Sprockets' replacment Do I have to replace the sprockets at the same time I replace the chain?

Dolz has developed a new range of timing chain kits that take timing chain replacement to a whole new level, being the most complete kits on the market incorporating: timing chain, crank sprocket, cam sprocket, tensioner, guides, oil seal, VVT,

This info is for 3.0L v6. Remove timing chain cover, make sure timing marks are lined up before you remove sprockets. Remove sprockets and chain as an assembly. Replace as an assembly.

There are a lot of steps, and you need to take your time. You will need access to a lift or jack stand, and make sure you keep the work area clean and organised, taking photos of the timing system will make your life easier when it comes to re-timing the engine.

Water Pump Replacement (2.4L)
Removal Procedure

1. Drain the coolant. Recover the coolant. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling.
2. Remove the exhaust manifold. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
3. Remove the coolant intake pipe. Refer to Engine Coolant Inlet Pipe Replacement in Engine Cooling.
4. Lower the vehicle.
5. Disconnect the heater hose quick connect from the heater outlet pipe.
6. Remove the timing chain and tensioner. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 2.4L. (see below procedure)
7. Remove the water pump cover-to-cylinder block bolts.
8. Remove water pump pipe to cylinder block bolt.
9. Remove the 3?water pump-to-timing chain housing nuts.
10. Remove the water pump and cover assembly.
11. Remove the water pump cover-to-coolant pump assembly bolts.
12. Clean all sealing surfaces.

Installation Procedure

Important: Before you install the coolant pump, read the entire procedure. Follow the tightening sequences in order to avoid part damage and to provide proper sealing.


1. Install the pump cover bolts. Hand tighten the bolts.
2. Install water pump cover assembly.
3. Install the cover-to-block bolts. Hand tighten the bolts.
4. Install the coolant pump-to-timing chain housing nuts. Hand tighten the nuts.
Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.

5. Torque in sequence as follows:
   1. Tighten the water pump-to-timing chain housing nuts.
      Tighten
      Tighten water pump to timing chain housing nuts to 26?Y (19?lb?ft).
   2. Tighten the pump cover-to-pump assembly bolts.
      Tighten
      Tighten the water pump cove to water pump bolts to 14?Y (124?lb?in).
   3. Tighten the coolant pump cover-to-engine block bolts. Tighten the bottom bolt first.
      Tighten
      Tighten water pump to engine block bolts to 26?Y (19?lb?ft).
6. Install heater hose to pipe on water pump.
7. Install the exhaust manifold and install new gaskets. Refer to Exhaust Manifold Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
8. Install oil level indicator tube and indicator. Refer to Oil Level Indicator Tube Replacement in Engine Mechanical-2.4L.
9. Connect the brake vacuum pipe to the cam housing.
10. Raise the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
11. Install catalytic converter to to manifold. Refer to Catalytic Converter Replacement in Engine Exhaust.
12. Install the coolant inlet pipe. Refer to Engine Coolant Inlet Pipe Replacement.
13. Install the timing chain and tensioner. Refer to Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Replacement in Engine Mechanical - 2.4L.
14. Lower the vehicle.
15. Connect the oxygen sensor connector.
16. Fill cooling system. Refer to Cooling System Draining and Filling in Engine Cooling.
17. Inspect the system for leaks.

Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Replacement
Removal Procedure

Caution: Refer to Battery Disconnect Caution in Cautions and Notices.
Notice: The timing chain on the LD9 (VIN T) Twin Cam Engine is not to be replaced with the timing chain from any other model year. The timing sprockets are different on the Twin Cam engine and the shape of the links matches the sprockets. Engine damage may result if the wrong timing chain is used. The timing chain and the crankshaft sprocket must be marked so that they are reinstalled in the same side facing out at the time of reassembly.

1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
2. Remove the engine front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Replacement.
3. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise (as viewed from the front of the engine, normal rotation) until the camshaft sprocket timing dowel pin holes align with the holes in the timing chain housing.
4. Set the crankshaft sprocket keyway pointing upwards. Align with the centerline of the cylinder bores. This is the timed position.
5. Remove the timing chain guides.
6. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
7. Ensure that all of the slack in the timing chain is above the tensioner assembly.
8. Remove the timing chain tensioner bolts and the tensioner.
9. Remove the tensioner shoe. Use a small locking ring plier in order to engage the hole in the locking tab and remove the shoe from the stud.
Notice: Do not attempt to pry the sprocket off the camshaft or damage to the sprocket or chain housing could occur.
Important: Mark the timing chain and the crankshaft sprocket prior to removal. If the chain or the crankshaft sprocket is installed with the wear pattern in the opposite direction, noise and increased wear may occur.

