So I was wondering, are there any aftermarket timing chain kits for the LE5? My car's chain will need to be replaced soon, and I was hoping to not have to pay 700 at the dealership.

 

Bump.

That wasn't the most informative post there, let's try again.

I'm looking for an aftermaket chain kit because the dealership wants $700 for parts alone, and about $1300 for an install, parts included. Not that bad of a deal, I think, but I'm fairly certain I could change it out over a weekend myself.

I've been shopping around and found kits for the 2.2s and the 2.0s but I haven't seen a single 2.4 kit.

If anyone could point me in the right direction, it would be appriciated.

 

just out of curiosity, how do you know? is there a mileage interval they should b changed at?

 

eco timing chains last for ever. put in an upgraded tensioner u be good. based on what little information you have provided.

 

You don't want to have to change that if you don't have to. I know from experience in replacing the head on my 2.2 and the procedure would be the same on your 2.4. To change that chain you have to remove the tensioner, possibly remove a cam gear, remove the fixed timing chain guide, and remove the timing cover. To remove the timing cover though you have to remove the belt tensioner, release the motor from the motor mount and drop it a few inches to get one of the bolts out of the cover and then you will probably need a new gasket for that timing cover as well.

 

So just get a new tensioner? I'll give that a try and see if that stops the noise then, it'll probably be much cheaper that way. Thanks!

Edit: That suddenly seems like a much more daunting task than I first thought. I'll see if I can't get a sound clip or something up pertaining to the noise I mentioned, for the moment it seems to be coming from the left side of the motor.

 

Changing the tensioner isn't hard at all. Take the valve cover off just so you can see the timing chain and make sure it doesn't jump teeth on the cam gears. Then just take out the old tensioner, put the new one in, and put the valve cover back on. Changing the chain is more of a hassle than you think though.

 

For the 2.2 why would I need to upgrade the tensioner because of installing bigger cams? Or can i "upgrade" it just to better it? I'm learning..so just wondering..what would be the purpose and benefit? Thx

 

The stock one is a spring loaded tensioner that actually comes apart and has to be reset before it can be reinstalled. It's also prone to failure which is why so many people replace it. The revised version is hydraulic and doesn't come apart or have to be reset before it can be installed and also has less problems