One exemplary embodiment includes a U-shaped chain guide bracket including a base wall extending in a longitudinal direction from an upstream end to a downstream end of the base wall, and a pair of laterally opposed side walls extending away from the base wall and having laterally opposed mounting pads and apertures. The base wall and opposed side walls establish an upstream end, a downstream end, a central portion between the upstream and downstream ends, and a general U-shaped cross-section at least at each of the upstream and downstream ends and at the central portion. The bracket is formed from sheet metal.