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Ford Explorer Sport Trac Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) Sprocket Bolts

Ford Explorer Sport Trac Engine variable valve timing (vvt) sprocket bolts

Engine Variable Valve Timing (VVT) sprocket bolts start at $11.95 at AutoBuffy, where you'll find 1 options from Cloyes. This bolt clamps the VVT sprocket (cam phaser) to the camshaft and must maintain precise clamping force to keep valve timing accurate. A stretched, loose, or broken bolt causes the phaser to slip, triggering rough running, power loss, and engine fault codes.

Signs your Ford Explorer Sport Trac needs a new VVT sprocket bolt

  • Camshaft position or VVT system fault code stored (e.g., P0011, P0021, P0341, or related cam timing codes)
  • Rough idle or engine stumble that worsens when the VVT system activates at operating temperature
  • Noticeable loss of low-end torque or high-rpm power as cam timing shifts unpredictably
  • Rattling or ticking noise from the front of the engine near the timing cover, especially at startup
  • Engine hesitation or surging during acceleration as the phaser hunts for the correct cam angle
  • Failed emissions test due to incomplete combustion caused by incorrect valve timing

Which VVT sprocket bolt should you buy for your Ford Explorer Sport Trac?

The most important decision is matching the bolt's thread pitch, length, and grade specification to your engine's camshaft. VVT sprocket bolts are stretch-to-yield (torque-to-angle) fasteners on most applications, meaning they must be replaced rather than reused every time the phaser is removed. Buying the correct OE-equivalent grade ensures the bolt achieves the clamping force the phaser needs to stay locked at the right cam angle.

OEM-equivalent replacement bolt
Best for
Stock rebuilds and daily drivers where reliable cam timing is the priority
What you get
Factory thread pitch, length, and grade specification; designed as a direct drop-in with no modifications
OEM dealer bolt
Best for
Owners who want part-number-matched confidence and are less price-sensitive
What you get
Identical spec to the original bolt; safest choice if the application has had prior VVT recall or TSB history
Performance-grade bolt kit
Best for
High-output or modified engines that see elevated oil pressure and frequent cam phaser cycling
What you get
Higher tensile-strength fastener, sometimes multi-use rated; reduces risk of bolt fatigue under sustained high-RPM use
Complete VVT sprocket bolt + phaser kit
Best for
Engines with high mileage or a damaged phaser hub where the bolt alone will not solve the underlying wear
What you get
Sprocket bolt paired with a new cam phaser; replaces all worn components in one service to prevent repeat failures

Engine variable valve timing (vvt) sprocket bolts brands we stock for your Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Cloyes
1 option · from $11.95

Replacing the VVT sprocket bolt on a Ford Explorer Sport Trac

Advanced⏱ 2–5 hoursTorque wrench with angle/degree gauge attachmentCamshaft holding tool or cam phaser lockout tool (engine-specific)Socket set and breaker barTiming cover gasket scraper and clean ragsThread-locking compound if specified by the manufacturer

Replacing the VVT sprocket bolt requires locking the camshaft in position with the correct cam-holding tool before breaking loose the old bolt, then cleaning the cam nose threads thoroughly before threading in the new fastener. The bolt must be torqued in two stages — an initial snug torque followed by a precise angle turn — because it is a stretch-to-yield fastener and clamping force depends on controlled elongation, not a simple torque reading. Skipping the angle step or reusing the old bolt are the two most common causes of repeat VVT failures after this repair.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to replace VVT sprocket bolts on a Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
Parts start at $11.95 for the bolt itself. Because the bolt is a stretch-to-yield fastener buried behind the timing cover, labor is the larger cost — typically 2–5 hours at shop rates depending on the engine layout. Doing it yourself keeps the job close to the part price alone.
Can I reuse the VVT sprocket bolt on my Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
No. VVT sprocket bolts are stretch-to-yield fasteners that permanently deform when torqued to specification. Reusing a previously torqued bolt risks under-clamping the cam phaser, which lets the sprocket walk and destroys valve timing. Always install a new bolt any time the phaser is removed, regardless of how the old bolt looks.
What happens if the VVT sprocket bolt breaks or backs out on a Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
A broken or backed-out bolt immediately frees the cam phaser to spin independently of the camshaft. This collapses valve timing control, usually causing the engine to run very roughly or stall. In severe cases the loose bolt or phaser can contact other timing components and cause expensive internal engine damage.
How do I know if the VVT sprocket bolt is the problem and not the phaser itself on my Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
Inspect the bolt first — look for visible stretching, thread damage, or rotation marks on the bolt head indicating it has moved. A loose bolt with an otherwise intact phaser often resolves cam timing codes after a new bolt is properly torqued. If codes return with a new bolt installed correctly, the phaser itself is likely faulty.
Is replacing a VVT sprocket bolt something I can do at home on my Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
It is possible for an experienced DIYer but requires removing the timing cover or valve cover depending on the engine, plus a torque wrench and often a torque-angle gauge for the final tightening step. Without the correct angle-torque procedure the bolt will be either under- or over-tightened, both of which cause phaser failures.
How often do VVT sprocket bolts need to be replaced on a Ford Explorer Sport Trac?
They are not a scheduled maintenance item. Replace the bolt any time the cam phaser is removed for any reason, or when inspection reveals the existing bolt is stretched, damaged, or has loosened in service. Some engines with known VVT bolt loosening issues have manufacturer technical service bulletins recommending proactive replacement at higher mileage intervals.

Shop engine variable valve timing (vvt) sprocket bolts by year for the Ford Explorer Sport Trac

2010200920082007

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