra work means another call.
Parts you can check
We tell you whether a part is genuine, OEM, aftermarket or used, and what each one costs.
Old parts returned
Ask and we will hand back whatever we replaced. It is the simplest proof that the job was done.
Book timing chain replacement
Fill this in and a person will call you back to confirm the time and the price. Only your name and one way to reach you are required.
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We call you
To confirm the car, the time and the location.
Tell us the car and the symptom
We will arrange a mechanic at your location, or a slot at the nearest workshop. No payment until the price is agreed.