Tales from the workshop

BMW 1-SERIES

Timing chain

A rattling timing chain is not something which you want to hear, and especially not on the BMW engine. The N45 engine in this 2004 BMW 116i Sport, has the timing chain at the front of the engine, and providing the correct tools are used the job is not too bad to carry out. With a book time of 3.95 hours this one can comfortable be done in the day provided all the parts are available.

The chain assembly comes out of the engine complete with the chain tensioner and guides in a cassette type fitting and fits back in place by simply sliding the reassembled chain back down through the cylinder-head and into place.

As timing chain jobs go, providing the correct tools are used to lock the engine – and camshafts in place – this is one of the easier ones. With fresh oil and a new filter, and a new tensioner fitted, the engine was now running silently again.

VOLVO V40

Steering rack leak

Noticing a fluid stain on the road where he parked, the owner of this 2004 Volvo V40 1.8 GDI had a quick check of the oil and coolant levels to see if the fluid was coming from his Volvo. The engine oil was good, but when he checked the power steering fluid, he found that this was down.

Looking around the rack he could see the fluid