How to replace the timing chain of a Mazda 6 car

We remove the timing chain when repairing the engine, as well as when repairing timing units

Preparing the car for the task

We install the car on a lift or an inspection ditch and remove the negative battery terminal

Remove the decorative engine cover

Remove the cylinder head cover

We hang out the front part of the car and install it on a reliable support

Remove the right front wheel

Remove the crankcase protection

Remove the right front fender liner

Remove the accessory drive belt, described in the previous article

Set the piston of the first cylinder to the TDC position of the compression stroke, see the article "How to set the TDC of the first cylinder of the Mazda 6 engine"

Unscrew the mounting bolt and remove the crankshaft speed sensor

For clarity, we show all operations on the removed engine

Unscrew the crankshaft pulley bolt and remove the pulley

We unscrew the mounting bolt and remove the upper tension roller assembly with the bracket

We unscrew the three bolts securing the water pump drive pulley, and remove the pulley

We install a reliable support under the engine

Remove the right suspension support of the power unit

We unscrew the twenty-three bolts securing the timing cover

Gently pry off the edge of the cover with a screwdriver

Remove the timing cover

Loosen the bolts of the camshaft sprockets

Checking the installation of the piston of the first cylinder to the TDC position of the compression stroke

Push a thin screwdriver on the ratchet of the chain tensioner through the hole in it, unlock the tensioner

We sink the tensioner rod by pressing on its shoe

And fix the tensioner rod in the recessed position by inserting a suitable rod into the hole

We unscrew the two mounting bolts and remove the chain tensioner

Remove the chain tensioner shoe

We unscrew one lower and one upper mounting bolt and remove the chain guide

Remove the timing chain

If it is necessary to replace the oil pump drive chain, unscrew the mounting bolt and remove the chain tensioner shoe

Unscrew the oil pump sprocket bolt

And remove the sprocket along with the drive chain

We examine the sprockets of the crankshaft and camshafts, as well as the oil pump

If necessary, replace the tensioner shoe and chain guide

We install the timing chain on the crankshaft sprocket, and then on the intake and exhaust camshaft sprockets

Reinstall the tensioner shoe and chain guide

Reinstall the chain tensioner and remove the latch, bringing the tensioner into position

We clean the seating surfaces of the timing cover and apply sealant to the cover flange with a roller with a diameter of 3 mm

Installing the timing cover

Tightening the bolts of the stars camshaft daughters

Install all parts in reverse order

Installing a new crankshaft pulley bolt

We screw the M6x18 bolt through the hole in the crankshaft pulley into the threaded hole of the timing gear drive cover, thereby fixing the crankshaft pulley from turning

We tighten the bolt with a torque of 100 Nm (10 kgf.m) and then tighten it by 90º

After installing the crankshaft pulley, remove the locking bar from the camshafts and the crankshaft locking device