Replace the timing chain, guides, tensioner, and related components on the 2ZR-FE 1.8L engine to restore proper timing and eliminate chain rattle or stretch.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Timing chain kit (chain, tensioner, guides, gaskets) × 1 — Toyota OEM 13506-37010 or equivalent
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Included in kit or separate
• Valve cover gasket and grommets × 1 — Toyota 11213-37010
• Crankshaft pulley bolt (if TTY) × 1 — Check service manual for replacement requirement
• Engine oil and filter × 1 — 0W-20, 04152-YZZA6 filter
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Toyota 90430-12031
• Engine coolant × 1 — Toyota Super Long Life Coolant
• RTV silicone sealant (Toyota FIPG or equivalent) × 1 — Toyota 08826-00080

Fluids

• Toyota Genuine 0W-20 — 4.5 qt
• Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (Pink) — 7.5 qt

Preparation

1. Disconnect negative battery cable and wait 90 seconds for airbag system to discharge
2. Raise vehicle and secure on jack stands
3. Remove engine under covers and right front wheel for access
4. Drain engine oil completely and remove oil filter
5. Drain coolant from radiator and engine block drain plugs
6. Remove air intake assembly and air filter box
7. Disconnect necessary electrical connectors and hoses that interfere with valve cover removal
8. Position a floor jack with wood block under oil pan to support engine weight

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove valve cover and accessory components
   Remove ignition coils and spark plugs. Disconnect PCV hose and any vacuum lines attached to valve cover. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence and lift off valve cover. Clean gasket surfaces thoroughly. Remove drive belts by releasing tensioner. Tag and remove any wiring harnesses or brackets that interfere with timing cover access.
   Torque spec

   Valve Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove right-side engine mount
   Support engine weight with floor jack under oil pan using wood block to distribute load. Remove right-side engine mount bracket bolts and the mount itself. This provides access to timing cover. Ensure engine is stable and securely supported before proceeding.
   ⚠Verify engine is properly supported before removing mount. Engine will shift if not adequately secured.
3. 3

   Remove crankshaft pulley
   Remove crankshaft pulley bolt using impact wrench or pulley holder tool to prevent crankshaft rotation. Bolt rotates clockwise to loosen. If bolt is TTY (torque-to-yield), discard and use new bolt during reassembly. Remove pulley from crankshaft using puller if necessary. Note: this bolt is very tight at 180 Nm.
   ℹ️Mark pulley orientation before removal for reassembly reference, though keyway will align it correctly.
   Torque spec

   Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove timing cover
   Remove all timing cover bolts noting different sizes: 6mm, 8mm, and 10mm bolts are located in specific positions. There are approximately 17-19 bolts total. Carefully pry timing cover away from engine block using plastic scraper. Clean all old gasket material and RTV from mating surfaces on both engine block and timing cover using plastic scraper and brake cleaner. Inspect oil pump drive area for wear.
   Torque spec

   Timing Cover Bolts13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Verify and mark timing positions
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise to TDC (Top Dead Center) of cylinder #1. Verify timing marks: crankshaft keyway should point upward at 12 o'clock, intake camshaft sprocket timing mark aligns with exhaust camshaft sprocket timing mark (two dots facing each other), and camshaft lobes for cylinder #1 point outward. Take photos for reference. Paint or mark all timing positions clearly before proceeding.
   ⚠️Absolutely verify all timing marks are correctly aligned before chain removal. Double-check against service manual diagrams.
6. 6

   Remove timing chain tensioner and guides
   Remove timing chain tensioner by first removing the mounting bolts. Tensioner may be spring-loaded, control removal carefully. Remove timing chain guide bolts and remove the fixed guide and pivoting guide. Keep all components organized for inspection and comparison with new parts.
   Torque spec

   Tensioner Bolt19 Nm (14 lb-ft)

   Guide Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Remove timing chain and sprockets
   Hold camshafts stationary using wrench on hex section (between lobes). Remove exhaust camshaft sprocket bolt and intake cam phaser bolt (VVT sprocket). Remove both camshaft sprockets with timing chain as an assembly. Remove crankshaft timing sprocket by pulling straight off. Remove timing chain idler sprocket if required. Inspect all components for wear, damaged teeth, or elongation.
   ⚠Do not allow camshafts to rotate once sprockets are removed. This can cause valve-to-piston contact.
   Torque spec

   Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)

   Camshaft Sprocket Bolt80 Nm (59 lb-ft)

   Timing Chain Idler Sprocket25 Nm (18 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Inspect and clean components
   Thoroughly inspect crankshaft and camshaft sprocket mounting surfaces, keyways, and bolt holes. Check oil pump drive chain and sprocket (lower chain) for wear if accessible. Clean all timing components, chain running surfaces, and bolt threads with brake cleaner. Blow out all oil passages with compressed air. Inspect timing cover oil seal and replace if showing any wear or leakage.
   ℹ️This is the ideal time to replace front crankshaft seal, water pump, and inspect oil pump if needed.
9. 9

