Month: August 2021

Seek The Assistance of Our Trained Technicians in Los Angeles to Identify a Bad VANOS in Your BMW

Posted on August 22, 2021 by - BMW Repair

BMW Car

VANOS system faults can easily be a nightmare for any BMW driver. VANOS faults often have a direct impact on the performance of the BMW and should be attended to as soon as possible. There are several reasons behind VANOS system failure, which is often followed by several symptoms pointing to the issue. Let’s have a look at some of these reasons and signs as well as what role the VANOS system does in your BMW.

The VANOS system is one of BMW’s unique technological advancements that is responsible for valve timing. The VANOS works by using oil pressure to adjust the valve timings by changing the camshaft’s position in relation to the drive gear. What this means is that the VANOS system controls the camshaft for intake and exhaust valves. This makes it possible for your BMW to have smooth idling and produce more horsepower.

The VANOS system also has solenoids that are responsible for ensuring the smooth flow of oil to the cam gears. This smooth flow of oil is what allows for the adjustment of the timing. In addition, the VANOS system also helps BMWs to maintain low carbon emissions as well as increasing fuel economy.

Sources of VANOS System Failure

The VANOS system in your BMW can develop faults for a number of reasons. The first of these reasons is the O-ring failure. The O-ring is a rubber component in the VANOS system that is more or less a weak link in an otherwise excellent system. Being made of rubber, the O-ring often wears out faster than expected due to the constant expansion and contraction that causes it to dry out over time, losing elasticity. This leads to cracks developing in the O-ring, leaving the VANOS system unable to fulfill its tasks.

The other cause of VANOS system failure is a clogged solenoid. The clogging happens due to the gathering of dust and dirt particles on the surface of the solenoids blocking them from working as they should.

What You’ll Notice about a Failing VANOS System

Because the VANOS system is an important electronic component in your BMW, when the system develops any problems, you’ll notice a few changes in your driving. Some of the most common symptoms of a bad VANOS system is rough idling. Remember, this is the part of your car that ensures your engine idles smoothly, so when it’s not working, you’ll hear rattling noises when idling. These noises are a result of loose gears vibrating.

Another symptom of VANOS system failure is that your BMW may lose power when driving at lower RPMs. The engine may also hesitate when driving at those lower speeds. This happens when the engine doesn’t receive enough fuel and is unable to expel the exhaust efficiently. This is also the reason why your car may also sputter as you drive.

Your BMW will also have a case of poor fuel economy whereby you’ll be spending a lot more fuel to cover distances that you’d otherwise cover on less money at the pump. This occurs when the engine burns more fuel to compensate for the discrepancy.

The check-engine light on your BMW’s dashboard is also likely to come on when you’re having a VANOS system fault. While this warning indicator illuminates anytime you have an issue in the engine, it can also point to VANOS failure. To rule out all the other possible causes of the dashboard warning, you’ll need a BMW specialist to run the proper diagnostics.

If you suspect that your BMW has suffered a VANOS system failure, seek out our BMW specialists. The diagnostic process BMW Engine Inspection of isolating this particular problem requires a level of brand specific experience that you can’t find at a corner garage.

At Carotech Automotive, our certified BMW specialists have factory-grade tools necessary to make the repairs using OEM parts. We provide high-quality repairs to BMW owners in Los Angeles, CA for years. Schedule a visit with us for regular VANOS servicing and repairs. Our expert team is happy to help. Let us show you why we’re the best BMW service center in the area.

* BMW Car image credit goes to: ByoungJoo.

Indicators of a Camshaft Tensioner Leak in an Audi by the Specialist of Los Angeles

Posted on August 6, 2021 by - Audi Repair

Audi R8

When driving an Audi, or any car for that matter, it is in your best interest to keep all the essential parts operating smoothly. A part that is important to the performance of your Audi is the camshaft tensioner.

The camshaft tensioner is responsible for keeping an appropriate amount of tension on your car’s timing belt. The timing belt regulates the opening and closing of the engine valves through synchronizing the camshaft and crankshaft rotations.

In an Audi, the camshaft tensioner uses pressurized hydraulic oil for the timing belt’s functionality. A leak here can result in malfunctions and even complete engine failure.

A leaking camshaft tensioner can lead to more engine problems and can even compromise your safety. You wouldn’t want your Audi to suffer further problems, so it is a good idea to keep an eye out for tell-tale signs of problems. If you notice symptoms of a camshaft tensioner leak, you should bring it to our Audi-certified technicians so we can make repairs for you.

Watch For These Indications

A camshaft tensioner leak will appear as a typical oil leak, since the function of the camshaft tensioner is to regulate the timing belt. Failure of the camshaft tensioner will affect the timing belt as well.

  • Unusual Clicking or Grinding Noises: If you hear a loud grinding, ticking, or clicking noises, these are signs that the timing belt’s tension has been compromised. Since the timing belt is responsible for the movement of the engine’s pistons, this can also compromise your safety and can lead to an accident.
  • Check-Engine Light is On: The performance of the engine will rely on the timing belt and camshaft tensioner, among other things. Since both of these are central to its performance, failure in any of these will result in the engine line turning on.
  • Engine Doesn’t Start: An inappropriate amount of tension on the timing belt will lead to it being stretched, and as time passes, it increases the chance of it snapping. A snapped timing belt will increase the difficulty in repairing your vehicle with the added problem of not being able to bring your vehicle to the repair shop.
  • Accelerated Aging of the Timing Belt: To check the timing belt, you would need to open the hood of your car. However, the timing belt will naturally accumulate wear and tear over time with oil leaking from the camshaft tensioner. The timing belt will fray faster than it would without the oil leaking onto it.
  • Problems with Accelerating: If you notice your vehicle hesitating to accelerate, it could result from the timing belt being damaged and slipping due to improper tension.
  • Other Issues: Since the camshaft tensioner has a hand in governing other features, problems with your AC and battery can also be caused by a leaking camshaft tensioner.

How to Prevent a Camshaft Tensioner Leak

The best way to prevent a leak from happening is to get your vehicle regularly examined to catch the problem before it gets even worse. A simple inspection done by our expert mechanics can catch a worn-out timing belt and other loose parts. These can be solved early without it having the chance to pose a risk to your and your vehicle’s safety.

Get it Fixed by the Certified Technicians at Carotech Automotive

A vehicle with a leaking camshaft tensioner will negatively impact your engine’s performance and can even compromise your Audi Camshaft Tensioner Leak Repair safety. With those in mind, it’s best that you get your car to a certified repair shop. Our masterful technicians here at Carotech Automotive will diagnose and address the issues plaguing your car and have you safely behind the wheel again.

The owners and technicians at Carotech Automotive have maintained a code of excellence for over 50 years. We have reliably served the people of Los Angeles, CA and have gained their trust through honestly diagnosing and repairing their vehicles.

For any issues affecting your Audi, bring it to Carotech Automotive. We will have our expert technicians tend to your vehicle. Don’t wait for your camshaft tensioner leak to cause more problems. Ensure your and your vehicle’s safety by contacting us and booking an appointment with our master technicians today.

* Audi R8 image credit goes to: DarthArt.