By RunningRoo Auto Parts — written from the desk of our Product Manager
On many modern engines, the timing chain and the variable valve timing gears are driven together and wear together, which is why a “timing chain kit with VVT gears” is such a common repair package. Replacing the chain but leaving the VVT gears — or the reverse — is a classic way to pay for the labour twice. This guide explains when the VVT gears should be renewed with the chain, what a complete kit includes and how to choose the right one.
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Why the chain and VVT gears wear together
The timing chain drives the VVT gears, and both are lubricated and tensioned by the same oil system. A stretched chain puts extra load on the VVT gears, and a worn VVT gear lets the camshaft timing drift, which in turn stresses the chain. They fail as a system, which is why they are normally renewed as a system.
The labour to reach the chain is the expensive part of the job, so renewing the VVT gears at the same time is almost always the best value. Paying the labour once and doing the complete system beats a chain-only job that returns with a VVT rattle a year later.
What a complete kit includes
A complete timing chain kit with VVT gears includes the chain, the updated tensioner, the guide rails, the sprockets and the VVT gears, plus the seals and fasteners to reseal the engine. The table below summarises the contents and their purpose.
| Component | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Timing chain | Drives the camshafts from the crank |
| Tensioner | Keeps the chain firm as it wears |
| Guide rails | Align the chain and reduce noise |
| Sprockets | Renew the tooth profiles |
| VVT gears | Renew the worn cam phasers |
| Seals & fasteners | Reseal the engine correctly |
When to replace the VVT gears
The VVT gears should be renewed when they rattle on cold start, when the engine sets timing-over-advanced or over-retarded codes, or when the timing chain is already being replaced on a high-mileage engine. On a low-mileage engine with a chain fault but quiet, healthy VVT gears, replacing the chain alone may be acceptable — but a workshop inspection should confirm the gears are genuinely serviceable.
The safest rule is: if the engine is open and the VVT gears show any sign of wear, replace them. Reaching them again later means paying the labour twice.
Choosing the right kit
Match the kit by engine code and VIN, and confirm whether the VVT gears are for the intake, exhaust or both positions. On many engines the intake and exhaust gears are different and not interchangeable, so the kit must match the engine’s exact timing design.
Send the engine code, VIN and original part number to the supplier, and confirm the kit contents before ordering. A complete, correctly matched kit is the difference between a repair that lasts and one that returns.
The symptoms that mean both are worn
When the chain and VVT gears are both worn, the symptoms usually appear together. A cold-start rattle from the VVT gear lock-pins combines with a chain rattle or timing-correlation codes from the stretched chain. The engine may idle roughly, lose power and use more fuel as the valve timing drifts.
The fault codes and a measurement of the timing correlation help confirm both, but the clearest evidence is often found once the timing cover is off and the chain and gears can be inspected directly. Replacing both together is then the obvious and complete fix.
How to choose a complete kit
Match the kit by engine code and VIN, and confirm that the VVT gears are included for the correct positions — intake, exhaust or both. A quality kit uses the updated tensioner and guides, and includes the seals and fasteners needed to reseal the engine.
Confirm the contents with the supplier before ordering, and check that the gears in the kit match the part numbers on your originals. A complete, correctly matched kit is what turns a timing repair into a once-only job.
Why labour drives the decision
The reason “timing chain kit with VVT gears” is such a common package is simple: the labour to reach the timing system is usually the largest part of the bill. The chain, guides and VVT gears are all located behind the same front cover and driven by the same system, so replacing them together costs the labour once.
Replacing only the chain or only one VVT gear is not necessarily wrong on a low-mileage engine, but it is a false economy on a high-mileage engine. If the remaining component starts rattling in a year, the engine has to be opened again and the expensive labour is repeated. Doing the complete system the first time is the cheaper repair in the long run.
Signs you can safely reuse the VVT gears
There are times when a chain-only repair is reasonable. On a low-mileage engine where the chain has a specific, isolated fault and the VVT gears are quiet, have no timing-correlation codes and show no lock-pin wear when inspected, reusing them may be acceptable. That decision should be made with the timing cover off, not from a guess.
The moment there is a cold-start rattle, an over-advanced or over-retarded code, or visible wear on the lock pins, the VVT gears should be renewed with the chain. If the engine is already open, the cost of a wrong guess is another full strip-down, which is not worth the saving.
