This procedure covers removal and replacement of all valve springs on the 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 engine, requiring cylinder head disassembly and precise reassembly with proper valve timing.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Valve springs (16 total) × 16 — Use OEM specification
• Valve spring retainers (16 total) × 16 — Use OEM specification
• Valve stem seals (16 total) × 16 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Camshaft seal (exhaust) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Timing chain cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil × 1 — Toyota Genuine 0W-20
• RTV silicone gasket maker × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota Genuine 0W-20 — 5 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure engine is completely cold before beginning work
2. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 90 seconds for airbag system discharge
3. Remove engine cover and air intake assembly
4. Drain engine coolant into appropriate container
5. Drain engine oil and remove oil filter
6. Install engine support fixture or attach hoist to engine lifting points
7. Remove right front wheel and inner fender liner for crankshaft access
8. Mark hood hinge positions and remove hood for adequate working clearance (recommended)
9. Label all electrical connectors, vacuum lines, and coolant hoses before disconnection
10. Have clean workspace prepared for organizing camshaft caps and keepers in order

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve cover and ignition components
   Disconnect ignition coil connectors and remove all four ignition coils. Remove spark plugs using spark plug socket. Remove PCV hoses and ventilation tubes from valve cover. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside) and carefully lift valve cover. Clean any residual gasket material from mating surfaces.
   Torque spec

   Spark Plugs - Aluminum Head20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Position engine at TDC cylinder #1
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise using 19mm socket on crankshaft pulley bolt until timing marks on camshaft sprockets align with marks on timing chain cover. Verify #1 cylinder is at TDC compression stroke (both cam lobes for #1 cylinder pointing away from lifters). Install crankshaft holding tool to prevent rotation.
   ⚠Verify TDC position carefully. Both intake and exhaust lobes for cylinder #1 must point upward away from valves.
3. 3

   Remove timing chain cover and components
   Support engine weight with fixture. Remove right engine mount to access timing cover. Disconnect crankshaft position sensor and camshaft position sensors. Remove timing chain cover bolts and carefully separate cover from engine block. Install timing chain holding tool to prevent chain from falling into engine. Mark timing chain position relative to camshaft sprockets with paint marker.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)

   Gasket Surface Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove camshaft sprockets and timing chain
   Hold camshafts with camshaft holding tool. Remove camshaft sprocket bolts for both intake and exhaust camshafts. Carefully remove sprockets while supporting timing chain. Remove timing chain tensioner and chain guides. Keep all timing components organized and protected from contamination.
   ⚠Do not allow timing chain to fall into timing case. Use wire or timing chain holder to secure chain position.
5. 5

   Mark and remove camshaft caps
   Using permanent marker, clearly mark each camshaft cap with cylinder number and orientation arrow pointing toward front of engine. Photograph cap arrangement for reference. Loosen camshaft cap bolts in reverse sequence (outside toward center) in multiple passes, no more than 1/4 turn per pass. Remove caps and place in organized sequence on clean workspace.
   ⚠️Camshaft caps are NOT interchangeable. Installing caps in wrong position will cause immediate engine failure.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove camshafts and rocker arms
   Carefully lift intake and exhaust camshafts straight up from cylinder head. Inspect cam lobes and bearing surfaces for wear. Remove rocker arms and lash adjusters, keeping them organized by cylinder number and position (intake/exhaust). Place rocker arms upright in oil to prevent lash adjuster bleeding.
   ℹ️Rocker arms and lash adjusters must be reinstalled in original positions. Use labeled container or magnetic organizer.
7. 7

   Compress valve springs and remove keepers
   Install valve spring compressor on first valve spring. Compress spring until valve keepers (collets) are accessible. Use magnetic pick-up tool to carefully remove both valve keepers. Slowly release spring compressor pressure and remove retainer and spring. Remove valve stem seal using seal removal tool or pliers. Repeat for all 16 valves, keeping components organized by cylinder and valve position.
   ⚠️Ensure valve spring compressor is properly seated before compression. Spring can slip and cause injury.
   ⚠Do not allow valves to drop into cylinder. Stuff clean shop rags into cylinder bores if necessary.
8. 8

   Inspect valves and cylinder head
   With springs removed, inspect each valve stem for wear, scoring, or damage. Check valve guides for excessive wear using dial indicator if available. Inspect valve seats and combustion chambers. Clean all carbon deposits from valve stems and seats. Measure valve spring free length and compare to specification (discard springs below minimum length).
   ℹ️If valve stem seals are hardened or cracked, or if valve guides show excessive wear, additional machine work may be required.
9. 9

