🔧 Timing Drive - No Timing Belt / Timing Chain Note

Your Explorer does not use a timing belt. It uses a timing chain, which is a different setup and is usually replaced only if it’s noisy, stretched, or a related failure has already happened. This is a major engine repair that requires the front of the engine to be disassembled and the engine timed precisely.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 12-18 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting.
• Support the vehicle securely on jack stands if you need access underneath.
• Keep fingers clear of sharp edges and rotating components.
• Do not rotate the crankshaft or camshafts once the timing components are apart unless the engine is locked in the correct timed position.
• This repair can cause engine damage if timing is set wrong.
• Use care around hot exhaust and coolant if the engine was recently run.

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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)
• Timing chain holding tool set (specialty)
• Camshaft alignment tool (specialty)
• Crankshaft holding tool (specialty)
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Drain pan
• Gasket scraper
• Pick tool
• 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 gaskets - Qty: 1
• Water pump gasket - Qty: 1
• Coolant - Qty: 1 fill
• Engine oil - Qty: 1 oil change
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Accessory drive belt - Qty: 1
• Sealant - Qty: 1 tube

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool fully.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Drain engine oil and coolant before opening the front cover.
• Label bolts and brackets as you remove them. There are many different lengths.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove front accessory components

• Use a metric socket set and breaker bar to remove the accessory drive belt, brackets, and related front-end parts blocking the timing cover.
• If needed, remove the passenger side wheel and splash shield with a metric socket set for access.

Step 2: Remove the crankshaft pulley

• Use a harmonic balancer puller (specialty) to remove the crank pulley.
• Hold the crankshaft with a crankshaft holding tool (specialty) if needed.

Step 3: Remove the timing cover

• Use a metric socket set to remove the timing cover bolts.
• Carefully separate the cover without gouging the sealing surface. Work slowly here.

Step 4: Set engine to top dead center

• Use a breaker bar on the crankshaft bolt to rotate the engine by hand until cylinder 1 is at top dead center.
• Install the camshaft alignment tool (specialty) and crankshaft holding tool (specialty) to lock timing in place.

Step 5: Remove old timing components

• Use a metric socket set to remove the chain guides, tensioner, and timing chain.
• Inspect the sprockets for wear. Replace them if damaged.

Step 6: Install new timing chain set

• Use the timing chain holding tool set (specialty) to install the new chain and guides in the correct position.
• Make sure all timing marks line up exactly.
• Install the new tensioner and release it only after everything is seated correctly.

Step 7: Reassemble the front of engine

• Install the new front crank seal and timing cover gasket.
• Use a torque wrench to tighten timing cover bolts and related fasteners to factory specification.
• Reinstall the crankshaft pulley and accessory drive components.

Step 8: Refill fluids and verify timing

• Refill engine oil and coolant.
• Reconnect the battery.
• Start the engine and listen for abnormal chain noise.
• Stop immediately if you hear loud rattling or knocking.

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✅ After Repair

• Check for oil or coolant leaks around the timing cover and seals.
• Verify smooth idle and normal engine operation.
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes if the check engine light is on.
• Recheck fluid levels after the first warm-up cycle.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $2,000-$4,500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $400-$1,200 (parts only)

You Save: $1,600-$3,300 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 12-18 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.