A lubricant composition is provided which mitigates the negative effect of zinc in ZDDP with respect to wear on timing chains by using in contact with the timing chain a lubricant composition comprising an ashless zinc-free organophosphorus compound and optionally zinc dialkyldithiophosphate, together providing about 50 to about 1000 ppm phosphorus, preferably about 300-800 ppm phosphorus, and more preferably about 500-750 ppm phosphorus; less than about 350 ppm to lower than