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Exeed TXL 2.0 Turbo (SQRE4T20, 249 hp) (2022): Timing Chain Replacement

The Exeed TXL 2.0 Turbo engine uses a timing chain drive. The chain is designed to last 250,000-300,000 km, but an inspection is recommended after 120,000-150,000 km or 5 years of service. Cases of premature chain stretch have been reported on 2.0TGDI engines at around 30,000+ km. If you hear a metallic rattle on a cold start, have it diagnosed immediately.

Difficulty: Hard Time: 6-8 hours Steps: 16 Tools: socket and wrench set, torque wrench, crankshaft and camshaft locking tools, crankshaft pulley puller, jack and jack stands, coolant drain containers

Part

  • 🔩 timing chain kit (chain, tensioners, dampers, guides), timing cover gasket, engine oil and filter. Timing chain kit for the 2.0 Turbo: confirm the exact part number for the SQRE4T20 engine with your supplier

Step by step

16 steps
  1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal, then drain the coolant and engine oil.
  2. Remove the front bumper, the engine undercover and the upper timing cover. To reach the lower area, you may need to remove the right front wheel and the fender liner.
  3. Remove the accessory drive belt, the tensioner, the alternator and the A/C compressor (the compressor can be moved aside without discharging the system).
  4. Remove the water pump and the crankshaft pulley using a puller.
  5. Turn the crankshaft until the timing marks on the crankshaft and camshafts line up. The most important part is setting the crankshaft and camshaft marks correctly. Lock the crankshaft and camshafts with the special tools to keep them from turning.
  6. Remove the bolts that secure the camshaft sprockets with the phasers (VVT units). Tightening torque on assembly: stage one 60 ± 5 N·m (44 ± 4 lb-ft), then an additional angle turn (check the exact angle in the manufacturer's service manual).
  7. Remove the hydraulic tensioner (installation torque 8 ± 3 N·m (6 ± 2 lb-ft)), the dampers and the chain guides.
  8. Remove the old timing chains and inspect the sprockets for wear. If the teeth are worn, replace the sprockets.
  9. Wipe oil deposits off the inner surfaces of the cover and the engine block.
  10. Install the new guides and dampers, then the new timing chains. Replace everything as a set: all chains, tensioners, dampers and guides, plus fasteners as needed based on condition.
  11. Install the sprockets with the phasers. Tighten the bolts to 60 ± 5 N·m (44 ± 4 lb-ft), then turn them through the additional angle.
  12. Install the new hydraulic tensioner (tightening torque 8 ± 3 N·m (6 ± 2 lb-ft)). Make sure the tensioner piston releases correctly after installation.
  13. Turn the crankshaft by hand through two full revolutions and confirm the marks line up. If they do not line up, repeat the timing procedure from step 5.
  14. Reassemble in reverse order: install the crankshaft pulley, water pump, alternator, compressor, accessory drive belt and the timing covers with a new gasket.
  15. Fill with new engine oil and a new filter, and refill the coolant. Reconnect the battery.
  16. Start the engine and let it idle for 5-10 minutes. Check for leaks and unusual noises. Then shut the engine off and check the oil and coolant levels.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • Incorrect timing mark alignment will cause the pistons to hit the valves and lead to costly engine repairs. If you have no experience with timing chains and no special tools for locking the shafts, leave the job to a specialized repair shop. Always use high-quality engine oil and change it regularly, every 7,000-10,000 km. This is the key factor in timing chain life.
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