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Cam Chain Tensioner
Posted: Aug 1st, '12, 14:27
by Primate
Hi All
My 1999 ZX6R has started to rattle and I have been told it's the cam chain tensioner...
Just on the off chance, has anyone had this problem before and what sort of costs am I looking at?
I like to try and fix problems on the bike myself but should I just play it safe and get it sorted by a garage?
Any advice would be appreciated!
Cheers!
Re: Cam Chain Tensioner
Posted: Aug 1st, '12, 16:17
by AndyG
You could try Derek at CMS, Venny Bridge, Exeter EX4 8JJ 01392 467 700
He is a wealth of knowledge
You can mention my name. Andy Speed Triple/Phone Shop Exeter
Re: Cam Chain Tensioner
Posted: Aug 1st, '12, 17:37
by dan90210
The CCT on my FZR is a doddle to change. Unbolt, fully remove, release, and bolt up again. Pimps!
Have you got a manual, a Haynes or similar?
You can also get manual tensioners. Supposed to be more reliable but slightly more difficult to set...
Re: Cam Chain Tensioner
Posted: Aug 1st, '12, 18:51
by TLS-Moose
Trouble is, on a bike of that age, chances are if the tensioner is rattling then the chain is well past its prime too ....... rather than just replacing the tensioner you're likely to need to replace the chain and guide slippers ....
Re: Cam Chain Tensioner
Posted: Aug 1st, '12, 21:09
by AndyG
TLS-Moose wrote:Trouble is, on a bike of that age, chances are if the tensioner is rattling then the chain is well past its prime too ....... rather than just replacing the tensioner you're likely to need to replace the chain and guide slippers ....
And if your changing the chain, it is wise to change the cogs also, as old cogs will wear a new chain quicker.
Re: Cam Chain Tensioner
Posted: Aug 2nd, '12, 07:16
by Jay
Easy to do yourself buddy, i have done a couple on my past CBR's
Re: Cam Chain Tensioner
Posted: Aug 2nd, '12, 09:10
by Funky
I remember I had a leak from the CCT on my old R6, it wasn't a big problem to take it out and replace it.
Re: Cam Chain Tensioner
Posted: Aug 2nd, '12, 09:12
by Funky
AndyG wrote:TLS-Moose wrote:Trouble is, on a bike of that age, chances are if the tensioner is rattling then the chain is well past its prime too ....... rather than just replacing the tensioner you're likely to need to replace the chain and guide slippers ....
And if your changing the chain, it is wise to change the cogs also, as old cogs will wear a new chain quicker.
And whilst you're doing that you might as well take the head off and replace the valves,
Whilst you got the head off you might as well give the pistons a clean...
Re: Cam Chain Tensioner
Posted: Aug 21st, '12, 10:00
by Primate
Hi all!
Thanks for all the responses, I haven't replied as I've been moving house. I live in Litton Cheney now and think the internet has only just been introduced down there!!! Oh well, I have the weymouth to West bay coast road on my doorstep now so that will make up for it!
Anyway back to the thread... It was the Cam Chain Tensioner... I played it safe and took the bike to AWS in bridport and he modified the tensioner for me. Works perfectly now and he only charged me £40!
Only thing is now the head bearings have gone!!! Been quoted £120 to put new one's in.
Anyone who lives anywhere near Bridport, I would highly recommend Andy at AWS!
http://www.awsbikerepair.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Re: Cam Chain Tensioner
Posted: Dec 3rd, '12, 20:49
by Milky
Hey mate - Best thing to do is either manually wind the tensioner in half a turn or so with a flat blade (anti-clockwise will lengthen the tensioner) and tighten your cam chain but dont force it too tight. If that fails or you cant adjsut yours, you can buy billet aluminium manual tensioners on ebay from the U.S for about £50/£60 which are great quality and quick to fit. Tom.
Re: Cam Chain Tensioner
Posted: Dec 4th, '12, 08:21
by Jay
Primate wrote:Hi all!
Thanks for all the responses, I haven't replied as I've been moving house. I live in Litton Cheney now and think the internet has only just been introduced down there!!! Oh well, I have the weymouth to West bay coast road on my doorstep now so that will make up for it!
Anyway back to the thread... It was the Cam Chain Tensioner... I played it safe and took the bike to AWS in bridport and he modified the tensioner for me. Works perfectly now and he only charged me £40!
Only thing is now the head bearings have gone!!! Been quoted £120 to put new one's in.
Anyone who lives anywhere near Bridport, I would highly recommend Andy at AWS!
http://www.awsbikerepair.com/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
I bought my first bikee from Litton Cheney.... as i used to be a Weymouth lad, and yes the coast road is still on of my favourite rides

Re: Cam Chain Tensioner
Posted: Dec 5th, '12, 10:00
by Troy
Primate wrote:
Only thing is now the head bearings have gone!!! Been quoted £120 to put new one's in.
I had these replaced on my ZX6 a few months ago, and £120 is pretty much spot on what I was charged. It made a world of difference too, completely changed the front end feel of the bike.
Re: Cam Chain Tensioner
Posted: Mar 11th, '13, 09:38
by wizard
If the bearings have a number on them, you can usually get them from a bearing supplier cheap.