Replace the timing chain, guides, tensioners, and related components on the 2019-2024 Toyota RAV4 2.5L I4 engine to restore proper valve timing and eliminate chain noise or wear.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Timing chain kit (chain, guides, tensioners) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Timing cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Valve cover gasket and grommets × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Crankshaft front oil seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Engine oil and filter × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Oil drain plug crush washer × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Coolant (if draining system) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

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

Preparation

1. Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 90 seconds for airbag system discharge
2. Raise and support vehicle on jack stands if accessing from below
3. Remove engine cover and plastic engine bay covers
4. Drain engine oil and coolant into appropriate containers
5. Remove air intake duct and air filter assembly
6. Disconnect engine wiring harnesses that interfere with valve cover access
7. Support engine from above with engine support bar or from below with jack and wood block
8. Remove right engine mount to allow engine positioning for timing cover access

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove Valve Cover
   Disconnect ignition coils and PCV hoses. Remove valve cover bolts in reverse of tightening sequence (outside to inside pattern). Carefully lift valve cover away and remove old gasket material from mating surfaces using plastic scraper. Inspect camshaft lobes and valve train for wear.
2. 2

   Remove Accessory Drive Belt and Crankshaft Pulley
   Rotate tensioner to release accessory drive belt tension and remove belt. Install crankshaft pulley holder tool to prevent rotation. Using breaker bar or impact wrench, remove crankshaft pulley bolt (turns counterclockwise). Use puller if pulley is seized on crankshaft. Mark pulley orientation if reusing.
   ⚠Crankshaft pulley bolt requires significant force to remove. Ensure proper tool engagement to prevent rounding.
3. 3

   Remove Timing Cover
   Remove all timing cover bolts, noting different sizes (6mm, 8mm, 10mm) and locations. Carefully separate timing cover from engine block, using plastic tool if needed to break RTV seal. Remove old gasket and clean all mating surfaces thoroughly with parts cleaner. Inspect oil pump pickup screen visible behind cover.
   ℹ️Oil will drain from timing cover area. Have drain pan ready and allow time for drainage.
4. 4

   Rotate Engine to TDC Cylinder #1
   Rotate crankshaft clockwise using socket on crankshaft bolt until timing marks on camshaft sprockets align with marks on cylinder head (12 o'clock position for both cams). Verify crankshaft keyway is at 12 o'clock position. Mark all components with paint marker for reference. Take photos of timing mark alignment from multiple angles.
   ⚠️Accurate timing mark alignment is critical. Verify multiple times before proceeding.
5. 5

   Remove Timing Chain Tensioner
   Locate timing chain tensioner on right side of engine. Remove tensioner mounting bolt and carefully extract tensioner assembly. Inspect tensioner plunger for proper operation and wear. Note tensioner orientation for reinstallation.
6. 6

   Remove Timing Chain Guides
   Remove upper timing chain guide bolts and guide. Remove lower timing chain guide if accessible. Inspect guides for wear grooves, cracks, or broken mounting tabs. All guides should be replaced as part of timing chain kit.
7. 7

   Remove Camshaft Sprockets and Timing Chain
   Hold camshaft with wrench on hex section behind sprocket. Remove camshaft sprocket bolts from both intake and exhaust camshafts. Carefully remove both camshaft sprockets while keeping them engaged with timing chain. Lift timing chain off crankshaft sprocket and remove from engine. Inspect crankshaft sprocket for wear and replace if damaged.
   ⚠Do not allow camshafts to rotate once sprockets are removed. Secure with locking tool or zip ties if necessary.
   Torque spec

   Camshaft sprocket bolt75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Inspect Components and Install New Guides
   Inspect crankshaft and camshaft sprocket teeth for wear or damage. Clean all chain contact surfaces. Install new lower timing chain guide first, then upper guide, torquing bolts to specification. Ensure guides are properly seated and aligned.
9. 9

   Install New Timing Chain
   Route new timing chain around crankshaft sprocket with colored link (typically copper or gold) aligned with crankshaft timing mark. Bring chain up both sides of engine, ensuring chain is not twisted. Install camshaft sprockets onto camshafts with timing marks visible and aligned. Verify colored chain links align with marks on both camshaft sprockets.
   ⚠️Verify all three timing marks (crankshaft and both camshafts) align with their respective colored chain links before proceeding.
10. 10

    Install Camshaft Sprocket Bolts
    Hold each camshaft with wrench on hex section. Apply threadlocker to camshaft sprocket bolts if specified. Install and torque camshaft sprocket bolts to specification. Verify camshafts did not rotate during bolt installation and timing marks remain aligned.
    Torque spec

    Camshaft sprocket bolt75 Nm (55 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Prepare and Install Timing Chain Tensioner
    Compress new timing chain tensioner plunger fully and insert retaining pin or clip to hold it compressed. Install tensioner assembly to engine and torque mounting bolt to specification. DO NOT remove retaining pin yet. Verify tensioner is properly seated against mounting surface.
12. 12

    Release Tensioner and Verify Timing
    Carefully remove retaining pin from timing chain tensioner, allowing it to apply tension to chain. Slowly rotate crankshaft clockwise two complete revolutions by hand. Verify timing marks realign perfectly at TDC. If marks do not align, timing chain installation is incorrect and must be redone. Check for smooth rotation with no binding.
    ⚠️If timing marks do not realign after two rotations, do not proceed. Remove and reinstall chain correctly.
13. 13

    Install Timing Cover
    Install new crankshaft front seal into timing cover if not pre-installed. Apply thin bead of RTV silicone to timing cover mating surface in specified locations (typically around coolant passages). Position new timing cover gasket. Install timing cover and all bolts finger-tight, then torque in proper sequence: 10mm bolts first, then 8mm bolts, then 6mm bolts to their respective specifications.
    ℹ️Allow RTV to cure per manufacturer instructions before adding oil, typically 1-2 hours minimum.
14. 14

    Reinstall Crankshaft Pulley
    Clean crankshaft snout and pulley bore. Align pulley keyway with crankshaft key and slide pulley onto crankshaft. Install new crankshaft pulley bolt (if TTY type) or clean and inspect reusable bolt. Hold crankshaft with holding tool and torque pulley bolt to specification. Note if additional angle tightening is required per service manual.
    ℹ️Verify if crankshaft pulley bolt is TTY (torque-to-yield) type requiring replacement. Check service manual.
    Torque spec

    Crankshaft pulley bolt193 Nm (142 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall Valve Cover and Complete Assembly
    Install new valve cover gasket and grommets. Position valve cover and install bolts finger-tight. Torque valve cover bolts in sequence (inside to outside pattern) to specification. Reinstall engine mount, accessory drive belt, air intake, and all disconnected components. Reconnect battery.

Reassembly

1. Reinstall all electrical connectors, hoses, and brackets removed during disassembly
2. Install new engine oil filter and refill with 5 quarts Toyota Genuine 0W-20 oil using new crush washer on drain plug
3. Refill coolant system with Toyota Super Long Life Coolant and bleed air from system
4. Double-check all fasteners are torqued to specification and no tools are left in engine bay

Verification

• Start engine and verify immediate oil pressure indication (no warning light)
• Listen for abnormal timing chain noise or rattling during first 30 seconds of operation
• Allow engine to reach operating temperature and verify no oil or coolant leaks from timing cover or valve cover
• Verify smooth idle and no check engine light illumination
• Perform test drive and monitor for proper engine performance, smooth acceleration, and no unusual noises
• Re-check all fluid levels after test drive and inspect for leaks with engine at operating temperature

More procedures for this vehicle