Replace the timing chain guide on a 2015 Kia Forte 1.8L I4 engine, requiring removal of the timing cover and precise component alignment during reassembly.

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
• RTV silicone sealant (Kia specified) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil and filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Crankshaft front seal × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Kia Genuine 5W-20 engine oil — 4.5 qt
• Hyundai/Kia Long Life Coolant (Green) — 1.5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold to touch
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from terminal
3. Raise and secure vehicle on jack stands
4. Remove engine splash shield and undercovers
5. Drain engine coolant into appropriate container
6. Drain engine oil and remove oil filter
7. Support engine from above using engine support fixture or from below with transmission jack
8. Remove right front wheel for access to engine mount and crankshaft pulley

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove accessory drive belt and components
   Rotate tensioner clockwise to release tension and remove serpentine belt. Remove alternator mounting bolts and position alternator aside without disconnecting wiring. Remove power steering pump mounting bolts and secure pump aside without disconnecting lines.
2. 2

   Remove valve cover
   Disconnect PCV hose and ignition coil connectors. Remove ignition coils from cylinder head. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse sequence (outside to inside pattern). Carefully lift valve cover and remove gasket. Clean all gasket surfaces thoroughly.
   Torque spec

   Valve Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove right engine mount
   Support engine weight with support fixture or jack placed under oil pan (use wood block to distribute load). Remove right engine mount bracket bolts and remove mount assembly completely to access timing cover area.
4. 4

   Remove crankshaft pulley
   Install crankshaft holding tool to prevent rotation. Use breaker bar on crankshaft pulley bolt to loosen (clockwise thread). Remove bolt and carefully pull crankshaft pulley from crankshaft snout. Note position of woodruff key.
   ⚠Do not use impact tools on crankshaft pulley bolt as this can damage crankshaft sensors or timing components.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft Pulley Bolt167 Nm (124 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove timing chain cover
   Remove all timing cover bolts noting different lengths and locations (8mm bolts require different torque). Carefully separate timing cover from engine block. Some bolts may thread into water jacket. Remove and discard timing cover gasket and any old RTV sealant.
   ℹ️Keep timing cover bolts organized by size and location as they vary in length and torque specification.
   Torque spec

   Timing Cover Bolts13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Verify and mark timing alignment
   Rotate crankshaft to TDC cylinder #1 compression stroke. Verify camshaft sprocket timing marks align with cylinder head surface marks. Verify crankshaft sprocket mark aligns with mark on engine block. Take detailed photos. Mark chain-to-sprocket relationship with paint pen on both camshaft and crankshaft sprockets.
   ⚠️Absolutely critical step - timing marks must be perfectly aligned before proceeding. Verify multiple times.
7. 7

   Remove timing chain tensioner
   Release tensioner lock by pushing plunger and inserting retaining pin through hole to hold tensioner compressed. Remove tensioner mounting bolt and remove tensioner assembly from engine block.
   Torque spec

   Tensioner Bolt19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Remove timing chain and inspect components
   Remove camshaft sprocket bolt while holding camshaft with appropriate tool to prevent rotation. Remove camshaft sprocket with chain attached. Inspect timing chain guide for wear, cracks, or deep grooves. Inspect tensioner arm and pivot for wear. Check chain for excessive stretch or damaged links.
   ⚠Support timing chain to prevent it from falling into crankcase during removal.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Sprocket Bolt71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Remove and replace timing chain guide
   Remove timing chain guide mounting bolts. Remove worn timing chain guide. Clean mounting bolt holes and mating surface. Install new timing chain guide and install new bolts (if worn). Torque guide bolts to specification in sequence from center outward.
   Torque spec

   Guide Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall timing chain and sprockets
    Verify crankshaft is at TDC. Route timing chain around crankshaft sprocket aligning timing mark. Install chain onto camshaft sprocket while aligning timing marks per factory specifications. Install camshaft sprocket and align dowel pin. Install and torque camshaft sprocket bolt.
    ⚠️Triple-check all timing marks align correctly. Colored chain links must align with sprocket timing marks.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Sprocket Bolt71 Nm (52 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install timing chain tensioner
    Verify tensioner plunger moves freely and is locked with retaining pin. Install tensioner to engine block and torque mounting bolt. Remove retaining pin to allow tensioner to apply pressure to timing chain. Verify chain has proper tension.
    ⚠Do not remove tensioner pin until tensioner is fully bolted in place.
    Torque spec

    Tensioner Bolt19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Install timing cover with new gasket
    Clean all gasket surfaces on engine block and timing cover with gasket scraper. Apply thin bead of Kia-specified RTV sealant to areas indicated in service manual (typically water pump passage areas). Install new timing cover gasket. Install timing cover and torque all bolts in sequence (center outward, alternating pattern). Torque 8mm bolts separately to higher specification.
    ℹ️Allow RTV sealant to cure per manufacturer instructions before adding coolant (typically 1 hour minimum).
    Torque spec

    Timing Cover Bolts13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install crankshaft pulley and valve cover
    Install crankshaft pulley ensuring woodruff key is properly seated. Install crankshaft pulley bolt and torque to specification using holding tool. Install new valve cover gasket. Apply small dab of RTV at camshaft cap corners. Install valve cover and torque bolts in sequence (center outward). Reinstall ignition coils and reconnect connectors.
    Torque spec

    Crankshaft Pulley Bolt167 Nm (124 lb-ft)

    Valve Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall remaining components
    Reinstall right engine mount and torque bolts. Reinstall power steering pump and alternator. Install serpentine belt following routing diagram. Reinstall engine splash shields and wheel. Refill engine with specified oil and new filter. Refill coolant system to proper level.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to exact specifications using calibrated torque wrench
2. Follow tightening sequences where specified to prevent warping gasket surfaces
3. Verify all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked
4. Ensure no tools or rags are left in engine compartment

Verification

• Manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions by hand using socket on crankshaft bolt - engine should turn smoothly with no binding
• Verify all timing marks realign perfectly after two full rotations
• Reconnect battery and start engine - listen for abnormal noises from timing chain area
• Check for oil leaks around timing cover and valve cover after engine reaches operating temperature
• Verify engine idles smoothly and responds normally to throttle input
• Check coolant level after engine cools and top off if necessary
• Test drive vehicle and monitor for proper engine performance and check engine light

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