QuestionHi,
I have a 2002 Ford Explorer with the 4.0 engine. It has 80,000 miles on it. I just spent $2000 on bearings, rotors etc from the effects of salt on roads.
Now I took it in to Ford for oil change and they said my timing chain guides sound bad and they need to change it all and that it will be very expensive. Can you tell me what is involved and how much money I will need to spend and what will happen if I let it go? I do hear a sound from the engine now. Is the Explorer just a bad car?
AnswerIs the timing chain noisy just at startup or all the time?
I'm unfarmiliar with this car.
The timing chain has a tensioner and guides, when these guides are worn the chain can rattle around and be quite noisy, also if the tensioner is weak there can be backlash in the chain, which at the extreme can ruin the engine.
You need to find out what exactly is wrong with the timing chain,tensioner,guide and sprocket.
Did they give you no more information than that?
Ask for a full explanation, they should give it to you if they're honest - I could possibly hunt down cheaper parts for you.
If it is the entire timing kit that needs replacing it is in the range of $500 for the kit.
I'm wary of all car dealerships at the moment..
Try a mom and pops garage and see if they can beat fords quote... if you use dealerships all the time... unhappiness will follow ;-), sure some back street garage would do a fine job given a fair price - it's still a very usable motor, you might be able to get a timing kit supplied and fitted for $300... I'd do it for that price, any day.
Brakes and suspension is ok? just had new bearings all round?... get the timing chain done by an independent garage, shop around for quotes, you could be surprised.
Ebay sell the timing chain kits if you want to have a look,
Also place like RockAuto sell pattern parts for many vehicles at discount prices.
Check out some local parts factors etc.
Prices very enormously.. EG Brake pads... Dealer £50, Independent £9.90 :-)
