Engine How To: Swap exhaust valve spring

[rover137]

So this is pretty simple, takes less than 5 mins. Get down to the valve actuator, undo 3 x 8mm nuts, (i think its 8) pull the actuator off and this is what you'll see:
View attachment 19695

Then this is the base, you can see the two slots the spring sits in, this is what the spring turns to open/close the valve:
View attachment 19696

Then rip out the old one and bang in your new spring, they just clip in and out:
View attachment 19697
Then put it back together. You dont really need to worry about seating the spring in the slots. It will land in there and once you start the car you will hear a click and the spring is where it wants to be.
Don't worry if you lose some exhaust sound..... The spring is new and more rigid and needs a couple of days to settle. The sound will come back.

This mod will add 20 HP instantly

I just got my car back from the dealer today and I told them about the exhaust rattle. They said they will replace the actuator. I told them I’ve researched the issue and that the spring is actually the issue and if the actuator is replaced it will just do it again at some point. Tempted just to let them do it anyway as it’s a new part at their expense? Any chance a new actuator will have an upgraded spring it or something? My car was built June 23 and has 2000km on it. Any downfalls to getting the new actuator (apart from it failing again at some point)?

Edit: no idea why it keeps posting it twice!

 

[NTastic!]

has your dealer fixed the rattle now?

 

[rover137]

No not yet. It will go in for a fix in a week or two.

 

[BNEJRN]

No not yet. It will go in for a fix in a week or two.

I have read here somewhere that there is an aftermarket spring that is of a higher quality. An option is to get this and have a mechanic fit it at a small cost given it is apparently as simple task and have a more permanent fix. I have an April 23 build sedan that I think may have this issue as well.

 

[I30N_thegrey]

i just replaced mine with a flow down, i tought it would solve the rattle wich i only hear at 1800 rpm..

And offcourse the rattle at 1800 rpm isn't gone, anyone know what could cause the ratle. I hear it in the cabin, but not at the exhaust

 

[i_twenty_N]

I guess it is primarily the wear of the flap & shaft.

 

[Goran]

Well, I got a replacement spring for mine. The good news: it did solve the rattle I had when coasting at mid-revs. The bad news: getting the damn rusted bolts off was a pain, and caused me to break one of the plastic inserts which holds the actuator casing tied down with the bolts. So now I have to figure out how to fasten it properly. I'm thinking of clamping it with some kind of clamp. Any ideas?

 

[i_twenty_N]

Hi Goran one of these should work, the metal zip tie in my opinion is a lot more flexible as a clamp. You can try super-glue on the broken plastic part.

 

[Goran]

Hi Goran one of these should work, the metal zip tie in my opinion is a lot more flexible as a clamp. You can try super-glue on the broken plastic part.

Yeah, I thought of such a tie, even bought one, but it would need to be placed diagonally because the weld is right below where you would want to put it. So I opted for a simpler solution with a wide washer, at least as a start to see if it won’t fall off. I’ve put a dab of paint on it to prevent it from unscrewing.

 

[goobyN]

Well, I got a replacement spring for mine. The good news: it did solve the rattle I had when coasting at mid-revs. The bad news: getting the damn rusted bolts off was a pain, and caused me to break one of the plastic inserts which holds the actuator casing tied down with the bolts. So now I have to figure out how to fasten it properly. I'm thinking of clamping it with some kind of clamp. Any ideas?

Have this replacement planned as well! Quick question -- what uprated spring did you opt for? Also do you by any chance have an image of the plastic insert that holds the actuator? Just so I know what to look out for when doing mine!

(ah just seen the follow up image above -- is that that plastic bit next to the bolt the thing that snapped?)

 

[Goran]

Have this replacement planned as well! Quick question -- what uprated spring did you opt for? Also do you by any chance have an image of the plastic insert that holds the actuator? Just so I know what to look out for when doing mine!

(ah just seen the follow up image above -- is that that plastic bit next to the bolt the thing that snapped?)

I ordered the one from MT Tuning.

The thing that broke is best seen in this pic - it's the plastic bit on the left which you screw through.

You can also see how the spring is held in place, if that was your question.

 

[YNWaN]

There are a lot of these springs available on AliExpress for just a few £. This part seems to be used by a great many manufacturers.