Timing chain/VVT replacement parts list

[ArmanRus]

Check eBay for complete VVT replacement kits.

[iamintown]

I just order VVT, timingchain kit from Ebay and chain tensioner from streetunit.com, looking for good mechanic in Southern California to install it.
Mazda Variable Valve Timing Kit for MAZDASPEED3 MAZDASPEED6 and CX 7 | eBay

does anybody know good Mazda mechanic in Southern California.

[NICKELL666]

I'll probably be doing this soon. For you guys that did it yourself, about how long did it take? I don't really want to pay the dealer to touch my car

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[Raider]

There is a how to by @Rokusek;. It's pretty in depth. Cams are not marked for timing so many shops have bent valves trying to do it.

[Rokusek]

The tools listed in my OP where made by a guy in NC, he had them to me in 3 days after i ordered them. this is an easy job but its very in depth.

Thanks for the Mention @Raider;

HOW-TO VVT

[Raider]

If you have purchased from Street Unit, you missed the threads about them being shitstains.

Take it to the dealer. This is not a shade-tree job.

[iamintown]

anybody in Southern California has replaced the VVT/timing chain, I just the got the kit, looking for mechanic.

[ericrapp0507@gmail.com]

the dealer is a bad idea.
i had 74000 and the vvt had failed.
No warranty. sposed to be 70k.
2600.
yea i know
i coulda done this myself

[Raider]

Originally Posted by ericrapp0507@gmail.com the dealer is a bad idea. i had 74000 and the vvt had failed. No warranty. sposed to be 70k. 2600. yea i know i coulda done this myself

Oh you could? Got the timing tools? Know the cams are not marked for timing? We do have the how to posted, but even experienced mechanics have mis-timed these engine.VVT is no more than $1200 via dealer. 70001 miles or 84 months and 1 day from sale date-out of warranty.

[redneck4Christ]

@Rokusek's write up is gold! Good stuff. Thanks again!
I got my kit from @EdgeAutosport.com.
Good guys, both!

[Jeff23spl]

should we always replace the VVT actuator along with the chain and tensionner or is there a way to know if there is any issue with it ?

[Raider]

Since in there, yeah.

[season_of_ages]

In regards to upgraded parts, is there a complete list? I happened across a thread that mentioned the DCR VVT and that's definitely something I'm gonna look into, now that I wanna piece together a kit. I've only started looking into this after giving serious thought to the fact that my engine has over 120k on it. I don't wanna miss a thing!

[Mfinlay04]

If anyone is wanting the complete list with Mazda part #'s

VVT (new version) - L3K9124X0C9U
Timing chain - L3K912201A
Cam friction washer - L3K912429
Timing chain tensioner - L3K912500A
Crank pully friction washers x3 - L3H511407
Crank pully bolt - LF0111406
Front oil seal - L3G610602
Timing chain guide (tensioner side) - L3K912671
Timing chain guide - L3K912614
Valve cover gasket (inner and outer) - L3K910230

Since onlinemazda is going under new ownership. I bought all mine from Mazdawholesaleparts.com and got a good deal. I should be receiving next week. With free shipping if you buy everything directly from them it's 361.21

[season_of_ages]

Originally Posted by Mfinlay04 If anyone is wanting the complete list with Mazda part #'s VVT (new version) - L3K9124X0C9U Timing chain - L3K912201A Cam friction washer - L3K912429 Timing chain tensioner - L3K912500A Crank pully friction washers x3 - L3H511407 Crank pully bolt - LF0111406 Front oil seal - L3G610602 Timing chain guide (tensioner side) - L3K912671 Timing chain guide - L3K912614 Valve cover gasket (inner and outer) - L3K910230 Since onlinemazda is going under new ownership. I bought all mine from Mazdawholesaleparts.com and got a good deal. I should be receiving next week. With free shipping if you buy everything directly from them it's 361.21

The new version VVT, would that be as good or better than the DCR VVT?

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[Mfinlay04]

Originally Posted by season_of_ages The new version VVT, would that be as good or better than the DCR VVT? Sent from my SM-N900T using Tapatalk

I haven't read of any failures of the new design VVT from Mazda that we installed correctly. I don't remember the time frame exactly but I believe the DCR was released before the new VVT was released. I know a handful of guys got on and bought the DCR and to my knowledge none have failed.

