We have a 2005 Rubicon with about 7600 miles on it. Several months back, it was making a rattling noise while idling, like something was loose. It turns out the cam chain tensioner, tensioner lifter is the actual term, was bad. So we replaced it and the noise went away.

Now a couple months later, the same noise is back. Does this mean the chain itself is getting worn out? Is this normal on atv's in general? How long should they last?

How hard is it to install a new one? If it involves major engine work, I would rather take it to a shop, although I don't like to. Any idea on how much a shop would charge to install a new cam chain?

 

Changing the cam chain on a Rubicon depends on how handy you are with tools.. You have to drain the antifreeze , remove the top cover & head .. You have to drain the oil , remove the oil tank , clutch cover & centrifugal clutch .. The remove the oil pump chain , remove the cam holder bolts then you can remove the cam chain .. The engine should be set to TDC and the cam timed when the new chain is on .. While taking off the oil pump chain it should be checked and changed if loose...

As for price different shops charge different prices and a lot over charge , some charge straight hourly rate , some charge flat rate ..

This is Honda's flat rate for replacing the chain , even a good mechanic can't do it as fast as Honda's time but should be able to change the chain in 4-6 hours depending on trouble they run into .

===================================