Performance Water Pump & Timing Chain Kit for Chevrolet Equinox (2011-2017) 2.4L

Complete Timing Chain and Water Pump Service Overhaul Kit for 2011-2017 Chevrolet Equinox (Theta Platform)

What it Does: The Performance Water Pump & Timing Chain Kit synchronizes the camshaft and crankshaft rotation while restoring pressurized coolant circulation to prevent valve-to-piston contact and thermal breakdown on the 2011-2017 Chevrolet Equinox 2.4L.

The Stock Chevrolet Equinox Timing Drive & Cooling Failure Points

The GM 2.4L Ecotec (engine codes LAF and LEA) housed in the second-generation Theta platform suffers from notorious timing chain elongation and tensioner guide rail fatigue. Low oil volume from chronic blow-by and oil starvation accelerates wear on the primary timing chain links and plastic balance shaft guides. Once slack develops, the timing chain whips against the fragile nylon-lined guide rails, shattering them into the oil sump and causing tooth skip on the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) sprockets. Simultaneously, the internally driven, chain-actuated OEM water pump bearing develops radial play, weeping coolant into the crankcase or through the weep hole and causing catastrophic thermo-mechanical engine failure.

The Engineering Solution

This master service kit addresses high-mileage failure modes by replacing every high-wear timing, balance, and cooling component in a single teardown. Features pre-stressed, shot-peened 148-link main and 134-link balance shaft link chains built to resist stretch under variable rotational loads. Heat-treated chromoly sprockets and reinforced guide rails eliminate premature guide breakage, while revised ratcheting tensioners maintain constant hydraulic and mechanical preload. Packaged with direct-replacement intake and exhaust VVT solenoids and cam actuators to restore variable valve timing advance/retard authority, alongside a high-flow water pump with an upgraded internal carbon ceramic mechanical seal and multi-layer steel (MLS) gaskets to permanently seal the timing cover.

What's Included

• 1 Timing Chain (148 Links)
• 1 Timing Chain Balance Shaft (134 Links)
• 1 Timing Chain Tensioner
• 1 Balance Shaft Tensioner
• 2 VVT Camshaft Gears (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 Chevrolet Equinox 2.4L L4 (Engine RPO: LAF)
• 2012-2017 Chevrolet Equinox 2.4L L4 (Engine RPO: LEA)
• Fits GM Ecotec 2.2L / 2.4L platforms confirming RPO LEA, LAF, or LE5

Frequently Asked Questions & Fitment Warnings

Does this fit the Theta Equinox?

Yes, this is a direct fit for the 2011-2017 Chevrolet Equinox equipped with the 2.4L Ecotec (LAF/LEA) engine. Does not fit models equipped with the 3.0L or 3.6L High Feature V6 engines.

Do I need special timing alignment tools to install this kit?

Yes, an EN-48953 camshaft holding tool and appropriate water pump holding tool are required to lock the sprockets and maintain correct cam phasing during torque-down.

The Chevrolet Reliability Standard

Keep your daily crossover running reliably across demanding commutes and heavy utility loads by eliminating loose timing chain chatter and restoring OEM-spec hydraulic tension and cooling efficiency.