This procedure replaces the timing chain, guides, tensioners, and related components on the 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 engine. Requires precise timing alignment and sequential reassembly.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Timing chain kit (includes chain, guides, tensioners) × 1 — Use OEM Toyota kit
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket and grommets × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Crankshaft front seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil and filter × 1 — 0W-20 specification
• Coolant × 1 — Toyota Super Long Life Pink
• Accessory drive belt × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

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

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold before beginning work
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and secure away from terminal
3. Raise vehicle and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
4. Remove front right wheel and inner fender liner for access to crankshaft pulley
5. Drain engine oil completely and drain cooling system into suitable containers
6. Remove engine cover and air intake assembly
7. Remove accessory drive belt and tensioner
8. Install engine support fixture or attach hoist to properly support engine weight
9. Take extensive photos of timing chain routing and component positions from multiple angles

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve cover and upper engine components
   Disconnect ignition coils and all electrical connectors from valve cover area. Remove ignition coils. Disconnect PCV hoses and breather tubes. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence and carefully lift valve cover off. Clean any residual gasket material from cylinder head surface.
2. 2

   Remove crankshaft pulley
   Remove right engine mount to access crankshaft pulley fully. Install crankshaft holding tool to prevent rotation. Use breaker bar or impact wrench to remove crankshaft pulley bolt (clockwise to loosen). Remove crankshaft pulley from crankshaft snout. Inspect keyway for damage.
   ⚠Crankshaft pulley bolt is extremely tight. Ensure holding tool is properly secured before applying force.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft pulley bolt193 Nm (142 lb-ft)

   Chain tensioner mounting bolts9 Nm (80 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove timing cover
   Remove all sensors and electrical connectors from timing cover area. Remove timing cover bolts in reverse sequence, noting different sizes (6mm, 8mm, and 10mm bolts). Carefully separate timing cover from engine block using plastic pry tools only at designated pry points. Do not damage sealing surfaces. Remove and discard timing cover gasket and crankshaft seal.
4. 4

   Verify and mark timing positions
   Rotate crankshaft to TDC on cylinder #1 (compression stroke). Verify camshaft timing marks align with cylinder head marks. Verify crankshaft timing mark aligns with block mark. Mark chain-to-sprocket positions with paint pen on all sprockets. Photograph all timing marks clearly. This is your reference for reassembly.
   ⚠️Do not proceed unless all timing marks are perfectly aligned. Incorrect timing will destroy the engine.
5. 5

   Remove timing chain tensioner and guides
   Remove timing chain tensioner bolt and carefully extract tensioner assembly. Note tensioner pin/clip position. Remove timing chain guide bolts and remove upper and lower chain guides. Keep guides organized to compare with new parts.
6. 6

   Remove camshaft sprockets and timing chain
   Hold intake camshaft with wrench on hex section and remove camshaft sprocket bolt. Remove intake camshaft sprocket. Repeat for exhaust camshaft. Remove timing chain idler sprocket bolt and idler sprocket. Lift timing chain off crankshaft sprocket and remove from engine. Inspect crankshaft sprocket for wear.
   ⚠Do not allow camshafts to rotate after sprockets are removed. This can cause valve-to-piston contact.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft sprocket bolt75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Inspect and clean all components
   Thoroughly inspect all removed components for excessive wear, scoring, or damage. Check chain guides for groove depth and cracks. Clean all timing cover and engine block gasket surfaces completely using appropriate scraper and solvent. Ensure no debris falls into engine. Clean oil passages in timing cover. Verify new parts match old parts exactly.
   ℹ️Stuff clean shop rags into engine openings to prevent debris from entering during cleaning.
8. 8

   Install new timing chain guides and components
   Install new lower timing chain guide and secure with bolts. Install new upper timing chain guide and secure with bolts. Install timing chain idler sprocket and bolt. Do not fully tighten idler sprocket bolt yet. Ensure all guides are properly seated before tightening.
9. 9

