Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
SYS.OK|MANUAL.DB● LIVE
HOMESERVICE MANUALSFORD2012ESCAPE 2WD L4-2.5LREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISENGINE, COOLING AND EXHAUSTENGINETIMING COMPONENTSSERVICE AND REPAIRREMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT
2012 Ford Escape 2WD L4-2.5L
Removal and Replacement
2012 Ford Escape 2WD L4-2.5LSECTION Removal and Replacement
Timing Drive Components
Removal
NOTICE: Do not loosen or remove the crankshaft pulley bolt without first installing the special tools as instructed in this procedure. The crankshaft pulley and the crankshaft timing sprocket are not keyed to the crankshaft. The crankshaft, the crankshaft sprocket and the pulley are fitted together by friction, using diamond washers between the flange faces on each part. For that reason, the crankshaft sprocket is also unfastened if the pulley bolt is loosened. Before any repair requiring loosening or removal of the crankshaft pulley bolt, the crankshaft and camshafts must be locked in place by the special service tools, otherwise severe engine damage can occur.
NOTICE: During engine repair procedures, cleanliness is extremely important. Any foreign material, including any material created while cleaning gasket surfaces, that enters the oil passages, coolant passages or the oil pan can cause engine failure.
1. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.
2. Remove the engine front cover. For additional information, refer to Engine Front Cover Service and Repair.
3. Compress the timing chain tensioner in the following sequence.
1. Using a small pick, release and hold the ratchet mechanism.
2. While holding the ratchet mechanism in the released position, compress the tensioner by pushing the timing chain arm toward the tensioner.
3. Insert the paper clip into the hole to retain the tensioner.
4. Remove the 2 bolts and timing chain tensioner.
5. Remove the timing chain tensioner arm.
6. Remove the timing chain.
7. Remove the 2 bolts and the timing chain guide.
8. NOTICE: The Camshaft Alignment Plate is for camshaft alignment only. Using this tool to prevent engine rotation can result in engine damage.
Using the flats on the camshaft to prevent camshaft rotation, remove the bolt and the exhaust camshaft sprocket.
9. NOTICE: The Camshaft Alignment Plate is for camshaft alignment only. Using this tool to prevent engine rotation can result in engine damage.
Using the flats on the camshaft to prevent camshaft rotation, remove the bolt and the camshaft phaser and sprocket.
Installation
1. Install the camshaft sprockets and the bolts. Do not tighten the bolts at this time.
2. Install the timing chain guide and the 2 bolts.
- To install, tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
3. Install the timing chain.
4. Install the timing chain tensioner arm.
NOTE: If the timing chain plunger and ratchet assembly are not pinned in the compressed position, follow the next 4 steps.
5. NOTICE: Do not compress the ratchet assembly. This will damage the ratchet assembly.
Using the edge of a vise, compress the timing chain tensioner plunger.
6. Using a small pick, push back and hold the ratchet mechanism.
7. While holding the ratchet mechanism, push the ratchet arm back into the tensioner housing.
8. Install a paper clip into the hole in the tensioner housing to hold the ratchet assembly and the plunger in during installation.
9. Install the timing chain tensioner and the 2 bolts. Remove the paper clip to release the piston.
- Tighten to 10 Nm (89 lb-in).
10. NOTICE: The Camshaft Alignment Plate is for camshaft alignment only. Using this tool to prevent engine rotation can result in engine damage.
Using the flats on the camshafts to prevent camshaft rotation, tighten the bolts.
- Tighten to 72 Nm (53 lb-ft).
11. Install the engine front cover. For additional information, refer to Engine Front Cover Service and Repair.
RENDER: 1.0x
NO RELATED
Recommended Tools & Savings
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
Pair factory procedures with proven DIY tools so the instructions are easier to execute.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.