Timing Chain & Sprockets: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disconnect negative cable from battery.
Drain cooling system (Refer to COOLING - STANDARD PROCEDURE) .
Remove right and left cylinder head covers (Refer to ENGINE/CYLINDER HEAD/CYLINDER HEAD COVER(S) - REMOVAL) .
Remove radiator fan (Refer to COOLING/ENGINE/RADIATOR FAN - REMOVAL) .
Rotate engine until timing mark on crankshaft damper aligns with TDC mark on timing chain cover (See Fig 1) (#1 cylinder exhaust stroke) and the camshaft sprocket "V8" marks are at the 12 o'clock position. See Fig 2.

Fig 1: Engine Top Dead Center (TDC) Indicator Marks
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - TIMING CHAIN COVER

2 - CRANKSHAFT TIMING MARKS

Fig 2: Positioning Secondary Chain Onto Camshaft Drive Gear
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - LEFT CYLINDER HEAD

2 - RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD
Remove power steering pump.
Remove access plugs (2) from left and right cylinder heads for access to chain guide fasteners. See Fig 3.
Remove the oil fill housing to gain access to the right side tensioner arm fastener.

Fig 3: Cylinder Head Access Plugs
Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - RIGHT CYLINDER HEAD ACCESS PLUG

2 - LEFT CYLINDER HEAD ACCESS PLUG
Remove crankshaft damper (Refer to ENGINE/ENGINE BLOCK/VIBRATION DAMPER - REMOVAL) and timing chain cover (Refer to ENGINE/VALVE TIMING/TIMING BELT / CHAIN COVER(S) - REMOVAL) .

Collapse and pin primary chain tensioner. See Fig 4.

Fig 4: Collapsing and Pinning Primary Chain Tensioner

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - PRIMARY CHAIN TENSIONER

2 - ADJUSTABLE PLIERS

3 - SPECIAL TOOL 8514

CAUTION: Plate behind left secondary chain tensioner could fall into oil pan. Therefore, cover pan opening.

Remove secondary chain tensioners.

Remove camshaft position sensor from right cylinder head. See Fig 5.

Fig 5: Locating Crankshaft & Camshaft Position Sensors

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - CRANKSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

2 - CYLINDER HEAD COVER

3 - CAMSHAFT POSITION SENSOR

4 - RIGHT SIDE CYLINDER BLOCK

CAUTION: Care should be taken not to damage camshaft target wheel. Do not hold target wheel while loosening or tightening camshaft sprocket. Do not place the target wheel near a magnetic source of any kind. A damaged or magnetized target wheel could cause a vehicle no start condition.

CAUTION: Do not forcefully rotate the camshafts or crankshaft independently of each other. Damaging intake valve to piston contact will occur. Ensure negative battery cable is disconnected to guard against accidental starter engagement.

Remove left and right camshaft sprocket bolts.

While holding the left camshaft steel tube with adjustable pliers, remove the left camshaft sprocket. Slowly rotate the camshaft approximately 15 degrees clockwise to a neutral position. See Fig 6.

Fig 6: Holding Camshaft With Pliers

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - CAMSHAFT SPROCKET AND CHAIN

2 - ADJUSTABLE PLIERS

3 - CAMSHAFT

Fig 7: Camshaft Rotation-Right Side

Courtesy of DAIMLERCHRYSLER CORP.

1 - ADJUSTABLE PLIERS

2 - CAMSHAFT DOWEL

While holding the right camshaft steel tube with adjustable pliers, remove the right camshaft sprocket. Slowly rotate the camshaft approximately 45 degrees counterclockwise to a neutral position. See Fig 7.
Remove idler sprocket assembly bolt.
Slide the idler sprocket assembly and crank sprocket forward simultaneously to remove the primary and secondary chains.
Remove both pivoting tensioner arms and chain guides.
Remove chain tensioner.