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Timing Chain Tensioner - Plastic Insert Posted by DnstrDan [Email] ![]() ![]() |
Pulled my tensioner over the weekend from my '99 9-5 SE. I measured 15.4 mm extension, so remedial action will be undertaken next weekend (sigh).
I successfully recovered the inner spring and plastic insert (aka "plastic pin"); however this insert was broken in two near the inboard tip. Unfortunately, the EPC does not list this part, and I would hate having to buy an entire tensioner assy just to get one. After reading posts on several forums, some have come to the conclusion that the part is useless anyway. My conjecture is that it's meant to keep the spring in proper and straight mechanical alignment through its range of motion. The spring itself is not very stiff and would seem to provide only nominal tension force when oil pressure is low. When oil pressure is higher, the tensioner's piston takes over the job of providing the requisite tension; is that correct? I noticed the plastic insert has several cross-holes in its shaft, presumably to facilitate oil flow within the tensioner cavity.
Would you scrap a tensioner with a broken plastic insert, or fashion a new heat and oil resistant substitute?
_______________________________________ '04 9⁵ Aero Sedan (m/t) '04 9⁵ Aero Wagon (a/t) --- '99 9⁵ SE (LPT) - donated in '20
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