I emailed DCR yesterday to see if they still give a credit if we send in a new core. If they do I'll send the one I ordered in and have it "upgraded" just for peace of mind.

If they do not offer the discount I may just run the new Mazda version. Idk if 230 dollars more is justifiable.



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[jeffdevo]

Does the Gen Pu VVT Chain also need to be replaced at 60k?

[Mfinlay04]

Originally Posted by jeffdevo Does the Gen Pu VVT Chain also need to be replaced at 60k?

Idk if the pu's have the same issue. I would assume that they would not be affected. I believe the recall for this came out before the pu was release. But don't take my word for it. The chain is not normally a service item. Should be good for life of motor.

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[Lex2007]

Note that:

Part Number was superceded!
Old Part Number l32112428
New Part Number L56812428
Part Name BOLT,LOCK
MSRP $5.79
Online Price $4.51

[GOT 2RBO]

ok guys, I am purchasing my VVT/Timing Chain kit this week and I want to make sure i get everything I need to do this job.

The parts list above (wholesale mazda), I checked your part numbers and got the exact same price on everything. is this EVERYTHING I will need for this job? or do I need to order specific tools as well? Any guidance would be appreciated.

[Raider]

If you have to ask, I am going to recommend you not do the VVT.

[GOT 2RBO]

I went and read up on Rokusek's how-to right after I posted and found the tools that are needed to assist with install.

[ihasmazda]

Just wanted to update about pricing.
I just called my local dealership and was quoted $1800 to do this. He said it may be a bit less if they don't need to replace as many parts. The only good part about the call was that the guy knew all about the issue and parts needed, so that made me feel a LITTLE better, that I was talking to someone with some knowledge. It sucks how the price for EVERYTHING goes up every year. I don't have any startup grind but do have a stretched chain hitting the valve cover, but it's been this way since I got the car almost a year ago and doesn't seem to have gotten worse so I'm not sure how long I can or should wait until I get it fixed. Probably sooner than later so that they can't jack the price up even MORE and get it over with...

[Lex2007]

Originally Posted by ihasmazda Just wanted to update about pricing. I just called my local dealership and was quoted $1800 to do this. He said it may be a bit less if they don't need to replace as many parts. The only good part about the call was that the guy knew all about the issue and parts needed, so that made me feel a LITTLE better, that I was talking to someone with some knowledge. It sucks how the price for EVERYTHING goes up every year. I don't have any startup grind but do have a stretched chain hitting the valve cover, but it's been this way since I got the car almost a year ago and doesn't seem to have gotten worse so I'm not sure how long I can or should wait until I get it fixed. Probably sooner than later so that they can't jack the price up even MORE and get it over with...

Just had mine done for under $1000 by dealer in Baltimore MD. $1800 is too much. In my case the chain guides did not need to be changed, which makes sense given that oil analysis showed no abnormal metal concentrations.

I also had no startup noises. Only strange noises at idle with hot engine. Its a lot quieter now at idle. Runs stronger, but MPG are almost equivalent...hard to say for sure because I am running AC now. Will need more miles before can comment on MPGs with more confidence.

[frothy]

Did mine not too long ago for $320, thanks to the contributions of @Rokusek; and @SeeMeGovan; in the "How-To VVT" thread.

It's not terribly difficult, especially thanks to the above-mentioned thread, but a good collection of tools is a necessity.

$1800 is ridiculous... How much of that are they claiming is for labor?

[Lex2007]

$320? I guess you borrowed some one-time use tools and this is the price of parts only?

Before you do the job yourself, consider 2 things.

1. If you plan to sell the car, showing a history of having had this done by the dealer may raise the resale value. Or at least make it easier to sell.
2. If you screw it up, it will be a much more expensive repair and headache.

On the other hand you will learn a lot by doing it yourself and you will save at least $400-500.

[frothy]

Correct. Parts only...

The Assenmacher SST tools only set me back $50, which really isn't that much.

Other than that, I owned everything else that was needed for the job.


I imagine many people would have to add to their tool collection, or borrow -- but with the price difference of doing it yourself that's a lot of tools you can buy.

[Lex2007]

...any excuse to buy tools is a good excuse!

