Vanos Rattle....

[mike_dmt]

So, after searching the forums, I found a few You Tube vids that sound the same as what my '01 4.4 is doing.


Slight rattle, not too horrible yet, compared to most that I saw. Can I get away with just doing the tensioners, or is it usually too late if its rattling?

[lowlows18]

put the link up

[Dudewanarace]

Just finished my Vanos rebuild, and chain guide rebuild last week. It is a big job..

Mine started with the usual Vanos rattle at startup, and had done that for years. I replaced the chain tensioner with the newer version, and that helped some, but didn't cure it.

Then it started a whine type of noise that I could figure out, followed by what I describe as the cam chain slapping at idle. It wasn't bad, just a tick every now and then at idle. Off idle and going, no noise at all. But, I feared that it would get worse quickly, or so I have read.

So I bit the bullet and tore it all the way down to replace the chain guides, and did the Vanos rebuild while I was there. And other stuff.. Here is the Vanos rebuild DIY from Beisan Systems. M62TU engine
Beisan Systems - Procedures - M62TU Vanos Procedure
It is based on either a 5 or 7 series, but it is pretty close to the X5.

If your guides are failing, don't drive it. If the chain skips a tooth, its all over. Not to mention your oil pump pick up getting clogged with parts..