How to: fit a chain tensioner and relegate those rattles

Published: 27 December 2023

Engine noisy? Your cam chain tensioner could well be knackered… here’s how to swap it for a new one.

Heard a rattle?

The cam chain tensioner (CCT) is a component inside your bike’s engine that ensures the chain runs smoothly at all times. Most tensioners are automatic and operate without fault for tens of thousands of miles. But there are a few models where it’s a bit of a known weakspot, and the warning is a rattle from the top end. Luckily it’s easy to fix…

By Bruce Dunn

Workshop Expert, Datalogger, Speed Tester - Bruce has been professionally testing bikes for over 25 years. He's a fully qualified motorcycle technician who also has a knack for going incredibly fast on racetracks and runways. As-well-as looking after the 'Workshop How To' section for MCN, Bruce keeps his own collection of bikes fettled, including the Yamaha TZ250 - the bike he used to take the the 2022 BMCRC Blue Haze GP championship with a round to spare!