I'd appreciate some advice concerning replacing the timing chain tensioner on my 2009 JCW hardtop. It has 35000 miles on it and I had it to a dealer today for just a check over. They said the tensioner was seeping oil just a bit and suggested I have it taken care of. My question is, can someone with moderate mechanical skills do this or is it something best left to a skilled mechanic? Thanks in advance.

 

Its not terrible to do, but there are some special tools to keep everything in proper position.

However, there are tons of threads here and elsewhere that talk about the repair "campaign" from MINI. Depending on the situation there is a good chance that MINI will cover this repair for you. You have very low miles, are you under an extended warranty?

Did you use a MINI dealer? The tensioner is known to back out (it is threaded into the engine) and some have had there repair covered because of this.

Also the dealer has a screw in tool that measures the chain slack which determines if the chain has stretched and needs replaced.

 

I just bought it from the original owner. There is no warranty remaining due to years and I did take it to a mini dealer for the checkup. I've read all I can about the "issue". I will likely just let the dealer (or an independent shop if I can find one) take care of it. They quoted me $250 for the job and for such a low milage car that's a reasonable expense for peace of mind i think n

 

If you have a few metric tools and a desire to DIY, this is a perfect job for you - 1 part to swap out, 95% of the cost is labor.

You will likely need Bentley R56 manual to help out with instructions and torque values. That is something that will be used again and again if you plan to DIY.

If not, pay the independent shop to do it for you.

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This may help:


Very doable, straight forward job.

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I don't think the JCW VIN's are included in the campaign. Good thing you found it leaking before it had backed out and start gushing oil out killing your engine!

 

I've been told by several, including dealer, that this is case. My vin isn't covered by the service campaign.

I'm going to ask that they check timing chain tolerances just to be sure I don't have more looming trouble.

 

Thanks for all the input folks. I appreciate it.

 

Glad I found this thread. Great information. I just attended a local MINI Service Clinic (very valuable experience) and got about 30 minutes with one of their techs in the back with our 2010 R56 up in the lift. At 14,500 miles, there really wasn't much to report. All looked great...
I was, however, told to keep an eye on some oil "seepage" around the chain tensioner.
Reading all of the posts about the bolt "backing out" I remembered where he pointed, came home, and checked myself with a flashlight. I was able to clean any oil off of the bolt and made it look pretty much brand new....now will look to see if any more accumulates. There's never been anything on the garage floor so any oil which accumulated on the bolt was minor. I took a picture AFTER I cleaned it.
From any out there who have had the "back out" problem, would I notice it actually starting to move out of place? It looks flush here.

 

I"m not a mechanic (well maybe old school backyard) but I doubt you'd see any indication of it backing out. First indication would be oil seep I would assume. Good job on taking the photo by the way. I tried but could not get enough light...