This procedure replaces the Variable Valve Timing (VVT) actuator on the intake camshaft of the 2018-2024 Toyota Camry 2.5L I4 engine, requiring timing chain alignment and valve cover removal.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• VVT actuator (intake camshaft) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover grommet seals × 4 — Use OEM specification
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil × 1 — Toyota 0W-20
• Oil filter × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Toyota Genuine 0W-20 — 5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake
2. Allow engine to cool completely (minimum 2 hours after operation)
3. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 10 minutes for airbag system to discharge
4. Remove engine cover by pulling upward on four clips
5. Drain engine oil completely and replace drain plug
6. Raise and support front of vehicle on jack stands
7. Remove right front wheel and remove plastic inner fender liner for access to crankshaft pulley
8. Take photos of all wiring harness routing before disconnection

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve cover and ignition components
   Disconnect ignition coil electrical connectors and remove four ignition coils (10mm bolts). Disconnect PCV hoses and breather hoses from valve cover. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse sequence (start from outer edges, work toward center). Carefully lift valve cover away, tapping gently with rubber mallet if stuck. Inspect and clean mating surfaces.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove crankshaft pulley
   Use crankshaft holding tool to prevent rotation. Remove crankshaft pulley bolt (19mm socket). This bolt is extremely tight and may require a breaker bar or impact wrench. Remove pulley using a three-jaw puller if necessary. Mark pulley orientation with paint pen before removal.
   ⚠Do not use an impact wrench on reassembly unless specified by torque procedure. This is a critical torque specification.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove timing chain cover
   Disconnect any sensors or wiring mounted to timing cover. Remove timing cover bolts in a cross pattern, noting bolt lengths as they vary by position. Carefully remove timing cover, breaking seal with plastic gasket scraper if needed. Do not pry against aluminum sealing surfaces.
   Torque spec

   Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)

   Mounting Bolts47 Nm (35 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Verify and mark timing alignment
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise to TDC position (cylinder 1 compression stroke). Verify timing marks: crankshaft sprocket mark aligned with block notch, camshaft sprocket marks aligned with cylinder head surface with colored links on chain matching sprocket marks. Use paint pen to mark chain position on both camshaft sprockets and crankshaft sprocket. Photograph timing marks for reference.
   ⚠️This is the most critical step. Any error in timing will destroy the engine. Do not proceed unless timing marks are clearly visible and correctly aligned.
5. 5

   Remove timing chain tensioner
   Locate timing chain tensioner on right side of engine. Remove tensioner mounting bolt and carefully extract tensioner. The tensioner should be under spring pressure. Inspect tensioner for wear or damage. Set aside for reinstallation.
   Torque spec

   Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove VVT actuator and intake camshaft sprocket
   Hold intake camshaft stationary using wrench on hex section behind the sprocket (24mm hex). Remove VVT actuator center bolt. Note that the VVT actuator is integrated with the camshaft sprocket on this engine. Carefully slide actuator/sprocket assembly off camshaft while keeping timing chain supported. Do not allow chain to fall into engine. Wire chain to cylinder head to maintain position.
   ⚠The camshaft may rotate when bolt tension is released. Have an assistant hold camshaft or wedge chain to prevent rotation.
   Torque spec

   Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Inspect camshaft and timing chain
   Inspect intake camshaft nose for wear, scoring, or damage. Inspect timing chain for excessive wear or stretched links. Check chain guides for cracks or excessive wear. Measure camshaft endplay if excessive noise was present. Verify oil control valve (VVT solenoid) filter screen is clean.
   ℹ️If chain or guides show significant wear, this is the optimal time to replace them, though it extends job scope significantly.
8. 8

   Install new VVT actuator
   Apply thin coat of fresh engine oil to camshaft nose. Align new VVT actuator with camshaft dowel pin. Route timing chain over actuator sprocket, aligning colored chain link with sprocket timing mark. Verify chain is correctly positioned on crankshaft and exhaust cam sprockets. Apply medium-strength thread locker to actuator bolt threads. Hold camshaft stationary and install actuator bolt, torquing to specification.
   ⚠️Re-verify all timing marks before tightening actuator bolt. This is your last opportunity to correct timing before engine damage occurs.
   Torque spec

   Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall timing chain tensioner
   Compress tensioner plunger and install retaining pin or clip to hold it compressed. Install tensioner to engine block and torque mounting bolt to specification. Remove retaining pin to activate tensioner. Verify chain has proper tension and timing marks remain aligned. Manually rotate crankshaft two complete revolutions clockwise and re-verify timing marks.
   ⚠️After rotating crankshaft two revolutions, all timing marks must realign perfectly. If not, disassemble and correct timing before proceeding.
   Torque spec

   Timing Chain Tensioner Bolt25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall timing chain cover
    Clean all gasket surfaces thoroughly with plastic scraper and brake cleaner. Install new timing cover gasket or apply RTV silicone per manufacturer pattern (typically 3mm bead on cover, with sealer around bolt holes). Position cover carefully to avoid disturbing gasket. Install bolts hand-tight, then torque in sequence from center outward.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)

    Gasket Surface Bolts20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall crankshaft pulley
    Clean crankshaft nose and pulley bore. Align pulley with crankshaft key and slide onto crankshaft. Install crankshaft bolt and use holding tool to prevent rotation. Torque bolt to specification. If bolt is TTY (torque-to-yield) type, follow additional angle specification if provided by manufacturer.
    Torque spec

    Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Reinstall valve cover
    Install new valve cover gasket and grommets. Ensure gasket is properly seated in cover groove. Apply small dabs of RTV at camshaft cap corners if specified. Position valve cover on cylinder head and install bolts finger-tight. Torque valve cover bolts in sequence from center outward to specification. Reconnect PCV and breather hoses. Reinstall ignition coils and torque bolts, then reconnect electrical connectors.
    Torque spec

    Cover Bolts16 Nm (12 lb-ft)

    Electrical Connector Bolts7 Nm (5 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Reinstall inner fender liner and right front wheel, torque lug nuts to 110 Nm (81 lb-ft)
2. Lower vehicle from jack stands
3. Install new oil filter and refill engine with 5.0 quarts Toyota 0W-20 oil
4. Reconnect negative battery terminal
5. Reinstall engine cover

Verification

• Start engine and verify no oil leaks from valve cover or timing cover. Engine should start normally without hesitation
• Listen for abnormal timing chain noise or rattling. Properly tensioned chain should be nearly silent
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature. Check for oil leaks again after heat cycle
• Verify check engine light does not illuminate. If VVT codes appear, verify actuator electrical connector is secure and oil level is correct
• Test drive vehicle and verify normal acceleration response. VVT system should provide smooth power delivery without hesitation
• Use OBD-II scanner to monitor VVT system operation, verifying intake cam timing advances and retards smoothly in response to load
• Re-check oil level after test drive and top off if necessary. VVT actuator will consume some oil during initial operation

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