Timing Chain Assembly: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2006 Subaru Outback. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Be careful that the foreign matter is not into or onto assembled component during installation.
Apply engine oil to the chain guide, chain tensioner lever and idler sprocket when installing.

Preparation for chain tensioner installation
1. Insert the screw, spring pin and tension rod into tensioner body.
2. While depressing the tensioner onto rubber mat, twist it to shorten tension rod. Then insert the thin pin into the hole between tension rod and tension body to keep it.
  NOTE: Work on the rubber mat or other anti-skid materials.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Rubber Mat
Using the ST, align the "Top mark" on crank sprocket to 9 o'clock position as shown in the figure
ST 18252AA000 CRANKSHAFT SOCKET

Fig 2: Locating Crank Sprocket Mark
Align the key groove on exhaust cam sprocket to 12 o'clock position as shown in the figure.

Fig 3: Locating Key Groove On Exhaust Cam Sprocket
Align the intake cam sprocket as shown in the figure.

Fig 4: Aligning Intake Cam Sprocket
Turn the crank sprocket clockwise, align the "Top mark" to 12 o'clock position. (Piston #1 is in TDC position)
NOTE: Do not rotate the crank shaft and cam sprocket before completing timing chain installation.
Install the idler sprocket (lower).
Tightening torque:

69 N.m (7.0 kgf-m, 50.6 ft-lb)

Fig 5: Locating Idler Sprocket (Lower)
Install the timing chain (LH).
1. Align the timing mark (B) on the crank sprocket with mark (A) on the timing chain (LH).
  
  Fig 6: Aligning Timing Mark On Crank Sprocket With Mark On Timing Chain
2. Install the timing chain (LH) to the idler sprocket (lower), water pump, exhaust cam sprocket (LH) and intake cam sprocket (LH) in this order.
  NOTE: Check that the mark on timing chain (A) and cam sprocket (B) is aligned as same as aligned on crank sprocket.
  
  Fig 7: Locating Timing Chain And Cam Sprocket
3. Install the chain idler (upper).
  Tightening torque:
  
  69 N.m (7.0 kgf-m, 50.6 ft-lb)
  
  Fig 8: Locating Chain Idler (Upper)
4. Install the chain guide (LH: between cams).
  Tightening torque:
  
  6.4 N.m (0.65 kgf-m, 4.7 ft-lb)
  
  NOTE: Use a new installing bolt.
  
  Fig 9: Identifying Chain Guide
5. Install the chain guide (LH).
  Tightening torque:
  
  16 N.m (1.6 kgf-m, 12 ft-lb)
  
  Fig 10: Identifying Chain Guide (LH)
6. Install the chain tensioner lever (LH).
  Tightening torque:
  
  16 N.m (1.6 kgf-m, 12 ft-lb)
  
  Fig 11: Identifying Chain Tensioner Lever (LH)
7. Install the chain tensioner (LH).
  Tightening torque:
  
  16 N.m (1.6 kgf-m, 12 ft-lb)
  
  Fig 12: Identifying Chain Tensioner (LH)
Install the timing chain (RH).
1. Align the marks of timing chain LH and RH on the idler sprocket (lower).
  
  Fig 13: Identifying Timing Chain (RH)
2. Install the timing chain (RH) to the intake cam sprocket (RH) and exhaust cam sprocket (RH) in this order.
  NOTE: Check that the mark on timing chain (A) and cam sprocket (B) is aligned as same as aligned on crank sprocket.
  
  Fig 14: Identifying Timing Chain And Cam Sprocket Mark
3. Install the chain guide (RH).
4. Install the chain tensioner lever (RH).
  Tightening torque:
  
  16 N.m (1.6 kgf-m, 12 ft-lb)
  
  Fig 15: Identifying Chain Tensioner Lever And Chain Guide
5. Install the chain guide (RH: between cams).
  Tightening torque:
  
  6.4 N.m (0.65 kgf-m, 4.7 ft-lb)
  
  NOTE: Use a new installing bolt.
  
  Fig 16: Identifying Chain Guide
6. Install the chain tensioner (RH).
  Tightening torque:
  
  16 N.m (1.6 kgf-m, 12 ft-lb)
  
  Fig 17: Identifying Chain Tensioner (RH)
7. Adjust the clearance between chain guide (RH) and chain guide (center) within 8.4 - 8.6 mm (0.331 - 0.339 in). Install the chain guide (center).
  Tightening torque:
  
  7.8 N.m (0.8 kgf-m, 5.8 ft-lb)
  
  NOTE: Use a new installing bolt.
  
  Fig 18: Adjusting Clearance Between Chain Guide And Chain Guide
8. Check that each mark on the sprocket and timing chain is matched, and then draw out the stopper pin from chain tensioner.