In-Vehicle Servicing: Camshafts: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Ford Ranger. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

CAUTION: Do not loosen or remove the crankshaft pulley bolt without first installing the special tools as instructed in the crankshaft pulley 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 you loosen the pulley bolt. Before any repair requiring loosening or removal of the crankshaft pulley bolt, the crankshaft and camshafts must be locked in place by the special tools, otherwise severe engine damage may occur.

Remove the timing chain and sprockets. For additional information, refer to Timing Drive Components in this article.
Remove the special tool.

Fig 1: Identifying Special Camshaft Tool (303-465)
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Failure to follow the camshaft loosening procedure may result in damage to the camshafts.

NOTE: Note the position of the lobes on the No. 1 cylinder before removing the camshafts for assembly reference.

Remove the camshafts from the engine.
- Loosen the camshaft bearing cap bolts, in sequence, one turn at a time.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Loosening/Tightening Sequence Of Camshaft Bearing Bolts
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
- Repeat the first step until all tension is released from the camshaft bearing caps.
- Remove the camshaft bearing caps.
- Remove the camshafts.