10. Mark the crankshaft sprocket and the timing chain outer surface.
11. Remove the timing chain.
12. Lower the vehicle.
13. Holding the intake camshaft sprocket with J 39579, remove the sprocket bolt and washer.
14. Remove the washer from the bolt and rethread the bolt back into the camshaft.
15. Using a 3-jaw puller and the relief holes in the sprocket, remove the intake camshaft sprocket.
16. Repeat this procedure for the exhaust camshaft sprocket.
17. Clean the old sealant from the bolt with a wire brush.
18. Clean the threaded hole in the camshaft with a round nylon bristle brush.
19. Inspect the parts for wear. Replace the parts as necessary.Some scoring of the timing chain shoe and the guides is normal.
20. Replace the timing chain shoe or guides if the scoring exceeds 1.12?mm (45?in).

Installation Procedure

1. Use Adhesive/Sealant Compound GM?P/N?12345493 or equivalent on the camshaft sprocket bolt. Install the intake and exhaust camshaft sprockets onto the camshafts with the marked surface showing.Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice in Cautions and Notices.
   
2. Install the retaining bolts and washers to the intake and exhaust camshaft sprockets.
3. Tighten
   Tighten the bolts to 70?Y (52?lb?ft) while holding the sprockets with the J 39579.
4. Install the J 36800 through the holes in the camshaft sprockets into the holes in the timing chain housing. This will position the camshaft for correct timing.
5. If the camshafts are out of position (you must rotate the camshaft more than 1/8?turn in order to install the alignment dowel pins), use the following procedure:
   1. Rotate the crankshaft 90?degrees clockwise off of the TDC in order to give the valves adequate clearance to open.
   2. Once the camshafts are in position and the dowels installed, rotate the crankshaft counter clockwise back to the top dead center.

Notice: Do not rotate the crankshaft clockwise to TDC. Valve or piston damage could occur.
Important: The side of the timing chain that was marked during removal must be showing when the chain is installed.

6. Install the timing chain over the exhaust camshaft sprocket, around the coolant pump, and around the crankshaft sprocket.
   1. Remove the alignment dowel pin from the intake camshaft.
   2. Using the J 39579, rotate the intake camshaft sprocket counterclockwise enough in order to slide the timing chain over the intake camshaft sprocket.
   3. Release the J 39579. The length of the chain between the 2?camshaft sprockets will tighten.
   4. If properly timed the intake camshaft alignment dowel pin should slide in easily. If the dowel pin does not fully index, the camshafts are not timed correctly and the procedure must be repeated.
7. Leave the alignment dowel pins installed.
8. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle in General Information.
9. The timing marks on the crankshaft and on the cylinder block should be aligned when the slack is removed from the chain linking the intake camshaft sprocket and the crankshaft sprocket. If the marks are not aligned, move the chain one tooth forward or rearward, remove the slack and re-examine the marks.

Important: Use the following steps in order to reset the timing chain tensioner assembly to the zero position.

10. Reset the timing chain tensioner assembly.
    1. Insert the tensioner plunger assembly into the tensioner housing.
    2. With the tensioner plunger fully extended, turn the complete assembly upside down on a bench or other flat surface.
    3. With the plunger face against the workbench, press firmly on the bottom of the tensioner housing.
    4. Compress the plunger until the plunger is seated flush in the tensioner.


11. Check the plunger to make sure the plunger is out of the cylinder at the correct dimension. The correct dimension for the plunger to extend out of the cylinder is 1.7?mm (0.07?in) maximum.


12. Loosely install the tensioner assembly and bolts to the timing chain housing.
13. Install the timing chain tensioner shoe on the stud.
14. Apply hand pressure to the timing chain tensioner shoe until the locking tab seats in the groove in the stud.
15. Tighten the timing chain tensioner bolts. Do Not overtighten.
    Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 10?Y (89?lb?in).


Important: If the timing chain tensioner is not released from the installation position, engine damage will occur when the engine is started.

