Complete replacement of all valve lifters (hydraulic lash adjusters) in the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, requiring removal of camshafts and valve train components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve lifters/hydraulic lash adjusters × 16 — Toyota 13751-0V010 or equivalent
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover grommet set × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Camshaft timing gear seal washers × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil × 1 — Toyota Genuine 0W-20
• Oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Liquid gasket sealant × 1 — Toyota 08826-00080 or equivalent
• Camshaft position sensor O-ring × 1 — Use OEM specification if disturbed

Fluids

• Toyota Genuine 0W-20 engine oil — 5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold before beginning work
2. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds for airbag system to discharge
3. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on perimeter clips
4. Drain engine oil completely and remove oil filter
5. Remove air intake assembly and air filter housing
6. Label and photograph all electrical connectors, vacuum hoses, and component positions before removal
7. Support engine from above using an engine support fixture or hoist with load leveler
8. Prepare a clean, organized workspace for small parts with labeled containers for each component location

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve cover and accessories
   Disconnect ignition coil connectors and remove all four ignition coils (10mm bolts). Disconnect PCV hoses and ventilation tubes from valve cover. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse sequence (start from outside, work inward). Carefully lift valve cover off - may require gentle prying with plastic tool at designated pry points. Inspect gasket mating surfaces on cylinder head for damage.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove timing chain cover and components
   Remove right engine mount to access timing cover. Rotate crankshaft to TDC on cylinder #1 (timing marks aligned on crankshaft and camshaft gears). Remove crankshaft pulley using holding tool. Remove timing chain cover bolts and carefully separate cover from engine block. Clean any remaining gasket material from mating surfaces. Verify timing marks are still aligned before proceeding.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)

   Mounting Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Secure timing chain and mark camshaft positions
   Install timing chain holding tool or wire-tie chain to prevent it from falling into engine. Mark camshaft timing gear positions relative to timing chain with paint marker - make multiple reference marks. Photograph timing marks from multiple angles. Remove camshaft position sensors from both intake and exhaust camshafts. Mark sensor locations for reassembly.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove camshaft timing gears
   Hold each camshaft with holding tool to prevent rotation. Remove camshaft timing gear bolts (left-hand thread on some applications - verify before removal). Carefully remove timing gears while supporting timing chain. Mark intake and exhaust gears - they are NOT interchangeable. Keep chain taut and secured to prevent dropping into engine.
5. 5

   Remove camshaft bearing caps
   CRITICAL: Note that bearing caps are numbered and directional with arrow marks pointing toward timing chain end. Photograph cap positions. Loosen camshaft bearing cap bolts in REVERSE sequence (outside to center) in multiple passes, 1/4 turn at a time to prevent camshaft distortion. Remove caps and place in numbered order on clean workspace. Note that caps are specific to intake vs exhaust camshafts.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)

   Camshaft Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove camshafts
   Carefully lift intake camshaft straight up out of cylinder head. Then remove exhaust camshaft. Mark each camshaft clearly (INT/EXH) with tape. Inspect camshaft journals and lobes for scoring, wear, or damage. Measure lobe height with micrometer if wear is suspected. Place camshafts on clean padded surface to prevent damage.
7. 7

   Remove valve lifters
   Use magnetic lifter removal tool to carefully extract all 16 hydraulic lash adjusters from their bores. Keep lifters in numbered order (cylinder 1-4, intake and exhaust for each cylinder). Inspect each lifter bore for scoring or damage. Measure lifter-to-bore clearance if excessive wear is suspected. Clean bores with lint-free cloth and inspect for debris or sludge accumulation.
8. 8

   Prepare and install new lifters
   Remove new lifters from packaging. Pour fresh 0W-20 oil into clean container. Submerge each new lifter in oil and pump plunger 10-15 times to prime internal mechanism and purge air. Keep lifters submerged until installation. Install each primed lifter into its bore with oil-covered hands, ensuring it seats fully. Lifters should slide in smoothly with light pressure. Verify each lifter rotates freely in its bore.
9. 9

