11 31 051 Replacing timing chain (N55 from 3-2012)

Special tools required:

Necessary preliminary tasks

Remove CYLINDER HEAD COVER .
Remove all SPARK PLUGS .
Remove CRANKSHAFT SEAL at front.
Remove TENSIONING DEVICE for drive belt.
Remove VIBRATION DAMPER .
Check TIMING .
Remove SEALING COVER for vacuum pump.
Remove SEALING CAP of chain tensioner for oil pump.

Engine removed

Block crankshaft with special tool 11 9 260 .

IMPORTANT: To release central bolt (1), remove special tool 11 0 300 .

Fig 1: Identifying Special Tool (11 9 260)

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IMPORTANT: When central bolt of crankshaft is released, there is no longer a secure connection to timing drive.

Mark position of crankshaft using a colored mark (1).

This will make future insertion of special tool 11 0 300 easier.

Fig 2: Identifying Crankshaft With Colored Mark

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Vehicles with automatic transmission

Block crankshaft with special tool 11 8 660 .

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool (11 8 660)

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Vehicles with manual gearbox

Attach special tool 11 8 180 to manual transmission with existing transmission bolts (1).

Block crankshaft in direction of arrow with special tool.

Fig 4: Attaching Special Tool (11 8 180) To Manual Transmission

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IMPORTANT: Before releasing the central bolt, the hydraulic chain tensioner must be drained.

Carefully press tensioning rail (1) with a suitable screwdriver (2) in direction of arrow.

As the oil pressure in the chain tensioner can only be drained pulsating, the tensioning rail (1) must be pressed several times.

Fig 5: Pressing Tensioning Rail Using Screwdriver

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Press the tensioning rail (1) and hold down.

Fix chain tensioner piston in position with a suitable lock pin (2).

Fig 6: Holding Tensioning Rail

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IMPORTANT: Breakaway torque of the central bolt > 600 Newton meters
A 3/4-inch tool (large powered square) is required to release central bolt.

Release central bolt (1) with 3/4-inch tool (2).

Tightening torque: 11 21 1AZ .

Fig 7: Removing Timing Chain Central Bolt

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Remove CHAIN TENSIONER .

Screw in vibration absorber screws (1).

Move hub (2) on crankshaft forward in direction of arrow to remove.

Fig 8: Removing Crankshaft Hub

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Open screw plug (1).

Tightening torque: 11 31 8AZ .

Fig 9: Identifying Timing Chain Screw Plug

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Open screw plug (1).

Tightening torque: 11 11 7AZ .

Installation note:

Replace aluminum screws.

Fig 10: Identifying Timing Chain Screw Plug

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Release bearing journal (1) from timing chain module on cylinder head.

Tightening torque: 11 31 6AZ .

Fig 11: Identifying Timing Chain Module Bearing Journal

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IMPORTANT: Install special tool 11 4 280 to release the central bolts on the intake and exhaust camshaft adjusters.

Remove INTAKE AND EXHAUST CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS .

Fig 12: Removing Intake And Exhaust Camshafts Central Bolts

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Release bearing journal (1) from timing chain module on crankcase.

Tightening torque: 11 31 5AZ .

Fig 13: Identifying Timing Chain Module Bearing Journal

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Release bolts (1) from timing chain module on cylinder head.

Tightening torque: 11 31 4AZ .

Remove chain module with timing chain and camshaft sprocket upwards in direction of arrow.

NOTE: Graphic N52.

Fig 14: Removing Timing Chain Module Bolts

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IMPORTANT: Note direction of installation of camshaft sprocket (2).
Collar (see arrow) on camshaft sprocket (2) points to engine.
Incorrect assembly will result in engine damage.

Fig 15: Identifying Sprocket

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Pull timing chain (1) upwards until camshaft sprocket (2) engages chain guide (3).

Install timing chain (1) and sprocket (2) in this position.

Installation note:

Always hold timing chain (1) under tension.

Timing chain (1) may jam on chain guide (3).

Fig 16: Identifying Timing Chain, Sprocket Wheel And Chain Guide

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Insert central bolt (1) with hub for crankshaft.

Tighten down central bolt (1).

Tightening torque: 11 21 1AZ .

Install INTAKE AND EXHAUST CAMSHAFT ADJUSTERS .

Install CHAIN TENSIONER .

Fig 17: Inserting Central Bolt With Crankshaft Hub

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Crank engine twice.

Check TIMING .

If necessary, adjust VALVE TIMING .

Replace front CRANKSHAFT SEAL .

Assemble engine.