Vanos seal replacement - should I do the anti-rattle rings

[GOM]

Now then,

After a bit of reading it seems I should change the Vanos seals.I have looked at the XR8 kit: https://x8r.co.uk/bmw-vanos-replacement-dual-unit-repair-kit.html

I have noticed there is an option with anti rattle rings: https://x8r.co.uk/bmw-dual-vanos-piston-seal-anti-rattle-ring-replacement-kit.html

I have again done a bit of research and it doesn’t sound like I have the rattle noise, however while I am in there doing the seals should I do these anti rattle rings?

Also is there another kit out there to consider?

TIA

Paul

 

[bigwinn]

I would-

As you’ve said you are in there already

All rattles I’ve heard have been on the bigger engines

However check with x8r as they have apparently made errors with the size of the rings?

There are cheaper kits on eBay but I’ve not used them as the full kits from x8r always come with good quality gaskets etc

 

[patriot66]

I agree with Bigwinn, I would also. I did the full X8R kit when I rebuilt my VANOS a couple of summers ago. A little video I made at the time explains what to look for
https://youtu.be/AL3SEELkts8

 

[GuidoK]

I don't think the extra rattling, Vanos rattle (due to wear) is caused by the play in the bearings.
Because that play is there from factory(!)
Afaik the 'rattling' is the oil solenoid switching on and off letting new oil in the pistons because it seeps past the rings.

If that rattling was caused by wear, those anti rattle rings wouldn't solve anything as the axial bearings would be toast (and those should be replaced).
I did swap out the rings because I have Schrick cams that place more strain on the cam system (more aggressive lobes) so any play in the system causes extra forces.
So it doesn't hurt anything, but for a stock engine it's not necessairly needed.
You need plastic vise inserts and a good impact gun.

BTW Here's my anti rattle rings comparison (I did this repair almost 10 years ago, so it's shot with a potato....):
[youtube]Gw5CopT5n2A[/youtube]

 

[patriot66]

I had a very noticeable Vanos rattle before doing my rebuild. I used this X8R kit which includes the needle bearings https://x8r.co.uk/double-twin-dual-vanos-repair-rattle-seals-set-for-bmw-kit-fix-3-5-7-z3-z4-x3-x5.html
Haven't had any rattle since and the Vanos works as it should

 

[enuff_zed]

I had a very noticeable Vanos rattle before doing my rebuild. I used this X8R kit which includes the needle bearings https://x8r.co.uk/double-twin-dual-vanos-repair-rattle-seals-set-for-bmw-kit-fix-3-5-7-z3-z4-x3-x5.html
Haven't had any rattle since and the Vanos works as it should

Trouble is, you cannot be sure if it was those rattling or the shuttle valves as mentioned above.
I would say that if you can afford it, and have suitable tools to access the rattle rings, then yes, do it.
But if you are on a budget then I don't think it is strictly necessary. I've done both approaches with no negligible difference in results.
Obviously if you have a noticeable rattle then it's daft not to do them while you're in there.

An example being the 149k 3.0i I'm doing at the moment. I can see from the live feed that there is no movement whatsoever of the cam angles, so I know oil is simply sloshing around in the vanos with no effect. However, it is as quiet as a mouse.

 

[Robster68]

I’ve just done this mod and ended up reusing original rattle rings because x8r supplied rings were 7.3mm wide instead of 7.5 of the originals causing the needle bearings to be squeezed together too much when all was assembled,the 50’s kid has a good video on YouTube explaining this.

 

[GOM]

As always thanks for all the really useful info. Much appreciated!!