How To Check For A Bad Timing Chain In Your BMW X1 by North Alpharetta Mechanic?

Now modern cars like BMW have both timing belts and chains. But, people are always have confusions to understand the difference between the timing belt and a timing chain. Most importantly, as a car owner, you have to understand the real concepts of the timing chain and its related functions.

Due to many reasons, the timing chain is failed in your car and shows numerous signs to alert the driver about the problem and the way to fix it. Avoiding it for longer may cause catastrophic damages to the engine that needs a costly repair. When it happens, you have to consult a professional BMW mechanic to fix the problem.

What does the timing chain mean?

The main role of the timing chain in your BMW X1 is to coordinate the opening and closing of the valves within the internal combustion engine. Moreover, all the functions of the timing chain can be performed by synchronizing the camshaft and crankshaft for opening and closing the valves simultaneously. In this way, it will prevent the pistons to hit the valves.

Basically, the timing chain is made of metal and turned by the crankshaft for operating the camshaft. Moreover, the timing chain of the car is consisting of several links for running over the gears smoothly. Over regular use, the timing chain is worn down and may cause many problems like engine damage while driving on the road.

Signs of a bad timing chain

Thus, the failed timing chain of the BMW X1 needs to be addressed immediately for preventing the catastrophic damages to the engine that cost you thousands of dollars to repair. The following points define the signs of a bad timing chain in your vehicle.

Metal shavings in the oil

When the timing chain is failed, you will find small metal pieces of the chain in the oil pan. During the routine oil change, if your mechanic found small pieces of metal inside the oil or in the filter, then ensure that the timing chain begins to fail that needs immediate repair.

For many other reasons, you will find metal shaving in the oil pan of the car. Whatever the reason behind it, it’s always advisable to consult with a reputed technician for proper inspection to get the accurate reasons behind it and repair it as soon as possible appropriately.

Engine misfiring and starting troubles

If the timing chain of the car is loose or damaged, then you will experience problems like engine misfiring while driving. The main reason behind the problem is the timing between the valves and pistons is unsynchronized which affects the combustion process in each cylinder of the engine.

Subsequently, the loose timing chain in your vehicle is skipping the gear on the crankshaft or camshaft which can fail the engine calibration. As a result, you will notice the engine misfiring with trouble starting the engine.

Poor functions

When the timing chain is failed in your BMW, it will force the valves to run at the wrong times which can affect the functions of the engine and run it poorly. The poor running engine will cause many problems in your car such as shaking, sputtering, and backfiring problems. Subsequently, while driving the car the worn timing chain will also produce a rattling sound from near the engine.

Moreover, strange noises are produced from the engine when the loose timing chain is vibrating while spinning from the crankshaft. It clearly indicates that the timing chain begins to fail that needs to be replaced immediately.

Rattle during startup or idling

All we know is that the smooth-running engine is produced a smooth and consistent sound that indicates that it runs efficiently in your car. A small problem within the engine is producing unusual sounds that need the immediate attention of a mechanic. But, the loose timing chain is producing vibrations in the engine and leads to rattling noise during engine idling or starting.

Conclusion

When you experience any of the above-defined signs in your car, consult an experienced mechanic to diagnose and repair the problem in the car like the failed timing chain. If you found that the timing chains of your BMW X1 is failed in the middle of the road in North Alpharetta and then investigate it properly by visiting the nearest auto repair shop to prevent further damages.

Solo Motorsports is a leading luxury cars service & repair specialist located at Alpharetta, GA. We have years of experience in taking care of high-end cars like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Mini, Porsche, and Volkswagen.