OEM 2001 Toyota Highlander Timing Chain

2001 Toyota Highlander Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the timing chain on 2001 Toyota Highlander?

  A: The replacement process of a timing chain starts with hood sub-assy [53301] removal followed by front wheel RH, engine under cover No.1 [51441], front fender splash shield front RH [53895B], and front fender apron seal RH [537361]. First empty the engine oil before putting a new gasket and drain plug in place then torque it to 25 Nm (250 kgf-cm, 18 ft. lbs.). Removing the entire exhaust pipe assy front [17410 / 98-28] together with engine mounting stay No.2 RH [12327A / 98-10], engine moving control rod w/bracket, engine mounting bracket No.2 RH [12316 / 98-10], fan and generator V belt [16361A / 98-25], generator assy [27020 / 98-35] and power steering vane pump assy [44320 / 98-73] while keeping the hose connected. Start the procedure by taking out the engine cover sub-assy No.1 [12601B / 98-5] and ignition coil assy [19500 / 98-34] as well as simultaniously removing the ventilation hoses [12261 / 98-12, 12262 / 98-12]. You should remove the cylinder head cover sub-assy [11201 / 98-5] through the process of disconnecting the engine wire harness clamp prior to removing 8 bolts and 2 nuts. Set the crankshaft to TDC/compression of the first cylinder before removing the crankshaft pulley using Special Service Tools 09213-54015 and 09330-00021 [13471 / 98-13, 91651 / 98-13]. Also take off the crank position sensor [11301K / 98-9]. Use Special Service Tool: 09032-00100 to cut off the applied sealer before removing 12 bolts and 2 nuts to take out the oil pan sub-assy [12101 / 98-7]. First install engine hanger No.1 [12281A / 98-5] with 38 Nm torque (387 kgf-cm, 30 ft. lbs.) before removing the chain tensioner assy (chain tensioner assy No.1) [13540 / 98-14], V-ribbed belt tensioner assy [16620 / 98-19]. To perform the repair remove the transverse engine mounting insulator [12362 / 98-10] along with engine mounting bracket [12315A / 98-10]. Use Special Service Tool: 09032-00100 to cut off the applied sealer. Then remove the drive belt tensioner stud bolt followed by 14 bolts and 2 nuts which must be handled so they do not damage touching surfaces to remove the timing chain cover sub-assy [11302 / 98-9]. The service technician must first eliminate the crankshaft position sensor plate No.1 [19315 / 98-13], chain tensioner slipper [13559 / 98-14], chain vibration damper No.1 [13561 / 98-14], chain sub-assy [13506 / 98-14], and crankshaft timing gear or sprocket [13521 / 98-13]. The installer must remove No.2 chain sub-assy [13507/ 98-14] through a crankshaft counterclockwise 90 degrees rotation and subsequent locking of the oil pump drive shaft gear followed by nut and bolt and chain tensioner plate and spring removal. Set the crankshaft key to its left horizontal position while aligning mark links with timing marks before temporarily tightening the oil pump drive shaft gear during the installation of No.2 chain sub-assy [13507 / 98-14]. Fasten chain vibration damper No.1 [13561 / 98-14] with 9.0 Nm (92 kgf-cm, 80 inch lbs.) tightness and afterwards install the chain sub-assy [13506 / 98-14] by using Special Service Tool: 09309-37010 to align timing marks. Fits the chain tensioner slipper [13559 / 98-14] to 19 Nm (194 kgf-cm, 14 ft. lbs.) torque and position the crankshaft position sensor plate No.1 [19315 / 98-13] so its "F" mark faces forward. The timing chain cover sub-assy [11302 / 98-9] needs application of seal packing (Part No. 08826-00080 or equivalent) before bolting and nutting. The mechanic should mount the V-ribbed belt tensioner assembly [16620 / 98-19] and transverse engine mounting bracket [12315A / 98-10] and engine mounting insulator [12362 / 98-10] by tightening their specified torque values. The installation process requires attaching the oil pan sub-assy [12101 / 98-7] with seal packing while cleaning off all contact surfaces from oil residue before torqueing the bolts and nuts. Finally, install the chain tensioner assy (chain tensioner assy No.1) [13540 / 98-14], crank position sensor [11301K / 98-9], crankshaft pulley [13471 / 98-13], cylinder head cover sub-assy [11201 / 98-5], ignition coil assy [19500 / 98-34], vane pump assy [44320 / 98-73], generator assy [27020 / 98-35], fan and generator V belt [16361A / 98-25], engine mounting bracket No.2 RH [12316 / 98-10], engine moving control rod w/bracket, engine mounting stay No.2 RH [12327A / 98-10], exhaust pipe assy front [17410 / 98-28], front wheel RH, and hood sub-assy [53301], ensuring to add engine oil and inspect for leaks.