🔧 Timing Belt - Replacement (Not Equipped)

Your Explorer’s 3.5L V6 does not use a timing belt. It uses an internal timing chain, which is lubricated by engine oil and is not a routine “belt replacement” item.

If you’re trying to fix a noise or a warning light, the next step is to confirm whether you meant the serpentine belt (the outside drive belt) or you truly need timing chain service (major engine work).

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 10-18 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Timing chain work can cause severe engine damage if mis-timed.
• ⚠️ Let the engine cool fully before working near exhaust/cooling components.
• ⚠️ Support the vehicle securely with jack stands before going underneath.
• ⚠️ Disconnect the negative battery cable if removing the starter, alternator, or major wiring.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• OBD2 scan tool
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• Metric socket set (8mm-21mm)
• Metric wrench set (8mm-21mm)
• Torque wrench (10-150 ft-lbs)
• Breaker bar (1/2-inch drive)
• Trim clip removal tool
• Pry bar
• Drain pan (at least 10 qt)
• Shop light
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses
• Ford timing tool kit for 3.5L Ti-VCT (specialty)
• Engine support bar (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Timing chain set - Qty: 1
• Timing chain guides - Qty: 1 set
• Timing chain tensioners - Qty: 1 set
• Front timing cover gasket/seal set - Qty: 1
• Crankshaft front seal - Qty: 1
• Engine oil (5W-20 full synthetic) - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Engine coolant - Qty: 2-3 gallons
• RTV silicone sealant (OEM-spec) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear tires.
• Plan for downtime: timing chain work often becomes “while you’re in there” work.
• Please answer these 2 quick questions so I give you the correct DIY steps:
• Are you actually trying to replace the serpentine belt (outside belt that drives the alternator/A/C), or do you suspect a timing chain problem (rattle on cold start, cam/crank correlation codes like P0016)?
• Are you doing this because of a symptom, or purely preventative maintenance?

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm what you’re replacing

• Open the hood and locate the belt you can see from the front of the engine.
• If you can see it routing around multiple pulleys, that is the serpentine belt, not a timing belt.
• The timing chain is behind the front timing cover and is not visible without major disassembly.

Step 2: Check for timing chain-related symptoms

• Use an OBD2 scan tool to check for codes like P0016/P0017/P0018/P0019.
• Listen for a brief rattle at cold start near the front cover area.
• If codes/noise are present, timing system diagnosis is required before parts replacement.

Step 3: Decide DIY vs shop for timing chain work

• If you meant serpentine belt, tell me and I’ll give you the exact steps for your Explorer.
• If you meant timing chain, be aware it requires Ford timing locking tools (they lock the crank/cams in the correct position so timing stays accurate) and a long list of torque-angle fasteners.
• Without the correct locking tools and exact torque specs, this job is high risk for a first-time DIYer.

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✅ After Repair

• Clear any stored codes with an OBD2 scan tool and re-check after a test drive.
• Check for oil or coolant leaks after the first heat cycle.
• Re-check fluid levels after the engine cools back down.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $1,800-$3,500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $350-$900 (parts only)

You Save: $900-$2,600 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 10-18 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.