Socket length for upper cam chain tensioner
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,873
Likes: 557
Socket length for upper cam chain tensioner
Can anyone confirm that a short 32mm socket is what is needed to remove the upper tensioner that sits below the A/C compressor? Maybe something like this?
7th Gear
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 2
That socket should work. When re-installing a tensioner, a socket with too much interior height (too deep) won't give enough pressure on the top of the tensioner to start it threading. This is due to the spring in the tensioner pushing the tensioner out enough that it's threads can't connect with the threads in the block. But the socket you linked should be shallow enough that it pushes the tensioner down. If it isn't you can do what I did with a standard (not deep) socket, which was to wedge in a plastic tube end cap into the socket. This made it shallow enough to work. If doing this make sure the cap sits evenly in the socket. Otherwise you run the risk of crossthreading.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 2,873
Likes: 557
That socket should work. When re-installing a tensioner, a socket with too much interior height (too deep) won't give enough pressure on the top of the tensioner to start it threading. This is due to the spring in the tensioner pushing the tensioner out enough that it's threads can't connect with the threads in the block. But the socket you linked should be shallow enough that it pushes the tensioner down. If it isn't you can do what I did with a standard (not deep) socket, which was to wedge in a plastic tube end cap into the socket. This made it shallow enough to work. If doing this make sure the cap sits evenly in the socket. Otherwise you run the risk of crossthreading.
7th Gear
Joined: May 2019
Posts: 7
Likes: 2
Ah, got you. Yes, socket sidewall thickness could possibly be a clearance issue. It's a pretty tight area where the tensioner sits. And you are understanding correctly, a normal non-impact socket (standard wall thickness) will work so long as you put some form of spacer inside it. Plastic worked well since it wedged in and didn't just fall out. I considered getting one of the oil wrench socks but the regular socket plus spacer worked well enough.
