Vanos seals
- Thread starter Jamturbo
- Start date
Merlot Machine
Member
Hello both - actually I haven't removed either of the left hand threaded torx, exhaust or intake side. The X8R guidance video says that you don't need to remove them prior to getting the vanos unit off. A couple of YouTubers make reference to this too so I thought I'd leave them until the unit is off, given how difficult access is with the cross member.
Merlot Machine
Member
Cheers - I'll give it a go!
The instructions I got from x8r say you have to remove them, to be honest I cannot see how you can remove the vanos without removing them bolts, they bolt the vanos pistons to those helical gears that rotate when pushed and adjust the cam shafts, its my understanding that the oil pressure pushes the pistons from either side to rotate those helical gears to either advance or retard timing so therefore they need to be bolted together, but I could be wrong as you say the intake one was loose without the bolt removed
Merlot Machine
Member
Joez4 said:
That's interesting - I wonder why the discrepancy in the instructions? I did wonder whether the fact I hadn't removed the left-handers could be an issue but as you say, the intake side has come away no problem with no damage. The exhaust side feels absolutely solid, which I really wasn't expecting and has left me a little stuck with what to do next. I may as well have a go at getting the left-handers out, can't hurt can it!?
Merlot Machine
Member
Well don't I feel like a silly billy! It turns out that yes, you do need to remove the left-handers to slide the vanos unit out. It was immediately apparent that when I began to unscrew them, that was the issue.
Feel a bit miffed by the X8R video which specifically says that 'if you fail at this stage, you can remove them once you have the unit out'. Good job I was put straight but a couple of you on here
.
Now just progressing with the rebuild, got the full kit which includes the anti-rattle rings, gaskets etc. Managed to get the unit out fairly easily with my dad using the long pry bar, was expecting more of a fight with that but it's actually really easy. Would definitely recommend having someone do the prying for you though, as I say, very easy as a 2 person job.
Feel a bit miffed by the X8R video which specifically says that 'if you fail at this stage, you can remove them once you have the unit out'. Good job I was put straight but a couple of you on here
.Now just progressing with the rebuild, got the full kit which includes the anti-rattle rings, gaskets etc. Managed to get the unit out fairly easily with my dad using the long pry bar, was expecting more of a fight with that but it's actually really easy. Would definitely recommend having someone do the prying for you though, as I say, very easy as a 2 person job.
Merlot Machine
Member
Joez4 said:
That makes sense, I admit to feeling envious every time I watch a video where someone is working on an E46...f**king cross member :rofl:
Merlot Machine
Member
Joez4 said:
Thanks for the suggestion, I've watched the 50s kid video today and it is a good one. Hoping to complete the rebuild tomorrow, just need to borrow a neighbours workshop for use of his vise, and then I'll be good to go.