S54 timing chain guide

[Gt4]

Mine was cracked in half when I bought the car.

Granted, it was most likely due to deferred maintenance by the previous owner (top timing chain bolt backed out and eventually broke, mess seen in the pic above is due to this), but I wouldn't be surprised if a lot of them are starting to fail due to age.

To replace the aluminum washer behind the bolt of the driver side top timing chain guide, do you have to remove valve cover and hold the guide or it won't move/drop once bolt removed?

[heinzboehmer]

To replace the aluminum washer behind the bolt of the driver side top timing chain guide, do you have to remove valve cover and hold the guide or it won't move/drop once bolt removed?

It won't move, chain tension is enough to keep it in place.