This procedure replaces the timing chain guide on the 2.5L I4 engine, requiring removal of the timing cover, tensioner, and chain to access the guide rails.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Timing chain guide × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Timing chain tensioner (inspect and replace if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Timing chain guide bolts (if worn) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Crankshaft front seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• RTV silicone sealant (Hyundai approved) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) — 2 qt
• Hyundai Genuine 0W-20 — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 10 minutes
3. Drain engine coolant from radiator drain and lower coolant hose
4. Remove engine cover and air intake assembly
5. Remove front skid plate (if equipped)
6. Install engine support bar across engine bay or attach engine hoist to lifting eyes
7. Mark all timing marks with paint pen before disassembly for reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove accessory drive belt and tensioner
   Rotate accessory belt tensioner clockwise to release tension and remove drive belt. Remove tensioner assembly mounting bolts. Remove alternator and set aside without disconnecting wiring.
2. 2

   Remove crankshaft pulley
   Install crankshaft holding tool to prevent rotation. Use breaker bar to loosen crankshaft pulley bolt (counterclockwise). Remove bolt and crankshaft pulley. Note woodruff key position.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft pulley bolt215 Nm (159 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove valve cover
   Disconnect PCV hoses and ignition coil connectors. Remove ignition coils. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside). Carefully lift valve cover off and inspect gasket condition.
4. 4

   Support engine and remove right side motor mount
   Ensure engine support is secure. Remove right side engine mount bracket bolts. Remove motor mount from frame rail and engine block. This provides clearance for timing cover removal.
5. 5

   Drain coolant from timing cover area
   Disconnect upper radiator hose from thermostat housing. Disconnect coolant bypass hoses from timing cover area. Allow all coolant to drain into catch pan.
6. 6

   Remove timing cover
   Remove all timing cover bolts, noting location of different length bolts and 8mm vs 10mm bolts. Separate 8mm bolts from standard bolts for reassembly. Carefully pry timing cover away using plastic pry tool at designated pry points. Do not damage sealing surfaces.
   ⚠Note position of all bolt sizes. Using incorrect bolts during reassembly can cause cover cracking or coolant leaks.
   Torque spec

   Timing cover bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Verify and mark timing alignment
   Rotate crankshaft to TDC on cylinder #1 compression stroke. Verify camshaft timing marks on sprockets align with marks on cylinder head. Verify crankshaft timing mark aligns with mark on engine block. Take photos for reference. Do NOT proceed if marks are not aligned.
   ⚠️If timing marks do not align properly, the existing chain installation is incorrect. Consult service manual before proceeding.
8. 8

   Remove timing chain tensioner
   Remove tensioner mounting bolt. Carefully remove tensioner assembly while noting direction of installation. Inspect tensioner pawl and ratchet mechanism for wear. Replace if any wear is evident.
9. 9

   Remove timing chain and sprockets
   Remove camshaft sprocket bolts while holding camshaft flats with wrench. Remove both camshaft sprockets with chain as an assembly. If needed, use camshaft timing pins to lock camshafts in position. Keep chain on sprockets for reference during reassembly.
   ⚠Do not allow camshafts to rotate once chain is removed. Use timing pins if available.
10. 10

    Remove timing chain guide bolts
    Locate timing chain guide mounting bolts. Remove guide bolts using appropriate socket. Note location of fixed guides versus tensioner-side guide. Remove worn guide carefully, inspecting mounting surfaces for damage.
    Torque spec

    Chain guide bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install new timing chain guide
    Clean all mounting surfaces thoroughly. Position new timing chain guide in exact orientation as removed guide. Install guide bolts finger-tight initially. Torque timing chain guide bolts to specification. Then torque any additional guide bolts to specification. Verify guide is secure and properly positioned.
    ℹ️Ensure guide surface is smooth and free of defects. Any rough edges can accelerate chain wear.
    Torque spec

    Chain guide bolts11 Nm (8 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall timing chain and sprockets
    Verify crankshaft is still at TDC. Install timing chain onto crankshaft sprocket first. Route chain around new guide. Install camshaft sprockets with chain, ensuring timing marks align exactly as marked earlier. Install camshaft sprocket bolts and torque to specification while preventing camshaft rotation.
    ⚠️Double-check all timing marks before tightening sprocket bolts. Incorrect timing will destroy engine.
13. 13

    Install timing chain tensioner
    Compress tensioner plunger and lock with retaining pin or wire. Install tensioner to engine block with bolt. Torque tensioner bolt to specification. Remove retaining pin to activate tensioner. Verify tensioner applies proper pressure to chain.
14. 14

    Verify timing and rotate engine
    Manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions clockwise (facing engine). Verify all timing marks realign at TDC. If marks do not align, disassemble and reinstall chain. Check chain tension is appropriate and guides are not contacting excessively.
    ⚠️Do not proceed to timing cover installation if timing marks do not realign after two rotations.
15. 15

    Install timing cover with new gasket
    Clean all old gasket material and RTV from timing cover and engine block mating surfaces. Install new timing cover gasket. Apply thin bead of Hyundai-approved RTV to specified areas per service manual. Position timing cover carefully and install all bolts finger-tight. Torque timing cover bolts to specification in sequence (inside to outside), differentiating between standard and 8mm bolts.
    ℹ️Tighten bolts in proper sequence to prevent cover warping and oil leaks.
    Torque spec

    Timing cover bolts22 Nm (16 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Install crankshaft pulley with woodruff key aligned, torque bolt to specification using holding tool
2. Reinstall accessory belt tensioner and alternator
3. Install new valve cover gasket and reinstall valve cover, torquing bolts in sequence (inside to outside)
4. Reinstall ignition coils and connect electrical connectors
5. Reinstall right side motor mount and torque to specification
6. Remove engine support equipment
7. Reconnect all coolant hoses to timing cover and thermostat housing
8. Refill cooling system with Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant and bleed air
9. Install accessory drive belt with proper routing
10. Reinstall air intake assembly and engine cover
11. Reinstall front skid plate if equipped
12. Reconnect negative battery terminal

Verification

• Start engine and verify smooth operation with no unusual noises from timing chain area
• Check for coolant leaks around timing cover and all hose connections
• Check for oil leaks around timing cover and valve cover
• Verify no check engine light illuminates and no timing-related codes are present
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify cooling system is properly bled
• Road test vehicle and verify normal acceleration and engine performance
• Re-check all fluid levels after test drive and top off as needed

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