16. Release the timing chain tensioner plunger.
    1. Using a flat blade screwdriver, cotter pin remover, or similar tool, press firmly against the face of the timing chain tensioner plunger.
    Important: If the timing chain tensioner cannot be depressed, the plunger is not properly reset and the procedure for resetting the timing chain tensioner should be repeated.
    
    2. Depress the timing chain tensioner plunger until the plunger is bottomed out in the bore of the timing chain tensioner.
    3. Release the tensioner plunger. the plunger should press firmly against the back of the timing chain tensioner shoe.
17. Remove J 36800 from the camshaft sprockets.
18. Rotate the crankshaft clockwise 2?full rotations. Align the crankshaft keyway with the mark on the cylinder block, and reinstall the alignment dowel pins. The pins should slide in easily if the engine is timed correctly.


19. Install the timing chain guides.
20. Install the engine front cover. Refer to Engine Front Cover Replacement.
21. Connect the negative battery cable.
    Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 16?Y (12?lb?ft).

Jessica:

First, check the chain and sprockets. Check the two chain sprockets for worn or bent teeth. If either of the sprockets is damaged, replace them. If the sprockets are OK, Check the chain for any damage If the chain is damaged, replace it. You are checking the chain for kinks, stiff links, damage to the link side connectors, and checking that the chain is not bent (side to side) Check to see If the chain is loose. If it is, you'll need to loosen the rear axle nuts and pull the rear tire backwards to tighten the chain, then tighten the rear axle nuts. *Make sure that the rear sprocket lines up with the front sprocket*. Just lay a straight edge along the two sprockets, ( A yardstick will do), and make sure that the sprockets touch the yardstick along the whole length of the sprockets. If the rear sprocket is cocked (not lined up with the front sprocket) loosen the axle nuts again and push on one side of the rear tire or the other side until the sprockets line up.
When you are finished tightening the rear axle nuts, pull up on the chain between the sprockets... the chain should not move up or down more than 1/8 of an inch. The chain will stretch over time, and you need to check the chain for looseness before riding.


Happy and safe riding!

May be its problem with timing chain and it has to be inspected and replaced.Or its possible that timing chain is got misaligned.

There are few help,links provided related to timing chain assembly and dis-assembly. Go through it and confirm proper inspecting of timing chain.

Click the required help link below:----How to Replace Timing Chain Cover & Seal on Audi A4 ? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.com/2011/11/how-to-replace-timing-chain-cover-seal.html
----------1982 Toyota Pickup: Set ignition timing, engine overheating, timing chain issue, dist off? http://whatisbyme.blogspot.in/2012/05/1982-toyota-pickup-set-ignition.html
----------How to Remove Timing Chain Cover and Seal on Toyota Previa?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-remove-timing-chain-cover-and.html

--------

How to Remove Timing Chain and Gears on Toyota Previa?

http://technoanswers.blogspot.com/2011/12/how-to-remove-timing-chain-and-gears-on.html

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Ford Mondeo ST220 camshaft Timing specifications? http://technoanswers.blogspot.in/2012/02/ford-mondeo-st220-camshaft-timing.html
------------Replacing Timing Chain Cover For 2009 Ford?

http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/replacing-timing-chain-cover-ford-2009.html

-----------
Timing Chains & Front Cover Removal on 2008 Ford Taurus? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/timing-chains-front-cover-removal-on.html
----------How to Replace Timing Chain Cover, Chain, Sprockets, & Seal On Ford Taurus? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-timing-chain-cover-chain.html
---------How to Replace Timing Chain & Sprockets on Ford Windstar? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-timing-chain-sprockets.html
---------Timing Chain & Sprockets Replacing on Ford, Mercury and Lincoln? http://fordrepairhelp.blogspot.in/2012/03/timing-chain-sprockets-replacing-on.html
----------How to Replace Timing Chain & Sprockets on Ford Edge and Lincoln MKX? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-timing-chain-sprockets.html
------How To Replace Timing Chain, Sprockets & Front Cover on Ford Expedition and Lincoln Navigator? http://repairhelpcenter.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-timing-chain-sprockets_356.html
---------Timing Chain, Sprockets, Front Cover & Seal removal for Ford Mustang? http://schematicsdiagram.blogspot.in/2012/03/timing-chain-sprockets-front-cover-seal.html
---------How to Replace Timing Chain on Buick LaCrosse? http://howtobyme.blogspot.in/2012/03/how-to-replace-timing-chain-on-buick.html
---------These details will help.For more help keep updated.Thanks.