   Lubricate and install camshafts
   Apply liberal amount of fresh engine oil to all camshaft journals and lobes. Coat each lifter top surface with oil. Install exhaust camshaft first, ensuring it seats fully into journal bores. Then install intake camshaft. Verify camshafts are in correct positions (timing marks should be roughly aligned for TDC position). Camshaft end-play should be minimal but camshafts should rotate with light finger pressure.
10. 10

    Install camshaft bearing caps
    Apply light coat of oil to bearing cap contact surfaces. Install caps in correct positions - verify numbers and directional arrows point toward timing chain end. Install all cap bolts finger-tight first. Tighten bearing cap bolts in THREE PASSES following sequence from center outward: Pass 1 to 5 Nm, Pass 2 to 10 Nm, Pass 3 to final 14 Nm. Verify camshafts rotate smoothly by hand after each tightening pass. If resistance is felt, loosen and verify correct cap positioning.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Bearing Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)

    Camshaft Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install timing gears and verify timing
    Verify crankshaft is still at TDC. Install new seal washers on camshaft timing gear bolts. Align timing gears with timing chain according to paint marks made during disassembly. Install gears and hand-tighten bolts. Hold camshafts with holding tool and torque gear bolts to specification. Triple-check timing mark alignment: crankshaft at TDC, camshaft marks aligned with cylinder head surface, and chain tension correct. Manually rotate engine two complete revolutions and recheck all timing marks.
12. 12

    Reinstall timing cover and components
    Clean all gasket surfaces thoroughly with plastic scraper. Apply liquid gasket sealant to timing cover mating surface in continuous 2-3mm bead. Install cover within 3 minutes of applying sealant. Tighten cover bolts to specification in crisscross pattern. Install crankshaft pulley and torque to specification. Reinstall right engine mount.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Install camshaft position sensors
    Install new O-rings on camshaft position sensors if removed. Apply light oil to O-rings. Install sensors in correct positions (intake and exhaust are different). Torque sensor bolts to specification. Reconnect sensor electrical connectors.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Position Sensor10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall valve cover
    Install new valve cover gasket and grommets. Clean valve cover mating surface on cylinder head thoroughly. Apply small dab of liquid gasket at two front corners where timing cover meets cylinder head. Position valve cover carefully to avoid dislodging gasket. Install bolts finger-tight, then torque in sequence from center outward to specification. Reconnect PCV hoses and ventilation tubes. Reinstall ignition coils and torque to specification. Reconnect coil connectors.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Fill fluids and perform initial start
    Install new oil filter and torque to specification. Fill engine with 5 quarts of Toyota Genuine 0W-20 oil. Verify oil level on dipstick. Reconnect battery negative terminal. Perform initialization procedures if required (power window reset, etc.). Start engine and allow to idle. Monitor for oil pressure warning light - should extinguish within 2-3 seconds. Listen for valve train noise - expect slight noise for first 30-60 seconds as lifters pump up, then noise should disappear completely. Check for oil leaks around valve cover and timing cover. Allow engine to reach operating temperature while monitoring for abnormal sounds.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall air intake assembly and engine cover
2. Double-check all electrical connectors are secured
3. Verify all tools are removed from engine compartment
4. Check for any skipped bolts or loose components before final test drive

Verification

• Start engine and verify oil pressure warning light extinguishes within 3 seconds
• Listen for valve train noise - should be completely silent after 60 seconds of running
• Verify no oil leaks from valve cover or timing cover after engine reaches operating temperature
• Check engine oil level and top off if necessary
• Road test vehicle and verify smooth engine operation through full RPM range
• Scan for diagnostic trouble codes - there should be none related to camshaft position or timing
• Re-check valve cover bolts and timing cover bolts after first 50 miles of operation
• Monitor oil consumption over next 500 miles - should be minimal
• If any valve train noise persists beyond initial startup, re-inspect lifter installation and camshaft timing

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