OEM 2002 Toyota RAV4 Timing Chain

2002 Toyota RAV4 Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to remove and install the timing chain on 2002 Toyota RAV4?

  A: The procedure for timing chain removal begins by draining engine oil followed by unfastening the RH engine under cover and PS vane pump, ABS actuator, and RH engine mounting insulator and drive belt, generator, air cleaner assembly, and ignition coils. The cylinder head cover removal process begins by detaching two PCV hoses followed by unbolted removal of eight bolts and two nuts. Setting the No. 1 cylinder to Top Dead Center compression requires rotating the crankshaft pulley until it lines up at timing mark 0 and confirming that both camshaft and VVT timing sprocket timing marks meet their respective bearing caps at the No. 1 and No. 2 positions. You should perform a single revolution of crankshaft motion until the marks become aligned. Tools 09213-54015, 09330-00021 allow technicians to dismount the crankshaft pulley followed by chain tensioner removal, drive belt tensioner removal, crankshaft position sensor removal, oil pan removal, and timing chain cover removal with attention given to preserve contact surfaces. Disassemble the crank angle sensor plate along with chain tensioner slipper and chain vibration damper to remove timing chain guide and timing chain as well as crankshaft timing sprocket and camshaft timing sprocket and VVT timing sprocket but avoid separating the VVT timing sprocket parts. Professional inspection of timing chain and sprockets should be conducted for elongation and wear assessment with a replacement needed when wear reaches unacceptable levels. Special Service Tool: 09309-37010 must be used for crankshaft front oil seal replacement when the timing chain cover is removed but Special Service Tool: 09308-10010, 09950-60010 can be utilized when it remains installed. Start the installation sequence with the camshaft timing sprocket followed by the VVT timing sprocket while keeping both pieces precisely aligned according to their specified torques. Target the Number 1 cylinder at TDC/compression before installing the chain vibration damper then the crankshaft timing sprocket and timing chain along with the timing chain guide and chain tensioner slipper and crank angle sensor plate and timing chain cover which must be torqued according to specs. The mechanic should install the drive belt tensioner along with the crankshaft position sensor then add the oil pan and crankshaft pulley and chain tensioner while setting appropriate tension and verifying valve timing operation. Complete the installation with cylinder head cover along with ignition coils, vane pump, generator, RH engine mounting insulator, drive belt, ABS actuator, air cleaner assembly, and engine under cover while filling with engine oil before starting the engine and conducting leak checks then verifying the engine oil level.