🔧 Timing Chain - Inspection / Replacement

Assumption: your Explorer uses a timing chain, not a timing belt. This engine does not have a routine-service timing belt. If you’re hearing chain rattle, seeing timing-related codes, or have chain stretch concerns, the repair is a major engine tear-down and is not a beginner job.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting.
• Work on a cool engine. Hot coolant, exhaust parts, and oil can burn you.
• If the front cover must come off, the coolant and engine oil will usually need to be drained.
• The engine must be set at true top dead center before timing components are removed.
• Do not rotate the crankshaft or camshafts independently once the chain is removed.
• Support the engine if mounts or the front cover service requires it.

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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 alignment tool set (specialty)
• Crankshaft holding tool (specialty)
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Drain pan
• Scraper
• Gasket pick set
• Seal installer tool (specialty)
• Ratchet extension set
• 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 chain tensioner - Qty: 1
• Timing chain guide set - Qty: 1
• Front cover gasket set - Qty: 1
• Front crankshaft seal - Qty: 1
• Valve cover gasket - Qty: 1
• Engine oil - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Engine coolant - Qty: 1
• Accessory drive belt - Qty: 1
• Single-use fastener kit - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Let the engine cool completely.
• Drain the engine oil and coolant before front cover removal.
• Keep the crank at TDC before disassembly.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Disconnect power and drain fluids

• Use a 10mm wrench to disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Use a drain pan to drain the engine oil and coolant.
• Remove the engine cover and intake ducting as needed with a metric socket set.

Step 2: Remove front engine accessories

• Use a metric socket set and breaker bar to remove the accessory drive belt tension.
• Remove the accessory belt with a metric socket set.
• Remove brackets, pulley assemblies, and related covers with a metric socket set.

Step 3: Set engine timing position

• Use a crankshaft holding tool (specialty) to position the engine at top dead center.
• Install the timing chain alignment tool set (specialty) before removing any chain components.
• Mark nothing by hand.

Step 4: Remove timing cover and chain components

• Use a metric socket set to remove the front cover bolts.
• Carefully pry the front cover loose with a gasket pick set only where permitted.
• Remove the timing chain guides and tensioner with a metric socket set.
• Remove the timing chain and sprockets with the timing chain alignment tool set (specialty).

Step 5: Install new timing components

• Install the new chain, guides, and tensioner using the timing chain alignment tool set (specialty).
• Make sure all timing marks line up exactly before tightening fasteners.
• Torque to factory specification for every timing fastener, cam bolt, and tensioner bolt.
• Install the front crankshaft seal with a seal installer tool (specialty).

Step 6: Reassemble the front of the engine

• Clean the mating surfaces with a scraper.
• Install the new front cover gasket set with a metric socket set.
• Reinstall pulleys, brackets, and the accessory belt.
• Torque to factory specification for all cover and bracket bolts.

Step 7: Refill fluids and verify operation

• Refill engine oil and coolant with a funnel and drain pan.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm wrench.
• Crank the engine and listen for abnormal chain noise.
• Check for oil, coolant, or front cover leaks.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and let it idle until normal operating temperature is reached.
• Check the instrument cluster for warning lights.
• Inspect carefully for leaks around the front cover and crank seal.
• Clear any stored codes with a scan tool if needed.
• Recheck fluid levels after the first test drive.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $2,500-$5,000 (parts + labor)

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

You Save: $2,150-$4,100 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.