What is the rattling noise on my Jaguar, Land Rover, or Range Rover?
You may hear what sounds like a bicycle chain hitting solid plastic or metal when you start your Jaguar, Land Rover, or Range Rover. Often recognized by this rattle on a “cold start” (starting the car for the first time after the car has been sitting dormant for more than a few hours), this problem reveals itself audibly at first, then catastrophic failure if left unattended. This is a quirk of some engines from Land Rover, Range Rover, and Jaguar that plagues some vehicles.
What causes the rattling noise on my Jaguar, Land Rover, or Range Rover?
The timing chains on these cars are, of course, a series of metal links that transmit power. Over time and miles, these chains stretch slightly from wear within the links. The chain obviously elongates, creating slack in the chain. This slack is why you hear the timing chain slapping the timing cover. Throughout hundreds of links, fractional changes stack up to be appreciable stretching. This causes the relationship between the two chain sprockets (the toothed gears that drive the chain) to vary greater than the manufacturer designed. This stretching is also an early indicator of a failing timing chain.
Why is changing my Jaguar, Land Rover, or Range Rover’s timing chain important?
The Land Rover, Range Rover, and Jaguar timing chain assembly is a critical component that keeps your engine running “in-time”. In an internal combustion engine, the timing components (in this case a metal chain but sometimes a reinforced rubber belt in other engines) are responsible for keeping the camshafts and crankshaft synchronized by connecting them via chain. This keeps the “timing” of the intake and exhaust valves opening and closing from interfering with the movement of the piston. Without this proper “timing” of events, the valves would contact the piston and damage the pistons, heads, valves, and potentially more.
What can be done to avoid the timing chain issue?
All parts on a vehicle will fail in time - all physical components have a finite service life! The wear that causes these chains to start to fail can be mitigated by following the manufacturer-recommended service intervals and using factory-approved fluids, just as your certified technicians at Jesse’s Garage recommend! We help make the ownership experience as painless as possible - it is our job to know about these quirks, recommend a proper maintenance schedule, and empower you to make the best decisions for your vehicle!
Don’t hesitate to call your local Sarasota European auto specialist at Jesse’s Garage for the most accurate diagnosis, the area’s longest warranty, free loaner vehicles, free Uber to and from the shop, and Land Rover and Range Rover dealer-trained technicians working on your car! Give us a call for an appointment, often same-day or next-day!
Call us today at 941-914-2202 or send us a message after-hours HERE!