How to Replace the Timing Chain on a 2018-2019 Kia Stinger (Engine: Inline 4 2.0L)
Step-by-step timing chain service with tools, parts, safety tips, and torque specs
How to Replace the Timing Chain on a 2018-2019 Kia Stinger (Engine: Inline 4 2.0L)
Step-by-step timing chain service with tools, parts, safety tips, and torque specs for 2018, 2019
🔧 Timing Belt - Not Equipped
Your Stinger 2.0T does not use a timing belt. It uses a timing chain, which is a different setup and is not a routine replacement item like a belt. If you’re hearing chain noise, have a cam/crank correlation code, or suspect chain wear, the repair is a timing chain inspection or timing chain service instead.
Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 6-12 hours
⚠️ Safety & Precautions
- Engine work requires the vehicle to be fully cool before starting.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable before removing front engine covers or working near the starter/alternator wiring.
- Keep hands clear of the crank pulley and belts if you rotate the engine by hand.
- Support the vehicle securely on jack stands if access from below is needed.
- Use proper engine support if mounts must be removed during chain service.
🔧 Required Tools
You'll need the following tools for this repair:
- 10mm socket
- 12mm socket
- 14mm socket
- 17mm socket
- Ratchet
- Breaker bar
- Torque wrench
- Harmonic balancer puller (specialty)
- Engine support bar (specialty)
- Jack stands
- Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
- Drain pan
- Safety glasses
- Nitrile gloves
- Pick tool
- Paint marker
🔩 Required Parts
HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:
- Timing chain kit - Qty: 1
- Timing chain tensioner - Qty: 1
- Timing chain guides - Qty: 1 set
- Front engine cover gasket/seal set - Qty: 1
- Valve cover gasket - Qty: 1
- Crankshaft seal - Qty: 1
- Engine oil - Qty: 1 oil change
- Oil filter - Qty: 1
- Coolant - Qty: 1 refill
📋 Before You Begin
- Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
- Let the engine cool completely.
- Disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Drain the engine oil and coolant if the front cover or water pump area will be opened.
- Have the timing marks and service data ready before disassembly.
🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps in order:
Step 1: Disconnect power and prep the engine
- Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery cable.
- Remove the engine cover and intake ducting as needed with a 10mm socket and ratchet.
- Label every connector and hose.
Step 2: Remove front accessory drive components
- Use the correct socket set and breaker bar to remove the serpentine belt tension.
- Remove the accessory belt and any brackets blocking the front cover.
- If the mount blocks access, support the engine with an engine support bar (specialty).
Step 3: Remove the front engine cover
- Use a 10mm socket and 12mm socket to remove the front cover bolts.
- Carefully separate the cover without damaging the sealing surfaces.
- Do not pry on the gasket surface.
Step 4: Set engine timing to top dead center
- Use a 17mm socket and breaker bar to rotate the crankshaft by hand.
- Align the factory timing marks on the crankshaft and camshafts exactly.
- Mark the chain and sprockets with a paint marker before removal.
Step 5: Replace the timing chain components
- Use a pick tool to release the tensioner if applicable.
- Remove the chain guides, tensioner, and chain.
- Install the new guides, chain, and tensioner in the correct orientation.
- Make sure all timing marks line up before moving on.
Step 6: Reinstall the front cover and related seals
- Install new seals and gaskets from the front engine cover gasket/seal set.
- Use a torque wrench to tighten front cover bolts in stages.
- Torque to manufacturer specification for the cover bolts and crank bolt.
- Use a thin, even layer of sealant only where specified.
Step 7: Reassemble the front of the engine
- Reinstall the engine mount, brackets, accessory belt, intake ducting, and covers using the correct socket set.
- Refill engine oil and coolant as needed.
- Reconnect the negative battery cable with a 10mm socket.
✅ After Repair
- Start the engine and listen for abnormal chain noise.
- Check for oil, coolant, and front cover leaks.
- Scan for engine codes and clear any stored faults.
- Let the engine reach operating temperature and recheck fluid levels.
💰 DIY vs Shop Cost
Shop Cost: $1,800-$3,800 (parts + labor)
DIY Cost: $350-$900 (parts only)
You Save: $1,450-$2,900 by doing it yourself!
Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 6-12 hours.
🎯 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.