If it is running loose for a long time and is worn then should be replaced as soon as
But if the tensioner has come loose which it shouldn't have then an inspection of the links will further tell you if it should be replaced.There are ways to inspect the timing chain.This is a rough guide.

Timing Chain and Sprockets Cleaning and Inspection

1. Clean the components with cleaning solvent.
   Caution Wear safety glasses in order to avoid eye damage.
   
   
2. Dry the components with compressed air.
   
   
   
3. Inspect the timing chain for binding or wear.
   
   
   
4. Inspect the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets for:
   • Worn teeth (1)
   • Damaged teeth (2)
   • Chipped teeth (3)
   • Worn valleys between the sprocket teeth
   
   
   
   
5. Inspect the crankshaft sprocket keyway for wear.
6. Inspect the crankshaft sprocket oil pump drive splines for wear.
   
   
   
7. Inspect the chain guide (232) for the following conditions:
   • Loose metal inserts (1)
   • Cracking (2) in the chain contact area
   • Excessive grooves (3) in the chain contact area Grooves 1 mm (0.040 in) or less in depth are to be considered normal wear.

Timing Chain and Gears REMOVAL & INSTALLATION 1.9L Engine NOTE: The following procedure requires the use of the puller tool No. J-25031 or equivalent, and timing sprocket installation tool No. J-26587 or equivalent.

1. Remove the timing (front) cover from the engine.
2. Lock the shoe on the automatic adjuster in fully retracted position by depressing the adjuster lock lever. NOTE: To remove the timing chain, it may be necessary to remove the camshaft sprocket. Before removing the timing chain, be sure to align the timing marks.
   
3. Remove timing chain from crankshaft sprocket.
4. Check the timing sprockets for wear or damage. If crankshaft sprocket must be replaced, remove the sprocket and the pinion gear from crankshaft using the puller tool No. J-25031 or equivalent.
5. Check timing chain for wear or damage; replace as necessary. Measure distance "L'' (40 links) with the chain stretched with a pull of approximately 22 lbs. (98N). Standard "L'' value is 15 in. (381mm); replace chain if "L'' is greater than 15.16 in. (385mm).
6. Remove the automatic chain adjuster-to-engine bolt and the adjuster.
7. To check the operation of the automatic chain adjuster, push the shoe inwards, if it becomes locked, the adjuster is working properly. The adjuster assembly must be replaced if rack teeth are found to be worn excessively.
8. To remove the chain tensioner, remove the "E'' clip and the tensioner. Check the tensioner for wear or damage; if necessary, replace it. Fig. 1: Timing chain guide and tensioner - 1.9L engine
   
   
9. Inspect the tensioner pin for wear or damage. If replacement is necessary, remove the pin from the cylinder block using a pair of locking pliers. Lubricate the NEW pin tensioner with clean engine oil. Start the pin into block, then place the tensioner over the appropriate pin. Position the E-clip onto the pin, then (using a hammer) tap it into the block until clip just clears tensioner. Check the tensioner and adjuster for freedom of rotation on the pins.
10. Inspect the guide for wear or damage and plugged lower oil jet. If replacement or cleaning is necessary, remove the guide bolts, the guide and the oil jet. Install a new guide and upper attaching bolt. Install the lower oil jet and bolt, so that the oil port is pointed toward crankshaft. To install: Fig. 2: Timing chain alignment and installation - 1.9L engine
    Fig. 3: Inspecting the timing chain for wear
    
    
11. Install the timing sprocket and the pinion gear (groove-side toward the front cover). Align the key groove with crankshaft key, then drive it into position using installation tool No. J-26587 or equivalent.
12. Turn the crankshaft so that key is turned toward the cylinder head-side (No. 1 and No. 4 pistons at TDC).
13. Install the timing chain, align the timing chain mark plate with the mark on the crankshaft timing sprocket. The side of the chain with the mark plate is on the front-side and the side of chain with the most links between mark plates is on the chain guide-side. Keep the timing chain engaged with the camshaft timing sprocket until the camshaft timing sprocket is installed on the camshaft.
14. Install the camshaft timing sprocket so that it's marked-side faces forward and it's triangular mark aligns with the chain mark plate.
15. Install the automatic chain adjuster.
16. Release the lock by depressing the shoe on adjuster by hand, and check to make certain the chain is properly tensioned when the lock is released.
17. Install the timing cover assembly.