How the kit is fitted correctly
The installation follows the same discipline as any timing-chain job, with a few extra checks because the VVT gears are part of the system.
| Stage | What the technician does |
|---|---|
| Lock the timing | Fit the crank and cam locking tools in the correct positions |
| Open the front cover | Remove the old chain, tensioner, guides and sprockets |
| Fit the new gears | Confirm each VVT gear is in the correct intake or exhaust position |
| Refit the chain | Install the new chain and updated tensioner and guides |
| Verify the timing | Turn the engine over by hand and recheck the marks |
| Refit and reseal | Refit the cover with new seals, then fill the correct oil |
The VVT gears must be fitted in their correct positions and timed precisely, because an intake gear on the exhaust cam or a gear fitted one tooth out will set the valve timing wrong from the first start. That is why matching the kit by engine code before ordering matters as much as the mechanical work itself.
Key takeaways
The timing chain and the VVT gears are driven together and wear together, so they are normally renewed together. Paying the labour once and doing the complete system is the best value, and it prevents the frustrating repeat repair that comes from replacing only one part.
For Australian owners, the best path is a complete kit matched by engine code, with the chain, tensioner, guides, sprockets and VVT gears included, fitted with the correct locking tools and followed by the correct oil and adaptation.
Quick reference: complete kit checklist
Use this list when ordering and fitting a timing chain kit with VVT gears:
- Confirm the engine code and VIN for the correct kit.
- Check that the kit includes the chain, tensioner, guides and sprockets.
- Confirm the VVT gears are included for the intake, exhaust or both positions.
- Use the correct crankshaft and camshaft locking tools.
- Turn the engine over by hand before the first start.
- Change the oil with the correct specification after the job.
Following this list ensures the chain and VVT gears are renewed completely, so the repair lasts and you do not pay for the labour twice.
Frequently asked questions
Should I replace the VVT gears with the timing chain?
Usually yes, because they wear together and the labour is already spent. A workshop can confirm whether the gears are still serviceable.
What does a timing chain kit with VVT gears include?
The chain, tensioner, guides, sprockets and VVT gears, plus the seals and fasteners.
Are intake and exhaust VVT gears the same?
No, they are usually different and not interchangeable, so match each gear to its position.
Can I replace just the VVT gears without the chain?
It is possible where the chain is healthy, but on a high-mileage engine the chain is usually renewed at the same time.
How do I confirm the right kit?
Send the engine code, VIN and original part number to the supplier, and confirm the kit contents.
Can I reuse the old VVT gears with a new chain?
Only if they are genuinely serviceable. On a high-mileage engine, renewing them with the chain is the safer and better-value choice.
How do I know if the VVT gears are still serviceable?
Have them inspected with the timing cover off. Quiet operation, no timing-correlation codes and no visible lock-pin wear are the signs they may be reusable.
What happens if I fit an intake VVT gear on the exhaust cam?
The valve timing will be wrong from the first start, producing fault codes and poor running, so each gear must be matched to its correct position.
Do I need to change the oil after a timing job?
Yes, the engine oil is usually drained during the job and should be replaced with the correct specification.
Does a timing chain kit with VVT gears cost more than a chain-only kit?
The parts cost is higher, but the labour is shared, so the complete kit is usually cheaper than doing the chain now and the VVT gears later.
Can I order a kit with only one VVT gear?
Yes, where only one position is worn, but confirm the correct intake or exhaust gear for that engine.
Shop the parts mentioned in this guide
- Timing Chain Kit for Mazda 3 / 5 / 6 / Tribute 2.3L with VVT Adjuster 2003–2007
- Timing Chain Kit for Nissan Teana J31 / J32 VQ23DE / VQ25DE / VQ35DE
- Timing Chain Kit for VW / SEAT / Škoda / Audi 2.0 TSI & 1.8 TSI EA888
- Timing Chain Kit for Toyota 1GD / 2GD Hilux / Hiace / Fortuner — eBay
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RunningRoo Auto Parts – Based in Melbourne, Australia 🇦🇺
📞 Free 24/7 Pickup Available (Contact 0425890125)
💬 Any questions? Message or Call us anytime! We’re here to help.Why Choose RunningRoo?
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Sources and further reading
- Variable valve timing — Wikipedia
- Timing chain — Wikipedia
- RACV — car maintenance and repair guidance
- CarsGuide — Australian motoring advice
RunningRoo Auto Parts – Based in Melbourne, Australia 🇦🇺
📞 Free 24/7 Pickup Available (Contact 0425890125)
💬 Any questions? Message or Call us anytime! We’re here to help.Why Choose RunningRoo?
✅ Aussie Owned & Operated | 🚚 Fast Shipping | 🤝 Friendly Support