🔧 Timing Chain - Service Information

Your Equinox does not use a timing belt. It uses a timing chain instead, so there is no routine timing belt replacement service on this engine. If you’re hearing chain noise, have cam/crank correlation codes, or low oil pressure concerns, the timing chain system may need inspection or replacement.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 8-12 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Engine support is required when removing right-side mounts.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting.
• Let the engine cool fully before working near the exhaust and cooling system.
• This repair requires exact timing alignment. Incorrect timing can cause engine damage.
• Use a scan tool if any cam/crank or misfire codes are stored.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Metric socket set
• Metric wrench set
• Torque wrench
• Breaker bar
• Harmonic balancer puller (specialty)
• Engine support bar
• Jack stands rated for vehicle weight
• Floor jack
• Drain pan
• Gasket scraper
• Plastic trim tool
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Timing chain kit - Qty: 1
• Timing cover gasket set - Qty: 1
• Front crankshaft seal - Qty: 1
• Valve cover gasket - Qty: 1
• Engine oil (correct specification) - Qty: 5 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Coolant - Qty: 1 fill

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Raise and support the vehicle safely on jack stands.
• Drain engine oil and coolant before opening the front cover area.
• Keep all timing marks clean and visible.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Prepare the engine

• Use a floor jack and jack stands to raise the vehicle.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Drain the engine oil and coolant into a drain pan.

Step 2: Remove front accessories

• Use a metric socket set and breaker bar to remove the belt drive components, accessory brackets, and any covers blocking the timing cover.
• Remove the serpentine belt.
• Remove the right-side engine mount if it blocks access, and support the engine with an engine support bar.

Step 3: Remove the crank pulley and timing cover

• Use a harmonic balancer puller (specialty) to remove the crankshaft pulley if required.
• Use a metric socket set to remove the timing cover bolts.
• Carefully pry the cover off without damaging the sealing surfaces.

Step 4: Set engine timing at top dead center

• Use a breaker bar on the crankshaft bolt to rotate the engine by hand.
• Align the crankshaft and camshaft timing marks exactly at top dead center.
• Do not rotate the engine with the chain removed.

Step 5: Remove timing components

• Use a metric socket set to remove the chain guides, tensioner, and timing chain.
• Inspect the sprockets for wear before installing new parts.
• Replace the crankshaft seal if it shows any seepage.

Step 6: Install the new timing chain kit

• Use the new chain and align all colored links with the timing marks on the sprockets.
• Install the guides and tensioner according to the kit instructions.
• Torque all fasteners to factory specification for the exact bolt type.

Step 7: Reassemble the front cover

• Use a gasket scraper to clean mating surfaces.
• Install the new timing cover gasket and front crankshaft seal.
• Reinstall the timing cover and torque bolts to factory specification.
• Reinstall the crank pulley, accessory brackets, and engine mount.

Step 8: Finish assembly and refill fluids

• Reinstall the serpentine belt and any remaining covers.
• Refill engine oil and coolant.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and listen for abnormal chain noise.
• Check for oil or coolant leaks around the timing cover.
• Verify the check engine light stays off.
• Scan for cam/crank correlation codes if the engine runs rough.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $1,200-$2,500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $250-$700 (parts only)

You Save: $950-$1,800 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 8-12 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.