Find the Right Timing Chain Kit for Your Buick, Chevy or GMC

This collection currently includes timing chain kits for selected Buick, Chevrolet and GMC applications. Product titles reference selected 2009–2017 vehicles with 2.2L or 2.4L engines, but the exact model, year and engine compatibility varies by kit. Always review the individual product fitment information before ordering.

No. Vehicles with the same 2.4L engine size may use different engine RPO codes, camshaft components, sprockets or timing procedures. Confirm the vehicle year, exact model, VIN and engine code instead of selecting a kit by engine displacement alone.

GM technical bulletins identify several different 2.4L engine RPOs, including LAF, LEA, LE5 and LUK, across different models and years. These applications should not automatically be treated as interchangeable.

No. The year and model are only the starting point. You should also confirm:

• Engine displacement;
• Engine RPO or engine code;
• VIN;
• Production date where available;
• Original or previously installed part number;
• Whether the engine has previously been replaced.

This is especially important for vehicles with replacement or service engines, because the components installed may differ from the vehicle’s original configuration.

Not always. A GM technical bulletin explains that certain 2010 and 2011 LAF engine applications used different camshaft actuator sprocket configurations and different timing-reference procedures. A kit should therefore not be selected only because two vehicles share the same model and engine size.

The timing chain synchronizes the crankshaft and camshafts. The balance shaft chain drives the balance shaft system and, on some applications, is associated with the water-pump and balance-shaft drive assembly.

They are separate chain systems. A timing chain kit does not automatically include the balance shaft chain, balance chain guides or balance chain tensioner. Check the product component list carefully before ordering.

GM issued separate service information for balance-chain wear and timing-chain components, confirming that these should not be treated as the same repair item.

No. P0016 and P0017 indicate a crankshaft-to-camshaft correlation problem, but they do not identify one specific failed part.

Possible causes can include:

• Incorrect mechanical timing;
• Timing chain or tensioner problems;
• Camshaft actuator or sprocket issues;
• A moved camshaft reluctor;
• Incorrect installation after previous repairs.

GM service information specifically notes that P0016 or P0017 can occur when a camshaft reluctor has moved, even when the engine appears to be mechanically timed correctly. Proper diagnosis is required before ordering parts.

Symptoms that should be professionally diagnosed may include:

• Engine noise or rattling near the timing cover;
• Whining from the front of the engine;
• Check Engine Light;
• P0016 or P0017 trouble codes;
• Rough idle or reduced performance;
• Extended cranking or a no-start condition.

These symptoms are not exclusive to the timing chain. GM documentation shows that abnormal noise can also involve the balance-chain tensioner, while correlation codes can have causes other than chain stretch.

Not automatically. The required parts depend on the engine application, wear condition, repair history and the contents of the selected kit.

For some affected 2.4L LAF and LEA engines, GM instructed technicians to check whether timing-chain and balance-chain components had already been replaced and to inspect guides for wear during related engine repairs. This does not mean every vehicle requires both systems to be replaced at the same time.

Low oil level or poor lubrication can affect chain, guide and tensioner operation, but installing a timing chain kit does not repair the underlying cause of excessive oil consumption.

GM published separate service information for excessive oil consumption on selected 2010–2013 Buick LaCrosse, Regal, Verano, Chevrolet Equinox and GMC Terrain vehicles equipped with LAF or LEA 2.4L engines. During those repairs, technicians were instructed to inspect certain timing and balance-chain components.

Not necessarily. A timing chain kit should only be installed after the cause has been diagnosed.

Engine noise or correlation codes may also involve the balance-chain tensioner, camshaft actuators, sprockets, reluctors, lubrication problems or incorrect previous installation. Replacing parts without diagnosis may not solve the original problem.

Timing-chain replacement requires accurate timing-mark alignment, correct torque procedures and application-specific service information. Some repairs may also require special holding tools.

Incorrect timing or incorrect balance-chain tension can cause poor running, persistent fault codes, abnormal noise or serious engine damage. Professional installation is recommended unless the installer has the correct service manual, tools and experience for the exact engine code. GM service information also shows that timing procedures can differ between closely related engine applications.