Timing chain replacement: Saab 9-3 B207 2.0 (B207E, B207L, B207R)

🧭 Before you start

Fits: platform codes 1.8T, |, BIOPOWER, 2.0, T, 2.0T

• Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job
• Special tools named: locking pin

Don't miss

• Use a wrench to counterhold the camshafts

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

📋 Procedure

Preparation and removal

1. Balance shaft drive assembly:
2. Remove the engine upper cover
3. In the order shown
4. Remove the air filter
5. Ignition coil

6. Balance shaft drive assembly:
7. Remove the turbocharger heat shield
8. Remove the camshaft cover
9. Raise the front of the vehicle
10. Remove the front right wheel
11. Lower the vehicle
12. Stage 1:
13. Remove the drive belt
14. Stage 3:
15. Remove the belt tensioner
16. Release the tensioner
17. Remove the chain tensioner
18. Use a screwdriver
19. Remove the camshaft bearing caps
20. Fit the adjustment tool
21. Lower the engine
22. Raise the vehicle
23. Remove the crankshaft pulley
24. Remove the timing chain cover
25. Lower the vehicle
26. Use the special tool
27. Remove the access plug
28. Remove the chain guide(s)
29. Remove the camshaft gearwheels
30. Remove the chain tensioner guide(s)
31. IMPORTANT: Degrease the camshaft and camshaft gearwheel mating faces
32. Note: Use a wrench to counterhold the camshafts
33. Check the balance shaft timing marks
34. Remove the balance shaft chain tensioner
35. Remove the balance shaft chain guide rails
36. Remove the balance shaft drive chain
37. Remove the camshaft bearing caps
38. Lower the vehicle

Installation and checks

39. Refit the balance shaft chain tensioner
40. Lock the tensioner; use a locking pin
41. Tighten the tensioner
42. Remove the locking pin from the chain tensioner
43. Fit the timing chain onto the inlet camshaft gearwheel
44. Renew the ring
45. Tighten the tensioner
46. Fit the timing cover gasket
47. Renew the gasket
48. Refit the crankshaft front radial seal
49. Refit the crankshaft pulley
50. Use the special tools to refit the crankshaft pulley
51. Align the camshaft timing marks
52. Note: Use a wrench to counterhold the camshafts
53. Turn the engine 2 rotations clockwise
54. Check the timing marks
55. Use the special tool to check the camshaft timing
56. If the camshaft timing is correct, the special tool will touch the cylinder head on both sides
57. Remove the special tool
58. Refit the camshaft bearing caps
59. Refit the timing chain upper guide rail
60. Note: Use a hoist to lift the engine slightly
61. Refit the engine mount
62. Remove the hoist
63. Refit the camshaft cover
64. Renew the gasket
65. Refit the cylinder head earth cable
66. Refit the engine wiring loom
67. Refit the crankcase breather hose
68. Refit and connect the ignition coils
69. Reconnect the connector to the solenoid valve
70. Refit the ignition coil cover
71. Fuel line to fuel rail:
72. Reconnect the fuel lines
73. Renew the seals
74. Refit the heat shield(s)
75. Refit the air filter with the inlet hose
76. Reconnect the mass airflow meter
77. Reconnect the pressure sensor
78. Refit the engine upper cover
79. Raise the vehicle
80. Refit the drive belt tensioner(s)
81. Release the tensioner
82. Refit the drive belt
83. Tension the belt
84. Refit the right-hand inner wing splash guard
85. Refit the front right wheel
86. Lower the vehicle
87. Check the oil level
88. Reconnect the battery earth cable

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