Timing Drive Components: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2009 Ford Flex. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: During engine repair procedures, cleanliness is extremely important. Any foreign material, including any material created while cleaning gasket surfaces, that enters the oil passages, coolant passages or the oil pan may cause engine failure.

Remove the engine front cover. For additional information, refer to ENGINE FRONT COVER .
Rotate the crankshaft clockwise and align the timing marks on the Variable Camshaft Timing (VCT) assemblies as shown.

Fig 1: Locating Timing Marks
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The Camshaft Holding Tool will hold the camshafts in the Top Dead Center (TDC) position.

Fig 2: Identifying Camshaft Holding Tool Onto Flats Of LH Camshafts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the Camshaft Holding Tool onto the flats of the LH camshafts.

NOTE: The Camshaft Holding Tool will hold the camshafts in the TDC position.

Fig 3: Identifying Camshaft Holding Tool Onto Flats Of RH Camshafts

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Install the Camshaft Holding Tool onto the flats of the RH camshafts.
Remove the 3 bolts and the RH VCT housing.

Fig 4: Locating Bolts And RH VCT Housing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 3 bolts and the LH VCT housing.

Fig 5: Locating Bolts And LH VCT Housing
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove and discard the VCT housing seals.

Fig 6: Locating VCT Housing Seals
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 bolts and the primary timing chain tensioner.

Fig 7: Locating Bolts And Primary Timing Chain Tensioner
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the primary timing chain tensioner arm.

Fig 8: Locating Primary Timing Chain Tensioner Arm
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 bolts and the lower LH primary timing chain guide.

Fig 9: Locating Bolts And Lower LH Primary Timing Chain Guide
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the primary timing chain.

Fig 10: Locating Primary Timing Chain
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the crankshaft timing chain sprocket.

Fig 11: Locating Crankshaft Timing Chain Sprocket
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the 2 bolts and the upper LH primary timing chain guide.

Fig 12: Locating Bolts And Upper LH Primary Timing Chain Guide
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Compress the LH secondary timing chain tensioner and install a suitable lockpin to retain the tensioner in the collapsed position.

Fig 13: Installing Lockpin To Retain Tensioner In Collapsed Position
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The VCT bolt and the exhaust camshaft bolt must be discarded and new ones installed. However, the exhaust camshaft washer is reusable.

Remove and discard the LH VCT assembly bolt and the LH exhaust camshaft sprocket bolt.
- Remove the LH VCT assembly, secondary timing chain and the LH exhaust camshaft sprocket as an assembly.
  
  Fig 14: Locating LH VCT Assembly Bolt And LH Exhaust Camshaft Sprocket Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: It is necessary to tilt the Camshaft Holding Tool toward the rear of the engine to access the rearmost secondary timing chain tensioner bolt.

Fig 15: Locating Bolts And LH Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the 2 bolts and the LH secondary timing chain tensioner.
Compress the RH secondary timing chain tensioner and install a suitable lockpin to retain the tensioner in the collapsed position.

Fig 16: Installing Lockpin To Retain Tensioner In Collapsed Position
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The VCT bolt and the exhaust camshaft bolt must be discarded and new ones installed. However, the exhaust camshaft washer is reusable.

Remove and discard the RH VCT assembly bolt and the RH exhaust camshaft sprocket bolt.
- Remove the RH VCT assembly, secondary timing chain and the RH exhaust camshaft sprocket as an assembly.
  
  Fig 17: Locating RH VCT Assembly Bolt And RH Exhaust Camshaft Sprocket Bolt
  Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: It is necessary to tilt the Camshaft Holding Tool toward the rear of the engine to access the rearmost secondary timing chain tensioner bolt.

Fig 18: Locating Bolts And RH Secondary Timing Chain Tensioner

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the 2 bolts and the RH secondary timing chain tensioner.
Remove the 2 bolts and the RH primary timing chain guide.

Fig 19: Locating Bolts And RH Primary Timing Chain Guide
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.