Vanos repair

[Tomaz]

156K miles on my 01' 4.4 and the engine started knocking, One Vanos failed and the dealer suggested replacing both, including chains, guides, gaskets, and a few odds and ends and I'm looking at a $8K bill. Good news is the X looks like new and runs great (repair withstanding) so its worth the repair.

[sasquatch]

I just don't understand why/how this would fail. Timing chains and the associated bits and pieces are suppose to last a very long time (compared to timing belts).

What actually "failed" on your engine? You said VANOS but what actually broke or stopped working?

[steelheader]

id like to know to ? and i just ordered the tool kit and guides and gaskets sets 380.00 for the lock down tool and 500.00 for parts 8k seems like alot when they should of put a new engine for that,cause if you throw a rod now or a cam snaps ur screwed?

[Tomaz]

Other threads mention that the seals are known to leak causing the Vanos to lose its ability to index correctly. I heard the telltale rattle and experienced the rough engine as the intake valves were advancing incorrectly. This was the failure mode on the right bank. The dealer suggested he replace both sides, and while the front of the engine was apart the chains, chain guides, valve cover gaskets, and a coolant leak was also repaired.

[m5james]

Beisan Systems is working on a VANOS repair kit, and while I'm a participant in their initial testing, I actually haven't had the time to perform the repair. I don't have any VANOS issues, but nonetheless, there is progress coming w/ his kit since there are about 18 of us.