This procedure covers the replacement of the timing chain, guides, tensioner, and related components on the 2AR-FE 2.5L I4 engine found in 2012-2017 Toyota Camry models.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Timing chain kit (includes chain, guides, tensioner) × 1 — Use OEM Toyota timing chain kit
• Timing cover gasket or FIPG sealant × 1 — Toyota Three Bond 1282B
• Valve cover gasket set (includes grommets and spark plug tube seals) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Crankshaft front oil seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine coolant × 1 — Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink)
• VVT-i cam phaser (if worn or noisy) × 2 — Inspect before ordering

Fluids

• Toyota Genuine 0W-20 — 5 qt
• Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cool and vehicle is on level ground
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 90 seconds for airbag system to discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on all mounting points
4. Drain engine coolant into appropriate container by opening radiator drain and removing reservoir cap
5. Drain engine oil completely and remove oil filter
6. Remove right front wheel and inner fender splash shield for access to crankshaft pulley
7. Remove air intake assembly, including air filter box and intake tube
8. Remove windshield washer reservoir to improve access
9. Remove drive belts (serpentine and A/C if equipped)
10. Support engine using an engine support fixture from above or a jack with wood block from below
11. Remove right engine mount and bracket assembly to provide clearance for timing cover removal

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve cover and accessories
   Disconnect ignition coils and remove all four coils. Remove PCV hoses and vacuum lines connected to valve cover. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside). Carefully lift valve cover off, tapping gently with rubber mallet if stuck. Remove any remaining gasket material from mating surface.
2. 2

   Remove crankshaft pulley
   Lock crankshaft using holding tool or by placing socket on crankshaft bolt and bracing against frame (engine in gear, parking brake on). Use breaker bar or impact wrench to remove crankshaft pulley bolt (turns counterclockwise). Remove pulley from crankshaft snout. Inspect pulley keyway for damage.
   ⚠Do not use an impact wrench for reinstallation unless specified by manufacturer. This bolt may be torque-to-yield.
3. 3

   Remove timing cover
   Disconnect crankshaft position sensor electrical connector. Remove VVT-i solenoid valves from both camshafts. Remove all timing cover bolts, noting their locations as there are three different sizes (6mm, 8mm, and 10mm). Carefully pry timing cover away from engine block using plastic pry tool. Remove and discard front crankshaft seal from timing cover. Clean all RTV sealant from timing cover and engine block mating surfaces using scraper and solvent.
   ⚠Do not damage aluminum timing cover or block mating surfaces. Use only plastic scrapers.
   Torque spec

   Timing Cover Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Verify and mark timing alignment
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise (using 19mm socket on crankshaft nose) until the crankshaft timing mark aligns with the 0-degree mark on the timing case. Verify both camshaft timing marks on the camshaft gears align with their respective marks on the bearing caps. Take multiple clear photographs of all timing marks. Mark the chain direction of rotation with paint marker.
   ⚠️Verify timing marks are EXACTLY aligned before proceeding. Any deviation will cause engine damage upon startup.
5. 5

   Remove timing chain tensioner and guides
   Remove the timing chain tensioner bolt and extract the tensioner assembly. Note the position of the tensioner plunger (should be compressed). Remove both timing chain guide bolts and remove the upper and lower chain guides. Remove the timing chain idler sprocket bolt and sprocket.
   Torque spec

   Timing Chain Tensioner25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Timing Chain Guide Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove camshaft sprockets and timing chain
   Hold each camshaft on the hex portion with a wrench to prevent rotation. Remove both camshaft sprocket bolts (intake and exhaust). Remove both VVT-i cam phasers/sprockets carefully, noting their position and orientation. Remove timing chain from crankshaft sprocket. Remove crankshaft sprocket if replacement is needed (use two pry bars to walk it off). Inspect all components for wear, scoring, or damage.
   ⚠Do not allow camshafts to rotate once sprockets are removed. This can damage valves.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Sprocket Bolts80 Nm (59 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Inspect and prepare new components
   Inspect crankshaft and camshaft sprocket mounting surfaces for wear or damage. Clean all mating surfaces thoroughly. Install new crankshaft sprocket if removed, ensuring keyway is properly aligned. Compare old chain to new chain for length and link count. Inspect new guides and tensioner for proper fitment. Verify new chain has timing marks that match old chain.
   ℹ️New timing chains often come pre-marked with colored links for alignment. Identify these before installation.
8. 8

   Install timing chain and components
   Install new timing chain over crankshaft sprocket with marked link (if present) aligned with crankshaft timing mark. Route chain up intake (front) side of engine. Install timing chain idler sprocket with chain engaged, tightening bolt to specification. Install lower and upper timing chain guides, ensuring they seat properly in their locating pins. Install both guides and tighten bolts to specification.
   Torque spec