[ihasmazda]

I too have the increased hot idle knock, assuming the chain is expanding and hitting more.
well, not sure what else I can really do about the price, unfortunately everything around here is a ripoff, Seattle is an expensive area with too many rich people, so everything costs more. I'll call a couple other dealerships but I doubt that any of them will quote much less...

[Lex2007]

Originally Posted by ihasmazda I too have the increased hot idle knock, assuming the chain is expanding and hitting more. well, not sure what else I can really do about the price, unfortunately everything around here is a ripoff, Seattle is an expensive area with too many rich people, so everything costs more. I'll call a couple other dealerships but I doubt that any of them will quote much less...

Does your sound like this?: My 07 Speed3 sound like a VW Diesel

[ihasmazda]

i'd say it's pretty similar yeah ... i took off the valve cover and saw the score marks so i know it's hitting there. and when it's hot it's worse.

i just realized that the $1800 quote also won't include the effing 9.5% sales tax.. god.

[ihasmazda]

just called 3 more dealerships in the area. two of them are going to call me back after they look up parts (that doesn't sound too confident) and the third claimed their system was down and that even if it was up, i'd have to first talk to the parts dept to get a quote on the parts and then back to service to get a labor quote. wtf. so the first place for $1800 was the only dealership that was even on their game. i hate to say it but so far they're the only ones I'd even want to consider at this point...maybe that'd why they can charge and arm and a leg, because they're the only ones with real service.

edit: got a call back from another dealership, $1200
looking a lot better... i doubt the other place will do any better... why the place nearest me has to be $600 high is beyond me... i'll try to get them to match

3rd place quoted $1550.

Update 7/19:
I just called the high guys (nearest me of course) and asked if they'd match the low guys. They said they'd need a copy of a written quote to compare parts etc, so I called the low guys back and this time got some lady that seemed to have very little interest in helping me, saying that she'd try to get me a quote sometime NEXT WEEK...

[frothy]

$1200 is better...



I recall that being close to what SeeMeGovan saying he was quoted -- he's also from the Seattle, WA area.



You may want to get a breakdown of what they're charging for labor and what they're charging for parts. If they're gouging you for parts, buy them elsewhere and bring them with you.



I spent $320 shipped for all of the parts I needed from Genuine OEM Auto Parts For Sale at Discounted Low Price (it's Rosenthal Mazda in Arlington VA -- but if you order through PartsVP, the prices are slightly cheaper). I'm not sure, but I may have found and used a coupon for my order as well -- so look around online for that.

[Lex2007]

Originally Posted by ihasmazda just called 3 more dealerships in the area. two of them are going to call me back after they look up parts (that doesn't sound too confident) and the third claimed their system was down and that even if it was up, i'd have to first talk to the parts dept to get a quote on the parts and then back to service to get a labor quote. wtf. so the first place for $1800 was the only dealership that was even on their game. i hate to say it but so far they're the only ones I'd even want to consider at this point...maybe that'd why they can charge and arm and a leg, because they're the only ones with real service. .

Weird indeed. The female service writer at the dealer near me in Baltimore area didn't skip a beat as she gave me a $900 estimate. She even listed the parts. And I spoke to the mechanic afterwards and he mentioned he has done many such jobs.

[frothy]

@ihasmazda; I've attached a list of what I replaced and paid when I did my VVT, if that's of any benefit to you. I placed my order less than a month ago, so the prices should still be accurate.

Have you requested a written quote from the shop that's asking for $1800?
You should. (I'm genuinely curious to see how they fudge the numbers to come up with that...)

As @ALPINEST4RS; stated, 6hrs (book time) @95/hr labor is what he does out in Michigan.
That equates to $570 for labor.

Buy the parts for $330 through PartsVP and you should be looking at a grand total of ~$900 spent (minus tax).


They're likely marking up their parts considerably, which you don't have to put up with.
Get a quote on labor from them and bring your own parts if that's what you have to do to get a fair deal...

[ALPINEST4RS]

Originally Posted by frothy @ihasmazda; I've attached a list of what I replaced and paid when I did my VVT, if that's of any benefit to you. I placed my order less than a month ago, so the prices should still be accurate. Have you requested a written quote from the shop that's asking for $1800? You should. (I'm genuinely curious to see how they fudge the numbers to come up with that...) As @ALPINEST4RS; stated, 6hrs (book time) @95/hr labor is what he does out in Michigan. That equates to $570 for labor. Buy the parts for $330 through PartsVP and you should be looking at a grand total of ~$900 spent (minus tax). They're likely marking up their parts considerably, which you don't have to put up with. Get a quote on labor from them and bring your own parts if that's what you have to do to get a fair deal...

