Timing Chain: Service and Repair

Timing Chain and Sprockets Replacement

Removal Procedure

Tools Required
- J 22888-20 Crankshaft Gear Remover

1. Remove the engine front cover.

Notice: When using the crankshaft balancer bolt to rotate the engine, install sufficient spacers on the bolt to prevent the bolt from going to far in the crankshaft and damaging the threads of the bolt.




Important: Make sure the camshaft sprocket alignment mark, which is an 8 mm hole, and the stamped circle in the crankshaft sprocket align with the tabs on the timing chain tensioner.

2. Rotate the crankshaft until the number 1 piston is at Top Dead Center (TDC) of the compression stroke.




3. Remove the camshaft timing chain tensioner bolts.




4. Remove the camshaft timing chain, tensioner and camshaft sprocket at the same time.




5. Use the J 22888-20 in order to remove the crankshaft sprocket.
6. Remove the crankshaft sprocket key, If necessary.

Installation Procedure

Tools Required
- J 5590 Crankshaft Gear Installer

Important: If any of the camshaft drive components are being replaced to correct a noise condition, replace all of the components in the camshaft drive system.




1. Install the crankshaft sprocket key, if removed.
2. Install the crankshaft sprocket with the timing mark facing away from the engine, using J 5590 and a hammer.
Make sure that the crankshaft sprocket is seated against the crankshaft




3. Compress the timing chain tensioner spring.
4. Insert a cotter pin or a nail into the hole in the tensioner in order to retain the timing chain tensioner shoe.




Important: Do not tighten the timing chain tensioner bolts.

5. Install the timing chain tensioner.




6. Align the crankshaft sprocket timing mark, the stamped circle, with the tab on the timing chain tensioner.
7. Align the camshaft sprocket timing mark, the 8 mm hole, with the tab on the timing chain tensioner.
8. Install the camshaft sprocket and the timing chain.
9. Install the camshaft sprocket bolt.
1. Tighten the timing chain tensioner bolts to 24 N.m (17 lb ft).
2. Tighten the camshaft sprocket bolt to 130 N.m (96 lb ft).




10. Remove the cotter pin or nail from the hole in the timing chain tensioner.
11. Install the engine front cover.