   Timing Chain Guide Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install camshaft sprockets
   Verify camshafts have not rotated (lobes should be in same position as during removal). Apply medium-strength threadlocker to camshaft sprocket bolts. Route timing chain over both VVT-i cam phasers/sprockets, aligning timing marks. Install intake camshaft sprocket first, engaging chain and aligning timing mark. Hold camshaft with wrench on hex and install bolt finger-tight. Repeat for exhaust camshaft sprocket. Verify all timing marks are properly aligned before tightening. Hold each camshaft and torque sprocket bolts to specification.
   ⚠️Triple-check all timing mark alignment before tightening. Rotate engine two complete revolutions by hand and recheck all marks before proceeding.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Sprocket Bolts80 Nm (59 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install timing chain tensioner
    Compress new timing chain tensioner plunger fully and insert retaining pin or clip to hold it compressed. Install tensioner into engine block and tighten bolt to specification. Carefully remove retaining pin/clip to allow tensioner to apply pressure to timing chain. Verify chain has proper tension and guides are seated correctly.
    ⚠Ensure tensioner plunger is fully compressed and pinned before installation to prevent chain from jumping teeth.
    Torque spec

    Timing Chain Tensioner25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Verify timing and rotate engine
    Double-check all timing marks are properly aligned at TDC. Slowly rotate crankshaft clockwise by hand two complete revolutions using socket on crankshaft nose. Verify all timing marks realign perfectly at TDC. Check that chain moves smoothly without binding and tensioner maintains proper pressure. If timing marks do not realign exactly, disassemble and repeat installation.
    ⚠️Do not proceed if timing marks do not align perfectly after two rotations. Engine damage will occur.
12. 12

    Install new front crankshaft seal
    Clean crankshaft seal mounting area in timing cover thoroughly. Apply thin coat of clean engine oil to new seal lip. Press new front crankshaft seal into timing cover using seal driver or large socket, ensuring it seats evenly and flush with cover surface. Apply thin coat of oil to seal lip before installation.
    ⚠Do not damage seal lip during installation. Ensure seal is square in bore to prevent leaks.
13. 13

    Install timing cover
    Apply continuous bead of Toyota FIPG sealant (Three Bond 1282B) to timing cover mating surface. Bead should be approximately 3-4mm wide. Pay special attention to corners and bolt hole areas. Install timing cover within 3 minutes of sealant application. Install all timing cover bolts finger-tight first, then tighten in sequence from center outward. Tighten 6mm bolts to 10 Nm, 8mm bolts to 25 Nm, and 10mm bolts to 45 Nm. Install VVT-i solenoids and crankshaft position sensor, tightening to specification.
    ⚠Work quickly with FIPG sealant. Cover must be installed within 3 minutes or sealant must be removed and reapplied.
    Torque spec

    Timing Cover Bolts12 Nm (9 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Install crankshaft pulley and valve cover
    Clean crankshaft nose and pulley mounting surface. Install crankshaft pulley, ensuring keyway is properly aligned. Install crankshaft pulley bolt and torque to 180 Nm while holding crankshaft from rotation. Install new valve cover gasket, grommets, and spark plug tube seals. Apply small dab of sealant to corners where timing cover meets cylinder head. Install valve cover and tighten bolts in sequence from center outward in three passes to 10 Nm final torque. Reinstall ignition coils and reconnect electrical connections.
    ℹ️Some crankshaft pulley bolts are torque-to-yield and require replacement. Verify with service manual before reusing.
15. 15

    Reinstall accessories and fill fluids
    Reinstall right engine mount and bracket assembly, removing engine support fixture. Reinstall drive belts and adjust tension properly. Reinstall windshield washer reservoir, air intake assembly, and inner fender splash shield. Reinstall right front wheel and torque lug nuts to specification. Install new oil filter and drain plug with new crush washer, torquing drain plug to 35 Nm. Fill engine with 5.0 quarts of Toyota 0W-20 engine oil. Fill cooling system with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) mixture. Reconnect negative battery cable.

Reassembly

1. Allow FIPG sealant on timing cover to cure for at least 2 hours before starting engine
2. Prime oil system by cranking engine with fuel pump fuse removed until oil pressure light goes out
3. Check all fluid levels and top off as necessary
4. Inspect for any coolant or oil leaks around timing cover, valve cover, and oil pan

Verification

• Start engine and verify it runs smoothly without unusual noises, rattling, or chain slap
• Listen carefully for any timing chain noise during cold start and at idle
• Check for oil leaks around timing cover, valve cover, and crankshaft seal after engine reaches operating temperature
• Verify no coolant leaks are present around timing cover or hoses
• Use OBD-II scanner to check for any timing-related fault codes (P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019)
• Monitor oil pressure gauge or warning light to ensure proper oil pressure
• Perform test drive and verify engine performance is normal with no misfires, hesitation, or power loss
• Recheck all fluid levels after test drive and top off if necessary
• Verify VVT-i system operation by accelerating moderately and listening for smooth power delivery
• After 100 miles of driving, recheck valve cover and timing cover areas for any oil seepage

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