Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Timing Chain: Installation
LH timing chain
- Install the timing chain sprocket.
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NOTE: The crankshaft sprocket is reversible with a timing mark on each face. For installation of each timing chain, utilize the timing mark on the front face of the crankshaft sprocket for chain alignment.
- Install the LH timing chain with the single colored links aligned with the timing marks on the VCT units.
- Install the double colored links so they straddle the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket.
- Install the LH timing chain tensioner arm.
- Position the tensioner in a soft-jawed vise.
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NOTE: Use of a commercially available tools with a curved radius in the range of 10mm - 15mm is suggested for use in resetting the ratchet clip. Examples are a 8mm closed end wrench, 12x12mm piece of bar stock, T40 to T50 Torx screwdriver or 3/8 wobble style socket extender.
Using a commercially available wrench, push down on the ratchet clip so the ratchet clip pushes outward.
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- Using the soft-jawed vise, compress the piston to the reset position.
- Install a locking pin in the 2 holes of the tensioner body to hold the piston in place.
- Remove the commercially available tool and the tensioner.
- Position the LH timing chain tensioner with the end of the tensioner correctly engaged to the tensioner arm and install the fasteners.
Torque: Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm); Stage 2: 30°
- Install the LH timing chain guide and bolts.
Torque: Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm); Stage 2: 30°
- Remove the tensioner pins.
- Remove Special Service Tool: 303-1655 Tool, Camshaft Holding.
- Install Special Service Tool: 303-1655 Tool, Camshaft Holding.
RH timing chain
-
NOTE: The crankshaft sprocket is reversible with a timing mark on each face. For installation of each timing chain, utilize the timing mark on the front face of the crankshaft sprocket for chain alignment.
- Install the RH timing chain with the single colored links aligned with the timing marks on the VCT units.
- Install the double colored links so they straddle the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket.
- Install the RH timing chain tensioner arm.
- Position the tensioner in a soft-jawed vise.
-
NOTE: Use of a commercially available tools with a curved radius in the range of 10mm - 15mm is suggested for use in resetting the ratchet clip. Examples are a 8mm closed end wrench, 12x12mm piece of bar stock, T40 to T50 Torx screwdriver or 3/8 wobble style socket extender.
Using a commercially available wrench, push down on the ratchet clip so the ratchet clip pushes outward.
-
- Using the soft-jawed vise, compress the piston to the reset position.
- Install a locking pin in the 2 holes of the tensioner body to hold the piston in place.
- Remove the commercially available tool and the tensioner.
- Position the RH timing chain tensioner with the end of the tensioner correctly engaged to the tensioner arm and install the fasteners.
Torque: Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm); Stage 2: 30°
- Install the RH timing chain guide and bolts.
Torque: Stage 1: 89 lb.in (10 Nm); Stage 2: 30°
- Remove the tensioner pins.
- Remove Special Service Tool: 303-1655 Tool, Camshaft Holding.
RH and LH timing chains
- Install the engine front cover. Refer to: Engine Front Cover .
NO RELATED
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.