Kansas City MINI Enthusiasts

After my R56 is warmed up, I hear a bad rattle between 2 and 3000 rpm if I am driving easy. I checked what exhaust and heat shielding that I could get to. I had one nut that was loose at the bottom of the downpipe. I tightened it and still the same problem. I've considered the timing chain, but why only noise at that certain rpm range? If it is the timing chain, how much of a PITA is that job? Does the club own a timing chain replacement tool set?

I don't know of a specific tool set for changing the timing chain, so no - we don't have one.

My timing chain made a very distinct noise when the tensioner failed, but usually it went away as soon as it pumped up again - first time I revved the engine much past 3K rpm. If it does it all the time I'd bet on the exhaust shield loose somewhere....

But, a tensioner is not expensive and fairly easy to change, it sits at the top of the head on the back, right side and simply screws in like a bolt - I think I'd put a new one in before I went the whole route - if it cures your noise, then consider doing the chain a some point.

There is a recall on timing chains, if yours is noisy see you dealer, they may replace the entire assembly (chain, guides, sprockets, tensioner) for free.

Thank you sir, I will check into the tensioner. I just hope it's not the shield that attatches to the block.

dsopoci wrote:Thank you sir, I will check into the tensioner. I just hope it's not the shield that attatches to the block.

I forgot about that part. For your sanity, I hope it is not that

Yeah, those heat shields are a major PITA!

I have the timing chain tool kit and have changed two sets its not bad

My old R53 timing chain tensioner went out and the thing sounded like a John Deere tracker for a few days.

The other rattles I had turned out to be exhaust shielding but I could never get to it so I never bothered with it.