MINI is one of the most sought-after luxury cars in the world due to its performance and advanced features. However, the joy of driving a MINI can be short-lived if you start encountering serious issues like the rattling of the timing chain when driving your high-end car which can give rise to additional problems as well.
There are several underlying issues that cause your timing chain to make these weird noises while driving. Here in this article, we will discuss the causes behind the rattling of the timing chain and ways to deal with the problem.
Bad Timing Chain Tensioner
One of the leading reasons behind the rattling of the timing chain in your MINI is related to the timing chain tensioner which helps in maintaining proper tension in the timing chain. Due to the constant running of the car, the timing chain tensioner gets stretched as friction starts to hamper its functioning.
As the spring starts to lose its grip, the arm becomes unable to hold the timing chain in place and this causes the timing chain to come in contact with the guides in the engine block and you get to hear the rattling noise from under the hood of your luxury car while driving.
In addition to the rattling sound that you get to hear while driving, you will also experience rough idle & hesitation when driving as the timing chain gets misaligned completely. The only way out of the problem is by replacing the bad timing chain tensioner with a new one and in case you find that the timing chain is also damaged then you must get it replaced too.
Inadequate Lubrication
At times, it is found that the rattling of the timing chain is caused by insufficient lubrication and this is related to the engine oil of your MINI. Most MINI drivers get surprised when they hear this but the engine oil plays a stellar role in the smooth functioning of the timing belt in your high-end car.
However, if the oil starts losing its viscosity and it is not replaced with new engine oil then the lubrication provided by the old oil becomes ineffective. Most of the time this problem crops up because MINI owners are not changing the engine oil of their cars regularly.
That is why it is important to keep a tab on the engine oil of your car and if you find that oil appears dark in color then you must immediately get it replaced with new engine oil. Besides that, dissolute engine oil can lead to build-up of sludge which can adversely affect the functioning of the timing chain.
The problem has got an easy fix to itself and being a MINI owner you just have to stick to the manufacturer-recommended oil change schedule of your car which will definitely keep the timing chain rattling problem at bay.
Damaged Timing Chain Guides
The timing chain guides in your MINI are responsible for keeping the timing chain in its position. The guides are made up of plastic and over the years they become brittle and break away which causes the timing chain to deviate from its path and collide with other parts under the hood of your car.
As the chain collides against the other engine parts under the hood it gives rise to rattling noise that you get to hear while driving. In addition to that, due to the broken guide, the timing chain might even skip a tooth while running and this can cause significant performance problems for your car.
The timing chain guide must be replaced with a new one and if the timing chain has also suffered damages then you must replace it to avoid a rerun of the problem in the future.
Improper Timing Chain Installation
Sometimes the problem of rattling timing chain lies in the way the chain has been installed in your MINI. Improper installation of the timing chain in your MINI can lead to several issues including rattling of the chain. That is why it is crucial to follow manufacturer-recommendation when installing your timing chain.
You should get in touch with a certified mechanic immediately to determine if the chain has been improperly installed & take remedial measures accordingly.
DART Auto: Go-To MINI Repair Shop In Denver
At DART Auto located in Denver, CO, we have years of experience in taking care of European cars including MINI and our team of ASE-certified mechanics are always eager to assist high-end car owners in fixing their vehicles without any scope of error.
Contact us now or call us to make an appointment and get your Timing chain fixed by our professionals & we will ensure that you don’t have to face this problem ever again.
