Timing Drive Components: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Mercury Milan, 2011 Lincoln MKZ, and 2011 Ford Fusion. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: Do not loosen or remove the crankshaft pulley bolt without first installing the special tools as instructed in this procedure. The crankshaft pulley and the crankshaft timing sprocket are not keyed to the crankshaft. The crankshaft, the crankshaft sprocket and the pulley are fitted together by friction, using diamond washers between the flange faces on each part. For that reason, the crankshaft sprocket is also unfastened if the pulley bolt is loosened. Before any repair requiring loosening or removal of the crankshaft pulley bolt, the crankshaft and camshafts must be locked in place by the special service tools or severe engine damage can occur.

NOTE: During engine repair procedures, cleanliness is extremely important. Any foreign material, including any material created while cleaning gasket surfaces, that enters the oil passages, coolant passages or the oil pan can cause engine failure.

With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist. For additional information, refer to JACKING & LIFTING article.
Remove the engine front cover. For additional information, refer to ENGINE FRONT COVER in this service information.
Compress the timing chain tensioner in the following sequence.
1. Using a small pick, release and hold the ratchet mechanism.
2. While holding the ratchet mechanism in the released position, compress the tensioner by pushing the timing chain arm toward the tensioner.
3. Insert a paper clip into the hole to retain the tensioner.
Fig 1: Compressing Timing Chain Tensioner
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 bolts and timing chain tensioner.

Fig 2: Locating Timing Chain Tensioner Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the timing chain tensioner arm.

Fig 3: Locating Timing Chain Tensioner Arm
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the timing chain.

Fig 4: Identifying Timing Chain
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 bolts and the timing chain guide.

Fig 5: Locating LH Timing Chain Guide Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The Camshaft Alignment Plate is for camshaft alignment only. Using this tool to prevent engine rotation can result in engine damage.

Fig 6: Locating Flats On Camshaft, Bolt And Exhaust Camshaft Sprocket

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Using the flats on the camshaft to prevent camshaft rotation, remove the bolt and the exhaust camshaft sprocket.

NOTE: The Camshaft Alignment Plate is for camshaft alignment only. Using this tool to prevent engine rotation can result in engine damage.

Using the flats on the camshaft to prevent camshaft rotation, remove the bolt and the camshaft phaser and sprocket.

Fig 7: Identifying Bolt And Camshaft Phaser And Sprocket

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.