Timing chain replacement: Suzuki Liana, Jimny No VVT (M13A, M16A)
Step-by-step timing chain replacement for the Suzuki Liana, Jimny No VVT (M13A/M16A): 73 steps. What to remove, in what order, and what to check after.
Timing chain replacement on the Suzuki Liana and Jimny with the M13A and M16A engines in their non-VVT form. The sump and timing chain cover both come off, and the steps finish with refitting the engine, so plan for it to be out or well supported. Ignition coils and plug leads, the dipstick, power steering pump bracket and coolant pump pulley are removed, then the crankshaft pulley is held with the special tool and taken off. With the timing marks lined up, the tensioner, guides and chain come out along with the crankshaft gearwheel. The new chain and guides are lightly oiled, the tensioner plunger is screwed in and held with its retainer, and the marks are checked again before the cover is sealed. Sealant applied in the indicated spots and new gaskets keep it from leaking.
🧭 Before you start
Remove coils, leads, dipstick, sump, power steering bracket and coolant pump pulley, then the crankshaft pulley and timing chain cover. Align the marks, remove tensioner, guides and chain with the crankshaft gearwheel. Fit the new chain and guides oiled, set the tensioner, recheck marks, then seal and refit the cover, sump, pulley and ancillaries.
Fits: platform codes 1.3, 16V, |, 1.3I, 1.6I
- Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job
- Renewed: gaskets crankshaft pulley
Don't miss
- Check the timing marks before removing the old chain and again after fitting the new one.
- Lightly oil the chain and guides with engine oil on assembly.
- Screw in the tensioner plunger and fit the retainer before installing it.
- Always use new gaskets and apply sealant where indicated.
- Tighten the cover bolts in the reverse of the sequence shown.
Written for this job from the workshop steps below · TorqFix editorial.
📋 Procedure
Preparation and removal
- Always check the timing marks before timing belt removal
- Always use new gaskets
- Crankshaft pulley:
- Remove the crankshaft pulley
- Remove the ignition coils
- Disconnect the spark plug cables
- Remove the dipstick
- Remove the oil sump
- Remove the power steering pump bracket
- Remove the coolant pump pulley
- Screw in the plunger and install the retainer
- Align the timing marks
- Remove the chain tensioner
- Remove timing chain with crankshaft gearwheel
Installation and checks
- Refit the crankshaft gearwheel
- Lubricate lightly using engine oil
- Refit the chain guide(s)
- Lubricate lightly using engine oil
- Check the timing marks again
- Apply sealant as indicated
- Refit the timing chain cover
- Refit the coolant pump pulley
- Refit the oil sump
- Fit the power steering pump bracket
- Refit the cylinder head cover
- Apply sealant as indicated
- Apply sealant as indicated
- Tighten the bolts
- In the reverse order to that shown
- Reconnect the hoses
- Refit the spark plug cables
- Refit the ignition coil(s)
- Lock the crankshaft pulley
- Use a special tool:
- Refit the crankshaft pulley
- Refit the engine
Other SUZUKI procedures
- Suzuki Liana Chain
- Suzuki Wagon R 1.3 M13A timing chain replacement
- Suzuki Ignis, New Ignis, VVT M13A timing chain replacement
- Wagon R (M13/G13/Z13DT) clutch
- Suzuki 1.3 M13A gearbox removal & installation
- Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.5 H25A timing chain replacement
- Suzuki Grand Vitara 1.6 M16A timing chain replacement
- Suzuki Grand Vitara 2.0 J20A timing chain replacement
- Suzuki Swift 1.2 DDiS D13A/Z13DT timing chain replacement
- Suzuki SX4 VVT 1.6 M16A timing chain replacement
Who makes these pages, and how
TorqFix was built by a mechanic — after a 2,700 km drive with five roadside repairs that no diagnostic tool could explain.
The figures on this page come from manufacturer workshop documentation and are shown as they are. The page is assembled automatically from that data — it is not written by an AI. The AI works in the chat, where it answers for your specific car. It writes nothing here.
Variants of the same model differ. Cross-check torque against the factory manual for your engine before final tightening.
Seen a figure that does not match your manual? Write to us — we correct it and note when. support@torqfix.com
The story behind TorqFix →Workshop data on this page last updated 20 Sep 2026.