Chevrolet Equinox Service Manual - Camshaft Timing Chain, Sprocket, and Tensioner Replacement Valvetrain Valvetrain Timing (2024)

Special ToolsEN-45027 Tensioner ToolEN-45059 Angle MeterEN-48953 Camshaft Actuator Locking Tool

For equivalent regional tools, refer toSpecial Tools.

Removal Procedure

Remove the camshaft cover. Refer toCamshaft Cover Replacement.Remove the number-1 cylinder spark plug. Refer toSpark Plug Replacement.Rotate the crankshaft in the engine rotational direction clockwise, until the number-1piston is at top dead center (TDC) on the exhaust stroke.Remove the engine front cover. Refer toEngine Front Cover ReplacementRemove the upper timing chain guide bolts and guide.

Note:The timing chain tensioner must be removed to unload chain tension before the timingchain is removed. If it is not, the timing chain will become co*cked and it will bedifficult to remove.

Remove the timing chain tensioner.

Install a 24-mm wrench on the hex on the exhaust camshaft in order to hold the camshaft.Remove and discard the exhaust camshaft actuator bolt-(2).Remove the exhaust camshaft actuator-(1,-3) from the camshaft and timing chain.

Remove the timing chain tensioner guide bolt and guide.

Remove the fixed timing chain guide access plug.

Remove the fixed timing chain guide bolts and guide.

Install a 24-mm wrench on the hex on the intake camshaft in order to hold the camshaft.Remove and discard the intake camshaft actuator bolt-(2).Remove the intake camshaft actuator-(3), and the timing chain through the top of thecylinder head.

Note:Ecotec 4 cylinder engines with SIDI-Direct Injection, the lower timing chain crankgear may be equipped with a second spacing washer installed in front of the lowertiming chain crank gear. The outer spacer/washer is in between the crank/balancerpulley and the lower timing gear and may remain in place when the pulley is removed.The spacer/washer has a dot/mark on its surface that may be mistaken for the lowertiming mark. If applicable, the washer must be removed in order to view the correcttiming mark on the lower crank gear. The proper mark is also in line with a semicircularnotch in the inner diameter of the gear.

Remove the outer friction washer-(1) if equipped.Ensure the crankshaft gear timing mark-(2) is in the 5-o'clock position and crankshaftkey is in the 12-o'clock position.Remove the crankshaft sprocket-(3).Remove the inner friction washer-(1).Installation Procedure

Note:If equipped with one the following engine; LE5, LE9, LAT, LNF, LDK, LHU, LTD, LBN,or 2010 LAF, ensure the intake camshaft notch is in the 5-o'clock position-and theexhaust camshaft notch is in the 7-o'clock position and beyond.

Ensure the intake camshaft notch is in the 5-o'clock position-(2) and the exhaustcamshaft notch is in the 7-o'clock position-(1). The number-1 piston should be attop dead center (TDC), crankshaft key at 12-o'clock.

Note:If equipped with following engine; LAP, LE8, LEA, LUK , or 2011 LAF, ensure the intakecamshaft notch is in the 10 o'clock position and the exhaust camshaft notch is inthe 7 o'clock position and beyond.

Ensure the intake camshaft notch is in the 10-o'clock position-(2) and the exhaustcamshaft notch is in the 7-o'clock position-(1). The number-1 piston should be attop dead center (TDC), crankshaft key at 12-o'clock.

Note:Ecotec 4 cylinder engines with SIDI-Direct Injection, the lower timing chain crankgear may be equipped with a second spacing washer installed in front of the lowertiming chain crank gear. The outer spacer/washer is in between the crank/balancerpulley and the lower timing gear and may remain in place when the pulley is removed.The spacer/washer has a dot/mark on its surface that may be mistaken for the lowertiming mark. If applicable, the washer must be removed in order to view the correcttiming mark on the lower crank gear. The proper mark is also in line with a semicircularnotch in the inner diameter of the gear.

Install the inner friction washer-(1).Install the crankshaft sprocket with the timing mark-(2) is in the 5-o'clock positionand facing outward.Install the outer friction washer-(1) if equipped.

