DCR VVT actuator

[PPK88]

I have read on US forums that they are extending the warranty for this issue?

[MPS2NV]

From what info is available to me and discussions I have had with my mazda mate short answer is no. The unit is designed to retard inlet cam timing only and is apparently fail safe in regards to the unit being advanced in the event of a failure providing initial cam timing was set correctly. With the examples of VVT noises on youtube it would be fair say that is pretty true as the cars more then likely get repaired asap! I would expect engine damage if you ignored the serious noises as something in the timing train would eventually fail and severe engine damage would occur!

Considering the same service myself. Have had a single instance of cold start rattles, and the rest of the time there seems to be just a little bit of noise, and occasionally it'l have a bit of tick/rattle on start. Settles quickly. Only just started making these noises. 145,000K

Any risk to the internals from VVT actuator failures?

[Reedy]

I just had the Timing Chain, Chain Tensioner and VVT Actuator on my car replaced at my own request. Noises are all gone... The VVT Actuator didn't even need to be replaced, I just had it done while they were working on it.

What have you had replaced and what sort of noises are you talking about?

Your cars nickname "Sleeve of Wizard" is hereby revoked.

[Caffeine Fiend]

*Jeev puts on his robe and wizard hat*


..........

[Jeev]

Your cars nickname "Sleeve of Wizard" is hereby revoked.

Indeed. I went for a bit of a cannonball run with the PF guys and got a "That thing is a beast comment"

*Jeev puts on his robe and wizard hat*


..........

[Nexus]

It's possible, but I'd be more worried about the risk posed by the chain and tensioner. All work completed including labour and parts were $1650 and I had it done at 154,000kms.

As soon as I said it I thought the timing chain's the bigger worry.

[Fletch]

I just had the Timing Chain, Chain Tensioner and VVT Actuator on my car replaced at my own request. Noises are all gone... The VVT Actuator didn't even need to be replaced, I just had it done while they were working on it.

What have you had replaced and what sort of noises are you talking about?

I've replaced all three- VVT actuator, timing chain and the tensioner and the same rattle noise on start-up was still there.

[Jeev]

Without hearing it myself, it's too hard to say if it's bottom end, top end or something loose. It could just be something really simple, but easy to overlook