The timing chain, also known as a timing belt or cam belt, is one component of the 2004 Ford F-150's 5.4 litre engine. The timing chain controls the timing of the engine valves. A faulty timing chain can result in the complete breakdown of the engine. The timing belt will erode over time, so you should replace it once your F-150 gets close to 100,000 miles. The timing chain is contained inside the engine compartment of the truck. Home mechanics should expect to spend nearly an hour replacing it.
Open the F-150's hood and disconnect the negative terminal from the battery with a socket wrench.
Place a drain pan underneath the radiator. Using a socket wrench, loosen the radiator plug and allow all of the liquid to flow into the pan. Tighten the radiator plug when the liquid is out.
Place another drain pan underneath the engine oil plug and loosen the plug. Allow all of the oil to drain into the pan, then tighten the plug.
Remove the bolts securing the crankshaft pulley and vibration damper with a socket wrench and pull the two components out of the engine.
Unbolt and remove the accessory brackets attached to the timing chain cover using a socket wrench. Unbolt the steering pump and pull it out with the hoses still connected to it.
Place the first piston at TDC (top dead center) position and disconnect the electrical connection from the camshaft position sensor. Disconnect the knock sensor's electrical component as well.
Remove the front oil pan bolts and the socket-head bolt with a socket wrench.
Disconnect the two heater hoses, then unbolt the outlet tube and pull it out of the engine compartment.
Remove the two bolts from the timing chain cover and pull it out.
Remove the camshaft sprocket mounting bolt with a socket wrench and compress the timing chain tension with a Phillips screwdriver.
Pull the timing chain out of the engine and install the new timing chain. Reassemble the timing chain cover and various components of the engine in the reverse order of removal. Add the radiator fluids and oils back into the engine. Reconnect the negative terminal to the battery and close the hood.