   Install timing chain and camshaft sprockets
   Verify crankshaft is still at TDC position. Route new timing chain around crankshaft sprocket first, then around idler sprocket. Install exhaust camshaft sprocket onto chain and engage with camshaft, aligning timing marks precisely. Install intake camshaft sprocket onto chain and engage with camshaft, aligning timing marks precisely. Apply threadlocker to cam phaser bolt if applicable. Hold camshafts with wrench on hex and torque sprocket bolts to specification.
   ⚠️Timing marks must align exactly as they did during disassembly. Double-check all marks before proceeding.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft sprocket bolt75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install timing chain tensioner
    Compress new timing chain tensioner and install retaining pin or clip to hold it compressed. Install tensioner into position and secure with tensioner bolt to specification. Carefully remove retaining pin/clip to allow tensioner to apply pressure to chain. Verify chain has proper tension and all timing marks remain aligned.
    ⚠Tensioner will forcefully extend when pin is removed. Ensure it is properly installed before releasing.
11. 11

    Verify timing and rotate engine
    Triple-check all timing marks are properly aligned. Manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions clockwise (viewed from front). Verify timing marks realign at TDC. Check that chain tension is proper and guides are not binding. If marks do not realign perfectly, disassemble and reinstall correctly.
    ⚠️If timing marks do not realign after two rotations, timing is incorrect. Do not proceed until corrected.
12. 12

    Install new crankshaft seal and prepare timing cover
    Install new crankshaft front seal into timing cover using appropriate seal driver, ensuring it seats evenly. Clean timing cover bolt holes and threads. Apply thin bead of Toyota-specified RTV silicone to timing cover gasket surfaces as per service manual diagram. Install new timing cover gasket.
    ℹ️RTV must be applied in correct pattern and thickness. Excess RTV can break off and clog oil passages.
13. 13

    Install timing cover
    Carefully position timing cover onto engine block, ensuring gasket remains properly aligned. Start all timing cover bolts by hand, noting correct locations for 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm bolts. Tighten bolts in sequence per service manual, starting with center bolts and working outward. Torque 6mm bolts first, then 8mm bolts, then 10mm bolts to their respective specifications.
    ⚠Timing cover must be installed within 3-5 minutes of RTV application before it begins to cure.
14. 14

    Reinstall crankshaft pulley and accessories
    Clean crankshaft snout and pulley mating surfaces. Install crankshaft pulley onto crankshaft, aligning keyway. Install crankshaft pulley bolt and use holding tool to prevent rotation. Torque crankshaft pulley bolt to specification (verify if TTY replacement is required per service manual). Reinstall right engine mount and torque mounting bolts. Install new accessory drive belt.
    ℹ️Some crankshaft pulley bolts are torque-to-yield and require replacement. Consult service manual.
    Torque spec

    Crankshaft pulley bolt193 Nm (142 lb-ft)

    Chain tensioner mounting bolts9 Nm (80 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall valve cover and complete reassembly
    Install new valve cover gasket and grommets. Clean valve cover mating surface on cylinder head. Position valve cover and install bolts hand-tight. Torque valve cover bolts in sequence from center outward to specification. Reinstall ignition coils and reconnect all electrical connectors. Reinstall PCV and breather hoses. Reinstall air intake assembly and engine cover.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall inner fender liner and front right wheel
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
3. Fill engine with correct amount (5.0 quarts) of Toyota Genuine 0W-20 oil and new oil filter
4. Refill cooling system with Toyota Super Long Life Pink coolant to proper level
5. Reconnect negative battery cable
6. Prime oil system by cranking engine for 5-second intervals without starting (disconnect fuel pump fuse) until oil pressure light extinguishes
7. Perform initial startup and monitor for oil pressure, unusual noises, and leaks

Verification

• Start engine and verify it runs smoothly without unusual noises, knocking, or rattling from timing chain area
• Allow engine to reach normal operating temperature and verify no coolant or oil leaks from timing cover or valve cover
• Verify check engine light does not illuminate and no timing-related codes are present
• Listen carefully for any abnormal timing chain noise during idle and light acceleration
• Verify oil pressure is within normal range on instrument cluster
• Road test vehicle and verify normal engine performance and smooth acceleration without hesitation
• Recheck all fluid levels after test drive and top off as necessary
• Inspect timing cover and valve cover areas for any signs of leakage after test drive

More procedures for this vehicle