1998-2003 To Remove:

1. Remove or disconnect the following:
   • Crankshaft pulley and hub
   • Drive belt tensioner
     
     
   • Timing chain cover bolts
     
     
   • Timing chain cover and gasket
2. Install a bolt in the end of the crankshaft CAUTION
   Do not install the crankshaft balancer bolt or a bolt longer than 1 inch or damage to the crankshaft threaded hole will result.
   
3. Rotate crankshaft until the number 1 piston is at Top Dead Center of compression stroke.
4. Make sure that the alignment marks are aligned with the tabs on the timing chain tensioner.
   
   
5. Measure distance between hole in bracket and unworn surface of timing chain tensioner shoe. NOTE: If distance between the hole and unworn surface of timing chain tensioner is greater than 0.314 in (8 mm), replace tensioner, timing chain and sprockets.
   
6. Remove timing chain tensioner bolts.
7. Remove the timing chain, timing chain tensioner and camshaft sprocket at the same time.
8. Remove the crankshaft sprocket using special tool J 22888-20A or equivalent.
9. Remove crankshaft sprocket alignment key.

NOTE: If any camshaft components are being replaced to correct a noise problem, all camshaft drive components must be replaced.
To Install:

1. Install the crankshaft sprocket alignment key.
2. Install the crankshaft sprocket using special tool J 5590 or equivalent.
   
   
3. Compress the timing chain tensioner spring and insert a pin into the tensioner hole to retain the tensioner shoe.
4. Install timing chain and timing chain tensioner (do not tighten tension bolts).
5. Align the crankshaft and camshaft timing marks with the tab on the timing chain tensioner.
6. Tighten the timing chain tensioner bolts.
   • Torque to: 18 ft lbs (24 Nm)
7. Tighten the camshaft sprocket bolt.
   • Torque to: 96 ft lbs (130 Nm)
8. Remove pin from timing chain tensioner hole.
9. Remove bolt from end of crankshaft. CAUTION
   Inspect the timing chain cover for warping or damage. Replace if needed.
   
10. Clean all timing chain cover mating surfaces.
11. Install or connect the following:
    • Timing chain cover to the engine block
      1. Ensure that the gasket is installed properly in the groove in the timing chain cover
    • Timing chain cover and make sure it fully seated on the alignment dowel pins
    • Timing chain cover bolts
      1. Torque to: 97 inch lbs (11 Nm)
    • Drive belt tensioner
    • Crankshaft damper hub and the crankshaft pulley

During most engine rebuilds, a completely new timing assembly should be installed. If wear exists on any component, replacement of the entire assembly is necessary. Wear in the chain, gears, or sprockets means a timing lag, which results in poor engine performance.
The timing chain or belt is generally installed with the gears in their correct positions. Before installing a new chain, soak it in oil.
OHC (Overhead Cam) Engines
Some OHC engines use a chain drive; others use a belt drive. Removing the cover on some OHC engines that have timing chains is more difficult, because the cover often fits between the oil pan and the cylinder head. There are special procedures for replacing cam timing components in these engines.
Before a chain repair job, perform a leakage test on non-freewheeling engines to check for bent valves, so that an accurate repair estimate can be made.
OHV (Overhead Valve) Pushrod Engines
On many OHV pushrod engines, the crankshaft sprocket is installed on the crankshaft nose and the crankshaft is rotated to position piston #1 at TDC. At this point, a mark stamped onto the crankshaft sprocket is pointing directly upward (toward the camshaft).
The camshaft sprocket is then temporarily bolted to the cam and used to rotate the cam until a mark stamped on the cam sprocket is pointing directly downward (toward the crankshaft). The sprocket is then removed from the cam (without allowing the cam to rotate).
The timing chain is looped over the cam gear, the mark on the cam gear is positioned directly downward, and the chain is looped around the crankshaft sprocket. When the cam sprocket is attached to the cam, the timing marks on the crank and cam sprockets should be pointing toward one another. NOTE THIS IS FOR 2WD 4.0

Yes. It’s likely that the sprockets are worn. Putting a new chain non a worn pair of sprockets will make the chain wear out faster—and replacing the sprockets without replacing the chain will sear out the sprockets. Do them as a set.