2017 CX-5 Camshaft Tool / Timing Issue

[thedove]

After my car had been running rough for a while i took my 2017 cx-5 to the dealership for a diag. Assuming it was a trans issue. Was told timing issue was found and car was in limp mode.

Fast forward to now after disassembly of timing components. I have found an alignment tool which i will link later that fits neatly into the notches of the ends of the Camshafts that is supposed to keep them in accurate timing. My exhaust cam was about 15° off of the machined tool alignment on old chain so it was rotated to fit after removing it .

However after fitting it in, and assembly of timing components, the timing marks on cam no longer line up with new chain markers.

Anyone have any ideas? Am i supposed to trust this tool or use the marks on my camshaft as a guide for camshaft positioning? This is Deeply confusing. Would using the marks on my cam put timing back off?

Piston one is at Tdc.

Tool link : CTA® - Camshaft Alignment Tool

 

[thedove]

Just to comment on resolution for anyone doing this in the future. I did not know what vvt was till i was working on this

The solution relies on knowing some basics of the variable Valve timing mechanism of both the exhaust ( a hydraulic oil pressured vvt ) and the intake camshaft ( a electric controlled vvt ).

In my instance the only one that was off was the intakes electrical controlled vvt sprocket. This is easily corrected by twisting the inside of the hub with a cloth covered flathead or your fingers. This will redirect the sprocket to the proper relationship between exhaust timing marks and chain marks.

For the exhaust oil controled vvt hub, i recommend you look at videos of other oil vvt hub breakdowns. When not in use it should be set to zero variable. There may be an issue if this is not the case i am not an expert. I just watched a few videos.

 

[Trzebs]

Just to comment on resolution for anyone doing this in the future. I did not know what vvt was till i was working on this

The solution relies on knowing some basics of the variable Valve timing mechanism of both the exhaust ( a hydraulic oil pressured vvt ) and the intake camshaft ( a electric controlled vvt ).

In my instance the only one that was off was the intakes electrical controlled vvt sprocket. This is easily corrected by twisting the inside of the hub with a cloth covered flathead or your fingers. This will redirect the sprocket to the proper relationship between exhaust timing marks and chain marks.

For the exhaust oil controled vvt hub, i recommend you look at videos of other oil vvt hub breakdowns. When not in use it should be set to zero variable. There may be an issue if this is not the case i am not an expert. I just watched a few videos.

So just so I'm clear, once you corrected the intake vvt sprocket by twisting the inner hub, does this fix the issue of the teeth being off by several links?

I suspect some timing issues on my 2018 CX-5 and wondering how hard it would be to check this and use the tool you linked.

 

[thedove]

So just so I'm clear, once you corrected the intake vvt sprocket by twisting the inner hub, does this fix the issue of the teeth being off by several links?

I suspect some timing issues on my 2018 CX-5 and wondering how hard it would be to check this and use the tool you linked.

Yes that is correct. My mazda cx5 is a 2017 2.5 gas.

When appling only a little pressure to turn the inside hub of the intake camshaft, the outside sprocket will move as well ( in the opposite direction i believe). This aligned the sprocket with the correct marking on the exhaust gear and the correct positioning when putting on the chain.

Difficulty wise, i would say if youre going to even check it, save up and go for replacement of timing components. However the tool is a life saver if you dont feel like doing copius ammounts of math and will save you that trouble.

You will have everything in reach to replace and it would really suck to redo it in the future. It took me about a week with most every part had on me. A few gaskets had to be ordered in.