Performance Water Pump & Timing Chain Kit for Buick LaCrosse (2011-2016) 2.4L

Complete Timing Chain and Water Pump Overhaul Kit for 2011-2016 Buick LaCrosse (Epsilon II)

What it Does: The Performance Water Pump & Timing Chain Kit restores critical valvetrain synchronization and engine cooling efficiency on the 2011-2016 Buick LaCrosse to eliminate timing rattle, prevent valve float, and avoid catastrophic piston-to-valve contact.

The Stock Buick LaCrosse Timing System Failure Point

The GM Ecotec 2.4L platform in the second-generation LaCrosse suffers from notorious timing drive fatigue. Factory plastic timing chain guides become brittle over thermal cycles, leading to guide fracture and catastrophic chain slack. Under-lubrication or oil breakdown accelerates link-pin elongation across the primary 148-link chain and balance shaft drives. Concurrently, factory VVT actuator sprockets stick or develop internal blow-by, throwing correlation trouble codes (P0016, P0017). Left unaddressed, premature failure of the timing-driven water pump impeller bearing allows coolant cross-contamination or total lockup, snapping the chain and bending valves on this interference engine.

The Engineering Solution

This comprehensive service kit eliminates valvetrain instability by combining high-tensile, shot-peened carbon steel primary and balance shaft drive chains with reinforced, friction-resistant nylon guide rails. Hardened crank and balance shaft sprockets resist tooth erosion, while brand-new variable camshaft timing actuators and solenoids ensure razor-sharp oil pressure modulation for precise cam advance. The matched high-flow water pump features a precision-cast bearing assembly and balanced impeller to maintain optimal coolant delta across the Epsilon II chassis engine bay without parasitic drag.

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

• 2011 Buick LaCrosse 2.4L (Engine RPO: LAF / LE5)
• 2012 Buick LaCrosse 2.4L (Engine RPO: LEA)
• 2013 Buick LaCrosse 2.4L (Engine RPO: LEA)
• 2014 Buick LaCrosse 2.4L (Engine RPO: LEA)
• 2015 Buick LaCrosse 2.4L (Engine RPO: LEA)
• 2016 Buick LaCrosse 2.4L (Engine RPO: LEA)

Frequently Asked Questions & Fitment Warnings

Does this fit the Epsilon II LaCrosse?

Yes, this is a direct fit for the 2011-2016 Buick LaCrosse equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec (LAF, LEA, LE5) engine. This kit will not fit 3.6L V6 models or applications outside the listed GM Ecotec 2.2L/2.4L timing configurations.

Do I need specialized tools to install this timing set?

Yes, proper alignment requires an Ecotec camshaft locking tool and a dedicated water pump sprocket retention tool to prevent dislodging timing balance during water pump replacement.

The Buick Reliability Standard

Engineered to deliver seamless factory NVH characteristics and high-mileage endurance, this timing assembly keeps your executive sedan running with quiet confidence and zero fault codes.