Note:

There are 3-colored links on the timing chain. Two-links are of matching color, and1-link is of a unique color. Use the following procedure to line up the links withthe actuators. Orient the chain so that the colored links are visible.Always use new actuator bolts.Assemble the intake camshaft actuator into the timing chain with the timing mark linedup with the uniquely colored link-(1).

Lower the timing chain through the opening in the cylinder head. Use care to ensurethat the chain goes around both sides of the cylinder block bosses-(1,-2).Install the intake camshaft actuator onto the intake camshaft while aligning the dowelpin into the camshaft slot.Hand tighten the new intake camshaft actuator bolt.

Route the timing chain around the crankshaft sprocket and line up the first matchingcolored link-(1) with the timing mark on the crankshaft sprocket, in approximatelythe 5-o'clock position.Install the friction washer, if applicable.

Rotate the crankshaft clockwise to remove all chain slack. Do not rotate the intakecamshaft.

Caution:Refer toFastener Caution.

Install the adjustable timing chain guide (2) down through the opening in the cylinderhead and install the adjustable timing chain bolt-(1). Tighten the adjustable timingchain guide bolt to 10-Y (89-lb-in).

Note:Always install NEW actuator bolts-(1).

Install the exhaust camshaft actuator-(2) into the timing chain with the timing marklined up with the second matching colored link.

Install the exhaust camshaft actuator onto the exhaust camshaft, aligning the dowelpin into the camshaft slot.Use 24-mm open ended wrench, rotate the exhaust camshaft approximately 45-degreesuntil the dowel pin in the camshaft actuator goes into the camshaft slot.

When the actuator seats on the cam, tighten the new exhaust camshaft actuator bolthand tight.

Verify that all of the colored links and the appropriate timing marks are still aligned.If they are not aligned, repeat the portion of the procedure necessary to align thetiming marks.

Install the fixed timing chain guide and bolts. Tighten the fixed timing chain guidebolts to 10-Y (89-lb-in).

Install the upper timing chain guide and bolts. Tighten the upper timing chain guidebolts to 10-Y (89-lb-in).

Reset the timing chain tensioner by performing the following steps:Remove the snap ring.Remove the piston assembly from the body of the timing chain tensioner.Remove the sealing collar from the piston assembly.Install the EN-45027-2 tool (2) into a vise.Install the notch end of the piston assembly into the EN-45027-2 tool (2).Using the EN-45027-1 tool (1), turn the ratchet cylinder into the piston.Reinstall the sealing collar to the piston assembly.Reinstall the piston assembly into the body of the tensioner.Install the snap ring.

Inspect the timing chain tensioner seal for damage. If damaged, replace the seal.Inspect to ensure all dirt and debris is removed from the timing chain tensioner threadedhole in the cylinder head.

Note:Ensure the timing chain tensioner seal is centered throughout the torque procedureto eliminate the possibility of an oil leak.

Install the timing chain tensioner assembly. Tighten the timing chain tensioner to75-Y (55-lb-ft).The timing chain tensioner is released by compressing it 2-mm (0.079-in), which willrelease the locking mechanism in the ratchet. To release the timing chain tensioner,use a suitable tool with a rubber tip on the end. Feed the tool down through the camdrive chest to rest on the cam chain. Then give a sharp jolt diagonally downwardsto release the tensioner.

Install EN-48953 locking tool (1) and tighten the bolts into the cylinder head to 10-Y (89-lb-in).Using a torque wrench, tighten the camshaft actuator bolt to 30-Y (22-lb-ft) plus 100-degrees using the EN-45059 meter.Remove the EN-48953 locking tool.

Install the timing chain oiling nozzle-(2). Tighten the timing chain oiling nozzle-(1)bolt to 10-Y (89-lb-in).

Apply sealant compound to the thread of the timing chain guide bolt access hole plug.Refer toAdhesives, Fluids, Lubricants, and Sealers.Install the timing chain guide bolt access hole plug. Tighten the access hole plugto 90-Y (66-lb-ft).Install the engine front cover. Refer toEngine Front Cover Replacement.Install the camshaft cover. Refer toCamshaft Cover Replacement.Install the number-1 cylinder spark plug. Refer toSpark Plug Replacement.