what exactly is the guideline for timing chain replacement?

[youonlylivetwic]

do you wait for symptoms of a problem?

I have 88k miles on a 2000 sport. should I need to address the chain?

There is a slight rattle but I can't tell exactly where it is coming from. Is this about right to get it replaced, or am I possibly throwing big $ at the vehicle unnecessarily?

Also if I take this in as preventative maintenance, what am I looking at for $ at a Ford dealer?

thanks!

 

[Wrench]

More info needed!

I take you have the 4.0L SOHC engine and not the OHV version.

 

[Aussie Explorer]

Wait till you know for sure because it isn’t cheep to replace the chain’s, guides, tensioners, sprockets.

The Cam tensioners are fairly straightforward to do and not too expensive to have a shop do them, these are normally the culprit that causes the rattle. But to do the cam chains and lower gear the engine need’s to be pulled and timing covers taken off.

If it’s under warranty push for it to be fixed, but if your paying I would wait till it really need’s doing.

 

[BrooklynBay]

The chain was making a lot of noise on my 3.0. When I replaced it at about 100k miles, I was surprised at how much slack had developed. I think that when it starts to make noise, it is a good idea to take care of it before it breaks to prevent any further engine damage. I've heard about interference engines with timing belts. When the belts break, the valves collide with the cylinders. I don't know if your engine is like that, but I wouldn't wait until it breaks.

 

[youonlylivetwic]

Thanks. I do have the 4.0L SOHC.
I just want to get what I can out of this vehicle and not do something stupid by missing major maintenance. It has been such a money pit I really don't want to throw any more at it if I can avoid it. If a couple hundred bucks can avoid big problems then good, but otherwise I think I'll drive it till it takes another major crap and then have them tow it away.