Timing chain tensioner

[elky]

So lately I had started to develop a cold start noise and a quick search on the internet pointed me to the timing chain tensioner. At the same time I decided to buy the S54 tensioner as a few forum suggest ( (2) DIY: S54 Chain Tensioning piston Install on M54 | E46 Fanatics Forum ).

Now my question is how do I get that thing off... It seems on our Z3 there is not enough space as some lines going to the A/C compressor block my way. I would appreciate any help as it seems a quick job but I am not sure how to work around the A/C compressor.

Thanks a lot to any hints

 

[elky]

My current best guess is that I should buy a 32mm crow-foot adapter for my socket wrench...

 

[Rudyrov]

Can you loosen the Ac pump and make enough room to get socket ?

 

[elky]

Can you loosen the Ac pump and make enough room to get socket ?

Do I have access to loosen it from the top? I've never played around that side of the engine close to the A/C pump

 

[Rudyrov]

Do I have access to loosen it from the top? I've never played around that side of the engine close to the A/C pump

Sorry, but if you want to be a mechanic, you will have to learn to go under the car.
Perhaps car ramps would help?

 

[elky]

Sorry, but if you want to be a mechanic, you will have to learn to go under the car.
Perhaps car ramps would help?

Yeah, I've been under the car, but I don't want to go under for such a small task that everyone seems to do from the top in other M54-equipped models. So I was curious if anyone has any tips on how to do it quickly.

Also, the compressor lines are hard, so I am not sure how I could move the compressor without disconnecting those . And disconnecting the hard lines means draining the freon, if I am not mistaken... and it escalates quite quickly from that point...

 

[Rudyrov]

Yeah, I've been under the car, but I don't want to go under for such a small task that everyone seems to do from the top in other M54-equipped models. So I was curious if anyone has any tips on how to do it quickly.

Also, the compressor lines are hard, so I am not sure how I could move the compressor without disconnecting those . And disconnecting the hard lines means draining the freon, if I am not mistaken... and it escalates quite quickly from that point...

Sorry Man, I would disconnect the AC compressor, I would simply loosen the mounts and the belt and move it aside enough to do the deed. I understand that you don't want to undo the lines, that's another bucket of worms.
Perhaps try the crowfoot and see if you can generate enough grip on the tensioner assembly to loosen it. There are also crowfoot sockets but they are in limited sizes if you need more even grip on a tight tensioner nut.

 

[Delk]

Once you get it loose it just unscrews easy enough.

There is a piston and spring inside and no seals. The spring keeps tension on the chain guide and when the engine starts oil pressure pushes on the piston and gives some more. Not having seals or anything they are pretty simple internally.

 

[Rudyrov]

Once you get it loose it just unscrews easy enough.

There is a piston and spring inside and no seals. The spring keeps tension on the chain guide and when the engine starts oil pressure pushes on the piston and gives some more. Not having seals or anything they are pretty simple internally.

Understood. Hope it all goes well !

 

[elky]

Once you get it loose it just unscrews easy enough.

There is a piston and spring inside and no seals. The spring keeps tension on the chain guide and when the engine starts oil pressure pushes on the piston and gives some more. Not having seals or anything they are pretty simple internally.

Thanks for the info but I got how the part works internally. My question is how do I get to it...

Have you replaced yours? Did you end up disconnecting the A/C pump or ....

 

[Rudyrov]

Here is a video that might help you get an idea before you get started.

View: https://youtu.be/-K9vxGnkvUs?si=ir4yr6lbuJ_w0m1f

 

[Duncodin]

. . .
. . . . . . My question is how do I get to it...
. . .

I don't have that engine so I can't say - but your picture seems to show quite a lot of room. I assume not enough for your ratchet and socket - but can't you get a ring spanner on it? Looks like lots of room for a spanner

 

[Delk]

Thanks for the info but I got how the part works internally. My question is how do I get to it...

Have you replaced yours? Did you end up disconnecting the A/C pump or ....

Sorry can't help with the AC as my car doesn't have it. Had mine apart several times both in and out of the car when doing the Vanos.

 

[the Nefyn cat]

Could be time to buy yourself an early Christmas present. Got myself one of these a few years ago, don't use it that often but it's invaluable when it does get used. Shame about the price, but buy cheap buy twice. or so I've heard.

Tite-Reach Professional 1/2" Professional Socket Extension Wrench

Genuine Tite-Reach product, beware of cheap imitations!The Tite-Reach 1/2" wrench is designed to last. Tested by heavy equipment mechanics and farmers over the past half decade, the 1/2" drive exceeds expectations. Rated on an impact for up to 1,200ft/lbs and 225ft/lbs of direct torque because...

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[elky]

Could be time to buy yourself an early Christmas present. Got myself one of these a few years ago, don't use it that often but it's invaluable when it does get used. Shame about the price, but buy cheap buy twice. or so I've heard.

Tite-Reach Professional 1/2" Professional Socket Extension Wrench

Genuine Tite-Reach product, beware of cheap imitations!The Tite-Reach 1/2" wrench is designed to last. Tested by heavy equipment mechanics and farmers over the past half decade, the 1/2" drive exceeds expectations. Rated on an impact for up to 1,200ft/lbs and 225ft/lbs of direct torque because...

www.gohardware.co.uk

Awsome device but that wouldn't fit there, to get the picture a deep socket (78mm) plus a 1/2" wrench do not fit together there. That is why I either need a "medium" socket or a crow-foot...