🔧 Timing Chain - Replacement

Your Explorer does not use a timing belt; it uses a timing chain. On this engine, replacing the chain is a major front-engine teardown because the chain is inside the timing cover and is driven by the crankshaft and camshafts.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 10-14 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting.
• Support the engine properly before removing the front engine mount.
• Keep the front of the engine clean. Dirt inside the timing cover can cause damage.
• This job requires accurate cam timing. If timing is off, the engine can be damaged.
• Replace all one-time-use seals, gaskets, and torque-to-yield fasteners.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Metric socket set
• Metric wrench set
• 1/2-inch drive breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Harmonic balancer puller (specialty)
• Timing chain holding tool (specialty)
• Camshaft holding tool (specialty)
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Drain pan
• Gasket scraper
• Serpentine belt tool
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Rubber mallet
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Timing chain set - Qty: 1
• Timing cover gasket set - Qty: 1
• Front crankshaft seal - Qty: 1
• Valve cover gasket set - Qty: 1
• Water pump gasket - Qty: 1
• Serpentine belt - Qty: 1
• Engine coolant - Qty: 1-2 gallons
• Engine oil - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Front engine mount bolts - Qty: 1 set

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool fully before draining coolant.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands.
• Drain the engine oil and coolant before opening the timing cover area.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove underhood components

• Use a metric socket set to remove the engine cover, air intake duct, and any parts blocking access to the front of the engine.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver to release hose clamps if needed.

Step 2: Drain fluids

• Use a drain pan to catch the engine oil and coolant.
• Remove the oil drain plug with the correct metric socket.
• Open the radiator drain or lower hose to drain coolant.

Step 3: Remove accessory drive components

• Use a serpentine belt tool to unload the belt tensioner and remove the belt.
• Use a metric socket set to remove the belt tensioner, idlers, and front accessory brackets as needed.

Step 4: Support the engine and remove the mount

• Place a floor jack with a wood block under the oil pan to support the engine.
• Use a metric socket set and metric wrench set to remove the front engine mount and related brackets.
• Keep the engine gently supported.

Step 5: Remove the crankshaft pulley

• Use a 1/2-inch drive breaker bar and the correct socket to loosen the crankshaft pulley bolt.
• Use a harmonic balancer puller (specialty) to remove the pulley.

Step 6: Remove timing cover and valve covers

• Use a metric socket set to remove the timing cover bolts.
• Use a gasket scraper to clean the sealing surfaces carefully.
• Use a metric socket set to remove both valve covers for timing access.

Step 7: Set engine to top dead center

• Rotate the engine by hand with a breaker bar until cylinder 1 is at top dead center.
• Install the timing chain holding tool (specialty) and camshaft holding tool (specialty) to lock the timing position.
• Do not force the engine rotation if resistance is felt.

Step 8: Remove the old timing components

• Use a metric socket set to remove the chain guides, tensioners, and timing chains.
• Keep track of each part’s location. The front and rear timing components must go back in the correct spots.
• Take photos before removal.

Step 9: Install the new timing chain set

• Install the new chains, guides, and tensioners in the same positions as removed.
• Align all timing marks exactly with the colored links and sprocket marks.
• Use a metric socket set to tighten the fasteners to specification.
• Torque to manufacturer specification for each timing fastener and follow the service sequence.

Step 10: Reseal the front cover

• Use a gasket scraper to clean all gasket surfaces.
• Install the new timing cover gasket and front crank seal.
• Use a torque wrench and metric socket set to reinstall the timing cover bolts.
• Torque to manufacturer specification in the proper crisscross pattern.

Step 11: Reinstall removed components

• Reinstall the crankshaft pulley with a torque wrench.
• Reinstall the front engine mount using a metric socket set and torque wrench.
• Reinstall the valve covers with new gaskets.
• Reinstall the accessory brackets, belt tensioner, and serpentine belt.

Step 12: Refill fluids and start up

• Refill engine oil and coolant.
• Reconnect the battery.
• Start the engine and listen for abnormal chain noise.
• Check for oil leaks, coolant leaks, and proper running.

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✅ After Repair

• Verify there are no warning lights on the dash.
• Check oil level again after the engine runs.
• Bleed the cooling system if air was introduced.
• Road test carefully and recheck for leaks.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $2,000-$4,000 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $1,650-$3,100 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 10-14 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.