Okay I posted in one of the other thread 5973 TCT (Timing Chain Tensioner) threads but nobody mentioned anything so I'm curious to know the condition of other peoples' TCTs after replacement.

Mine did not fly apart as I had been told to expect, it came out with the spring, piston, worm gear, etc all assembled and lodged in the casing of the TCT. When I tried to remove the piston it was very difficult, though I got it apart with a little pulling and dropped the pieces everywhere.

As I mentioned in the other thread, my idle, engine smoothness, etc etc are all SO much better now and after a couple days of driving I know it's not in my head.

Is it normal to have the old TCT be stiff?

 

not sure what your question is...but my TCT came out in one piece and then parts flew out.

 

Sorry, I thought I had been clear about wondering if the old TCT should come out and fly into pieces.

You answered it, thanks!

 

When mine came out it went flying into pieces but that is because of my prying through the maintenance hole.

Did you pry it out from the maint. hole or pull by the assembly itself?

 

Pulled by the assembly, after my friend cleverly recommended I try twisting the thing to get it out. I tried prying but had no success separating it from the engine.

 

when i changed mine i took it out very carfully and it did not fly apart
but all the pieces are pushed out by the springs insight
if the pieces are stuck inside there is something wrong

grtz kristof

 

Alright then that's good to know. I would say that it's likely something was wrong with the and the positive results I've experienced are quite justified.

Thanks everyone!

 

Mine didn't fly apart.

But that's because I followed the service manual instructions and locked it into place before removing it. When I removed the bold that was securing it, it extended, but never "flew apart".

I see your point, though, as I believe the piston in mine probably didn't move in and out as freely as one would expect. Maybe that's the problem.

 

That's my thought. Especially having oil in there to lubricate I expected more easy motion. Anyway it's alll good now.

Thank you