   Install new valve stem seals
   Lubricate new valve stem seals with clean engine oil. Using valve stem seal installation tool, carefully press new seals onto valve guides until fully seated. Ensure seals are not cocked or damaged during installation. Install seals on all 16 valve guides.
   ⚠Use proper seal installation tool to prevent damage to seal lips. Do not drive seals with hammer.
10. 10

    Install new valve springs and retainers
    Place new valve spring over valve stem (install damper end toward cylinder head if springs are directional). Install valve retainer on top of spring. Compress spring with valve spring compressor until keeper groove is visible. Lubricate valve stem with assembly lube. Carefully install both valve keepers into groove using magnetic tool. Slowly release compressor while verifying keepers remain seated. Tap valve stem lightly with plastic mallet to verify keeper engagement. Repeat for all 16 valves.
    ⚠️Verify both keepers are fully seated in groove before releasing spring compressor. Improperly seated keepers will cause valve drop and catastrophic engine damage.
11. 11

    Reinstall rocker arms and lubrication system
    Ensure lash adjusters are full of oil and not bled down. Install rocker arms with lash adjusters into original positions on cylinder head. Verify each rocker arm moves freely on its lash adjuster. Apply fresh engine oil to all camshaft bearing surfaces and cam lobes.
    ⚠Lash adjusters must be primed with oil. If adjusters have bled down, submerge in oil and pump plunger until firm.
12. 12

    Install camshafts
    Apply assembly lubricant to all camshaft journals and lobes. Carefully lower intake and exhaust camshafts into position in cylinder head, ensuring they are positioned with #1 cylinder at TDC (cam lobes pointing upward). Verify camshaft timing marks align correctly. Apply engine oil to camshaft cap bolts.
    ⚠Ensure camshafts are properly positioned before installing caps. Incorrect position will damage valves during installation.
13. 13

    Install camshaft caps
    Install camshaft caps in exact original positions according to marked orientation. Verify each cap is correctly positioned before installing bolts. Hand-tighten all camshaft cap bolts. Tighten bolts in sequence from center outward in multiple passes: first pass to 5 Nm, second pass to 10 Nm, final pass to 14 Nm. Ensure camshafts rotate smoothly by hand after tightening.
    ⚠️Camshaft cap bolts must be tightened in proper sequence and multiple passes to prevent cap damage and uneven loading.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft Cap Bolts14 Nm (10 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall timing chain and components
    Verify engine is still at TDC for cylinder #1. Reinstall timing chain onto camshaft sprockets according to paint marks made during removal. Install sprockets onto camshafts ensuring timing marks align with chain and cover marks. Install and tighten sprocket bolts while holding camshafts with holding tool. Install timing chain tensioner, guides, and tensioner. Verify timing marks alignment before proceeding.
    ⚠️Triple-check timing mark alignment before installing timing cover. Incorrect timing will destroy engine on startup.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install timing cover and valve cover
    Clean all gasket surfaces thoroughly. Apply thin bead of RTV silicone to timing cover mating surface at corners. Install new timing cover gasket and install cover. Tighten cover bolts and gasket surface bolts to specification. Reconnect crankshaft and camshaft position sensors. Install new valve cover gasket. Clean valve cover mating surface and install valve cover, tightening bolts in sequence from center outward.
    Torque spec

    Gasket Surface Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)

    Mounting Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)

    Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)
16. 16

    Install spark plugs and ignition system
    Apply small amount of anti-seize compound to spark plug threads (avoid getting on electrode). Install spark plugs and torque to specification. Install ignition coils and reconnect electrical connectors. Reinstall right engine mount and torque to specification. Remove engine support fixture.
    Torque spec

    Electrical Connector Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)
17. 17

    Complete final assembly
    Reinstall inner fender liner and right front wheel. Reinstall air intake assembly and engine cover. Refill engine with 5 quarts of Toyota Genuine 0W-20 engine oil. Refill cooling system with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant. Reconnect negative battery cable. Double-check all electrical connections, hoses, and fasteners are secure.

Reassembly

1. All camshaft caps must be installed in exact original positions with orientation marks facing forward
2. Timing marks must align perfectly at TDC before starting engine - verify multiple times
3. All valve spring keepers must be fully seated - tap valve stems to verify engagement
4. Use new gaskets and seals throughout - do not reuse old gaskets
5. Torque all fasteners in proper sequence and multiple passes where specified

Verification

• Before starting engine, manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions and verify timing marks realign at TDC
• Check for smooth rotation with no binding or unusual resistance
• Verify valve cover and timing cover show no oil leaks after installation
• Start engine and listen for unusual valve train noise - ticking or clicking indicates possible keeper or lash adjuster problem
• Monitor oil pressure gauge - should reach normal pressure within 5 seconds of startup
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no coolant or oil leaks
• Perform test drive and verify normal engine operation under load
• Recheck valve cover bolt torque and oil level after first heat cycle

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