Performance Water Pump & Timing Chain Kit for Buick Regal (2012-2017) 2.4L

Complete Timing Chain and Water Pump Overhaul Kit for 2012-2017 Buick Regal (Epsilon II)

What it Does: The Performance Water Pump & Timing Chain Kit completely replaces worn timing drive components, balance shaft drive, and the cooling pump on the 2012-2017 Regal to eliminate timing slack, restore valve synchronization, and prevent catastrophic piston-to-valve interference.

The Stock Buick Regal Timing Drive and Water Pump Weakness

The GM 2.4L Ecotec engine in the Epsilon II chassis is widely known for premature timing chain stretch, plastic guide failure, and hydraulic tensioner collapse. Inadequate oil flow or extended drain intervals accelerate wear on the primary chain links, leading to slack that allows the chain to whip against brittle nylon-faced guide rails. As the top and left guides degrade or shear, camshaft-to-crankshaft phasing drifts, triggering P0016/P0017 correlation DTCs. Concurrently, the internally mounted water pump utilizes the balance shaft chain drive; bearing play or internal seal weepage can contaminate engine oil or cause coolant loss behind the timing cover, precipitating total valve-train failure if not serviced simultaneously.

The Engineering Solution

This master overhaul kit provides complete replacement of both the primary cam drive and secondary balance shaft systems. Manufactured from heat-treated alloy steel, the 148-link main timing chain and 134-link balance shaft chain resist tensile elongation under cyclic thermal stress. Precision-machined sprockets, updated ratcheting hydraulic tensioners, and reinforced guide rails eliminate chain slap and maintain proper tension against the VVT camshaft phasers. A direct-replacement water pump with premium gasket seals against the block, while new intake and exhaust variable valve timing solenoids restore precise hydraulic oil control to the cam actuators to eliminate cam phasing retard.

What's Included

• 1 Timing Chain (148 Links)
• 1 Timing Chain Balance Shaft (134 Links)
• 1 Tensioner
• 1 Balance Shaft Tensioner
• 2 VVT Camshaft Gears (2 Exhaust)
• 1 Exhaust Camshaft Position Actuator
• 1 Intake Variable Valve Timing Solenoid
• 1 Exhaust Variable Valve Timing Solenoid
• 1 Crank Sprocket (23 Teeth)
• 1 Crank Sprocket (Inner - 42 Teeth)
• 1 Balance Shaft Sprocket (Intake Side)
• 1 Balance Shaft Sprocket (Exhaust Side)
• 1 Guide Rail (Tensioner Guide)
• 1 Guide Rail (Left for Cam Chain)
• 1 Guide Rail (Upper for Cam Chain)
• 1 Guide Rail Balance Shaft (Upper)
• 1 Guide Rail Balance Shaft (Left)
• 1 Guide Rail Balance Shaft (Right)
• 1 Water Pump W/ Gasket
• 1 Timing Cover Gasket Set

Technical Specifications

Compatibility

• 2012 Buick Regal Base / Premium (2.4L L4 GAS / FLEX)
• 2013 Buick Regal Base / Premium (2.4L L4 GAS / FLEX)
• 2014 Buick Regal Base / Premium (2.4L L4 GAS / FLEX)
• 2015 Buick Regal Base / Premium (2.4L L4 GAS / FLEX)
• 2016 Buick Regal Base / Premium (2.4L L4 GAS / FLEX)
• 2017 Buick Regal Base / Sport Touring (2.4L L4 FLEX)

Frequently Asked Questions & Fitment Warnings

Does this fit the Epsilon II Regal?

Yes, this is a direct fit for the 2012-2017 Buick Regal equipped with the 2.4L LEA or LAF Ecotec engine; it does not fit the 2.0L Turbo (LTG/LHU) models.

Do I need special timing tools to install this kit?

Yes, an EN-48953 camshaft actuator locking tool and balance shaft alignment marks must be properly positioned to maintain correct mechanical synchronization and prevent valve-to-piston contact during assembly.

The Buick Reliability Caliber

Maintaining factory valvetrain tolerances on the GM Ecotec requires exact timing tension and continuous lubrication delivery. This comprehensive kit delivers precision-matched drive components that maintain proper chain mesh and oil flow, ensuring quiet idle operation and long-term mechanical reliability without timing-related check engine lights.