Just for reference too, I looked at your parts list and i highly recommend the cam cover bolts to be replaced. Each one has a rubber gasket on the bolt itself.

[frothy]

Originally Posted by ALPINEST4RS Just for reference too, I looked at your parts list and i highly recommend the cam cover bolts to be replaced. Each one has a rubber gasket on the bolt itself.

Yeah, I definitely considered replacing those when I was buying my parts. ...until I realized they were ~$10 each and I'd be replacing 14 of them. Where is the rubber gasket located on them? I seem to recall the bolts just being surrounded by a plastic collar. My impression was that the collars just served to facilitate reinstallation of the cover, as the collars keep the gasket aligned and held to it.

The other two things missing from my list are the chain guides. The general consensus, from what I'd read here, seemed to be that most people that did the VVT job found that their guides were in great shape and didn't need to be replaced. I took a gamble that mine would be in great shape too, and they were.

[govertime]

Originally Posted by Lex2007 Weird indeed. The female service writer at the dealer near me in Baltimore area didn't skip a beat as she gave me a $900 estimate. She even listed the parts. And I spoke to the mechanic afterwards and he mentioned he has done many such jobs.

Lex2007,

I'd PM you but I don't have enough posts. I was wondering which dealership...Russel? You mentioned a quote from them in the VVT How To thread. Was the work good, holding up? PM me if you prefer not to post publicly.

I'm gonna need to have mine done for the 2nd time (1st under warranty). Hope its not the dealer I've had warranty work done at. Their work has been awful and they quoted me over $2k.

Update - Russel quoted $15-1800 (8 hrs labor)

Thanks!!!

BTW, I've got a CX7 but my understanding is they share the same engine.

[Lex2007]

Originally Posted by govertime Lex2007, I'd PM you but I don't have enough posts. I was wondering which dealership...Russel? You mentioned a quote from them in the VVT How To thread. Was the work good, holding up? PM me if you prefer not to post publicly. I'm gonna need to have mine done for the 2nd time (1st under warranty). Hope its not the dealer I've had warranty work done at. Their work has been awful and they quoted me over $2k. Update - Russel quoted $15-1800 (8 hrs labor) Thanks!!! BTW, I've got a CX7 but my understanding is they share the same engine.

Russell Mazda / Subaru / VW . 6624 Baltimore National Pike, Catonsville, MD 21228
(866) 851-5407

They quoted me I think $850-900 without new chain guides. Then they tried to tell me it was more, because the service writer though it was a regular 3. But I had it in an email from her where I made it clear it was a Speed3 so she had to honor her quote. Dont know what to think about that. It took them 3 days to get it done. Not sure what that was about either.

I guess it depends on how hungry the mechanics are. The mechanic who did the work was a red haired guy. Very nice. Said he does side work...but you don't get a warranty for side work or a dealer's receipt.

[Stryker125]

Any update on this? I'm also in WA and will likely need to get this done sooner than later. Which dealers did you get quotes from?

Originally Posted by ihasmazda just called 3 more dealerships in the area. two of them are going to call me back after they look up parts (that doesn't sound too confident) and the third claimed their system was down and that even if it was up, i'd have to first talk to the parts dept to get a quote on the parts and then back to service to get a labor quote. wtf. so the first place for $1800 was the only dealership that was even on their game. i hate to say it but so far they're the only ones I'd even want to consider at this point...maybe that'd why they can charge and arm and a leg, because they're the only ones with real service. edit: got a call back from another dealership, $1200 looking a lot better... i doubt the other place will do any better... why the place nearest me has to be $600 high is beyond me... i'll try to get them to match 3rd place quoted $1550. Update 7/19: I just called the high guys (nearest me of course) and asked if they'd match the low guys. They said they'd need a copy of a written quote to compare parts etc, so I called the low guys back and this time got some lady that seemed to have very little interest in helping me, saying that she'd try to get me a quote sometime NEXT WEEK...