GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only
Makes 🢒 Chevrolet 🢒 2003 🢒 Tracker - 2WD 🢒 Engine 🢒 Engine Mechanical - 2.0L 🢒 Camshaft Timing Chain, Idler Sprocket, and Crankshaft Sprocket Replacement

Removal Procedure

    Caution: Unless directed otherwise, the ignition and start switch must be in the OFF or LOCK position, and all electrical loads must be OFF before servicing any electrical component. Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent an electrical spark should a tool or equipment come in contact with an exposed electrical terminal. Failure to follow these precautions may result in personal injury and/or damage to the vehicle or its components.

  1. Disconnect the negative battery cable.
  2. Remove the spark plugs in order to make rotating the crankshaft to line up the timing marks easier.
  3. Remove the timing chain housing. Refer to Timing Chain Housing Replacement .

    4. Object Number: 466546 Size: SH

    Important: 

       • The timing marks must be correctly aligned before disassembly in order to correctly install the timing chains.
       • If necessary, the camshafts (1) may be turned 15 degrees from the notches (6) on the cylinder head in either direction.
       • If necessary, the crankshaft (5) may be turned 90 degrees from the mark (4) on the engine block in either direction.

  4. Rotate the crankshaft so that the following conditions are met:
    5. • The number 1 (frontmost) cylinder is at the top dead center (TDC) position.
    • The keyway on the crankshaft (5) aligns with the mark on the engine block (4).
    • The arrow (3) on the idler sprocket is pointing upward.
    • The guide pins (1) on the camshaft sprockets line up with the notches (6) on the cylinder head.

    Object Number: 466579 Size: SH
  5. Relieve the tension on the camshaft timing chain by turning the intake camshaft slightly counterclockwise.
  6. Remove the nut and 2 bolts (1, 2).

    7. Important: Do not turn the crankshaft or camshaft once the tensioner is removed.

  7. Remove the camshaft timing chain tensioner and the gasket.

    8. Object Number: 466581 Size: SH
  8. Hold the camshaft with a wrench and remove the camshaft sprocket bolts (1).
  9. Remove the camshaft sprockets and chain.
  10. Inspect the following components for wear and damage:
    11. • The camshaft timing chain upper guide
    • The camshaft timing chain tensioner
    • The camshaft timing chain tensioner gasket
    • The camshaft timing chain sprockets
    • The camshaft timing chain
  11. Replace any worn or damaged component.

    12. Object Number: 625579 Size: SH
  12. Remove the 2 bolts and the crankshaft timing chain tensioner (3).
  13. Remove the bolt and the crankshaft timing chain adjustable guide (1).
  14. Remove the 2 bolts and the crankshaft timing chain fixed guide (2).
  15. Remove the idler sprocket and the crankshaft timing chain.
  16. Remove the crankshaft timing sprocket.
  17. Inspect the following components for wear and damage:
    18. • The timing chain guides
    • The idler sprocket
    • The crankshaft timing sprocket
    • The crankshaft timing chain
  18. Inspect that the latch and teeth of the crankshaft timing chain tensioner are undamaged and that the tensioner functions correctly.
  19. Replace any worn or damaged component.

Installation Procedure

    Object Number: 464735 Size: SH
  1. Inspect that the timing mark on the engine block (1) is aligned with the crankshaft keyway.
  2. Install the crankshaft sprocket (2).

    3. Object Number: 466653 Size: SH
  3. Apply engine oil to the idler sprocket bushing.
  4. Install the timing chain to the idler sprocket by aligning the dark blue link (1) of the timing chain with the mark on the sprocket (2).

    5. Object Number: 468065 Size: SH
  5. Install the timing chain to the crankshaft sprocket by aligning the yellow link (4) of the chain with the mark on the crankshaft sprocket (3).
  6. Install the idler sprocket.

    7. Object Number: 625579 Size: SH

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  7. Install the timing chain fixed guide (2).

    8. Tighten
    Tighten the 2 bolts to 9 N·m (62 lb in).

  8. Install the timing chain adjustable guide (1).

    9. Tighten
    Tighten the bolt to 25 N·m (19 lb ft).


    Object Number: 464753 Size: SH
  9. Hold back the latch, compress the plunger and install a retainer (paper clip or similar tool) to hold the plunger in place.

    10. Object Number: 464755 Size: SH
  10. Install the timing chain tensioner.

    11. Tighten
    Tighten the 2 bolts (1) to 11 N·m (97 lb in).

  11. Remove the retainer from the tensioner.

    12. Object Number: 466584 Size: SH
  12. Ensure that the following conditions exist:
    13. • The crankshaft keyway (3) is aligned with the mark on the engine block (3).
    • The yellow link of the crankshaft timing chain (2) is aligned with the crankshaft timing mark (1).
    • The dark blue link of the timing chain is aligned with the mark on the idler sprocket.

    Object Number: 466597 Size: SH
  13. Ensure that the guide pins (1) of the camshafts are aligned with the notches (3) on the cylinder head.
  14. Ensure that the idler sprocket arrow (2) is pointing upward.

    15. Object Number: 466599 Size: SH
  15. Align the yellow link (1) of the camshaft timing chain with the arrow (2) on the idler sprocket.

    16. Object Number: 466604 Size: SH
  16. Align the dark blue link (1) of the camshaft timing chain with the arrow (2, 3) on the camshaft sprockets.
  17. Align the camshaft sprockets with the guide pins and install the camshaft timing sprockets and chain.

    18. Object Number: 466581 Size: SH
  18. Install the camshaft sprocket bolts (1).

    19. Tighten
    Tighten the bolts to 80 N·m (58 lb ft).


    Object Number: 464756 Size: SH
  19. Compress the camshaft tensioner plunger into the body. Insert a retainer (paper clip or similar tool) through the hole in the body in order to hold the plunger in place.

    20. Object Number: 466579 Size: SH
  20. Install the camshaft timing chain tensioner.

    21. Tighten

        • Tighten the bolts (1) to 11 N·m (97 lb in).
        • Tighten the nut (2) to 45 N·m (33 lb ft).
  21. Remove the retainer from the tensioner.

    22. Object Number: 466546 Size: SH
  22. Turn the crankshaft 2 revolutions realigning the keyway on the crankshaft (5) with the timing mark on the engine block (4).
  23. Ensure that the guide pins on the camshafts (1) are in line with the notches on the cylinder head (6).
  24. Apply engine oil to the following:
    25. • The timing chains
    • The tensioner
    • The guides
    • The sprockets
  25. Install the spark plugs.

    26. Tighten
    Tighten the spark plugs to 25 N·m (18 lb ft).

  26. Install the timing chain housing. Refer to Timing Chain Housing Replacement .
  27. Connect the negative battery cable.