   Install new timing chain components
   Install crankshaft timing sprocket with timing mark facing outward. Install new timing chain idler sprocket (if removed) and tighten bolt. Install new chain guides and tighten guide bolts. Prepare new timing chain tensioner by compressing tensioner plunger and inserting 4mm pin or clip to hold it in compressed position. Install tensioner and tighten mounting bolt - do not remove retention pin yet.
   Torque spec

   Timing Chain Idler Sprocket25 Nm (18 lb-ft)

   Guide Bolts23 Nm (17 lb-ft)

   Tensioner Bolt19 Nm (14 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install timing chain and camshaft sprockets
    Verify crankshaft is still at TDC (keyway up). Route new timing chain around crankshaft sprocket with bright or colored link (if present) aligned with crankshaft mark. Install exhaust camshaft sprocket and intake cam phaser (VVT sprocket) onto camshafts with timing chain engaged, aligning timing marks so dots face each other. Verify chain is properly seated on all sprockets and guides. Hold camshafts stationary with wrench on hex section. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to cam phaser bolt threads. Tighten exhaust camshaft sprocket bolt first, then cam phaser bolt to specified torque.
    ⚠️Verify all timing marks are perfectly aligned before tightening sprocket bolts. Rotate engine two complete revolutions by hand and recheck all marks before proceeding.
    Torque spec

    Cam Phaser Bolt65 Nm (48 lb-ft)

    Camshaft Sprocket Bolt80 Nm (59 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Release tensioner and verify timing
    Carefully remove retention pin or clip from timing chain tensioner to apply tension to chain. Tensioner should extend smoothly. Slowly rotate crankshaft clockwise two complete revolutions by hand using socket on crankshaft bolt. Stop at TDC and verify all timing marks realign perfectly. If marks do not align, disassemble and correct timing before proceeding. Check that chain has appropriate tension and guides are properly positioned.
    ⚠️Do not use starter motor to rotate engine. Rotate only by hand until timing is verified and timing cover is reinstalled.
12. 12

    Install timing cover with new gasket
    Install new timing cover gasket or apply Toyota FIPG RTV sealant to mating surfaces as specified (typically 2-3mm bead in designated areas). Install timing cover carefully, ensuring proper alignment with dowel pins. Install all timing cover bolts finger-tight first, then tighten in proper sequence (consult service manual diagram): 10mm bolts first to 45 Nm, then 8mm bolts to 25 Nm, then 6mm bolts to 10 Nm. Allow RTV to cure if used (typically 30 minutes before adding oil).
    ℹ️Do not reuse old gasket. Follow torque sequence carefully to prevent cover warping and oil leaks.
    Torque spec

    Timing Cover Bolts13 Nm (10 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall crankshaft pulley and valve cover
    Clean crankshaft snout and pulley bore. Install crankshaft pulley aligned with keyway. Install new crankshaft pulley bolt (if TTY) or reuse original bolt if not TTY specification. Tighten crankshaft pulley bolt to 180 Nm using holding tool or impact wrench. Install new valve cover gasket and grommets. Position valve cover and install bolts, tightening in sequence from center outward to 10 Nm. Reinstall ignition coils and spark plugs.
    Torque spec

    Crankshaft Pulley Bolt180 Nm (133 lb-ft)

    Valve Cover Bolts10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall engine mount and accessories
    Reinstall right-side engine mount and bracket, ensuring proper alignment. Remove floor jack from under oil pan. Reinstall all accessory drive belts with proper routing and tension. Reconnect all electrical connectors, vacuum hoses, PCV system, and any brackets removed during disassembly. Double-check all connections.
15. 15

    Refill fluids and final checks
    Install new oil filter. Reinstall oil drain plug with new crush washer and torque to specification. Fill engine with 4.5 quarts of Toyota Genuine 0W-20 engine oil. Refill cooling system with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant (pink). Bleed cooling system by running engine with radiator cap off until thermostat opens. Reinstall engine under covers and wheel. Reconnect battery negative cable.
    Torque spec

    Oil Drain Plug35 Nm (26 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Verify all bolts are tightened to proper torque specifications in correct sequences
2. Confirm no tools or parts are left in engine bay
3. Check that all electrical connectors and hoses are properly reconnected
4. Ensure all fluid levels are correct and there are no leaks visible

Verification

• Start engine and verify it runs smoothly without abnormal noises, rattles, or chain slap
• Check for oil leaks around timing cover, valve cover, and oil drain plug
• Check for coolant leaks and verify proper operating temperature
• Verify no check engine light or timing-related diagnostic codes are present
• Test drive vehicle and confirm smooth acceleration and normal engine performance
• Recheck oil level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Monitor for any oil leaks or unusual noises during first 100 miles of operation

More procedures for this vehicle