OEM 2002 Toyota Tacoma Timing Chain

2002 Toyota Tacoma Parts Questions & Experts Answers

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

  A: Before handling the timing chain you need to take off the engine under cover and let the engine oil drain out. To perform 4WD work begin by lifting off the front differential and drive shafts and detaching the generator drive belt alongside the fan with fluid coupling and water pump pulley. Start by detaching the A/C compressor from its bracket through 4 bolts before hanging the compressor pneumatically. Take out the bolt set from 4 bolt locations around the A/C system. After disconnecting the generator connector remove its wire and lock bolt then disconnect pivot bolt and generator assembly. Separate the generator bar and bracket quickly when you remove their three bolts. Uninstall the crankshaft position sensor through its 2 bolts while also extracting its O-ring. You should dismantle the 2WD system through these steps: take out the 8 bolts and stiffener plates, unfasten the flywheel housing undercover along with the dust seal. Use SST 09032-00100 cutter to detach oil pan sealer from its mounting points and carefully take out the oil pan without causing damage to its flanges. Unscrew the oil strainer assembly by removing its bolt, 2 nuts and the gasket. When the vehicle has air conditioning you must remove four bolts from the No.2 and No.3 crankshaft pulleys to take out the bolt with tool SST 09213-54015 and SST 09330-00021 before you remove the crankshaft pulley. You can use SST 09950-50013 to detach the pulley when required. Use an appropriate tool to loosen and extract the three gaskets plus the timing chain cover when removing its 14 components which include the water bypass pipe nuts and bolts. disconnect the STS puller device (09950-40011) and remove No.1 timing chain along with its camshaft sprocket and the crankshaft timing sprocket. For 2RZ-FE models remove the two bolts holding the No.1 vibration damper while 3RZ-FE models need bolt, nut, and damper removal. On all engines use a bolt and slipper remover until No.1 needs to be extracted. To service 2RZ-FE you should remove the bolt from the crankshaft position sensor rotor along with the timing chain oil jet and gasket. For 3RZ-FE you should first pin the plunger of No.2 and No.3 chain tensioners then disconnect bolted vibration dampers, and remove the No.2 chain tensioner nut. Take the balance shaft drive gear along its shaft plus No.2 timing chain and No.2 crankshaft timing sprocket by loosing and removing the drive gear bolt then removing both pieces. Remove No.4 vibration damper components by taking their two bolts loose. Use compass calipers to verify if timing sprockets reach their minimum diameter standards and verify each timing chain with vernier calipers during the inspection process by measuring the length of stretched links while guaranteeing the chain stays within allowable limits. Check if the chain tensioner slipper and vibration dampers wear has reached 1.0 millimeter or 0.039 inch. Check both 2RZ-FE oil jet and No.1 and No.2 chain tensioner components for proper functionality in their movement and blocking positions. First position No.1 cylinder at top dead center and place the balance weights of both shafts at their bottoms during assembly. Secure both bolts onto No.4 vibration damper before placing No.2 timing chain and its components with No.2 crankshaft timing sprocket onto 3RZ-FE engines when timing marks meet correctly. Fit No.2 chain tensioner with its nut and secure No.3 damper with two bolts followed by No.2 damper with one bolt. Remove the tensioner pin after installation. Mount the oil jet assembly with its new gasket and bolt for 2RZ-FE. Place the crankshaft position sensor rotor so its front mark faces ahead into position and connect the No.1 timing chain tensioner slipper and No.1 vibration damper without any hindrance. Fit the crankshaft timing sprocket afterward the No.1 timing chain and camshaft timing sprocket while keeping timing marks matched up before fastening the chain. Apply three fresh gaskets on the timing chain cover before fastening bolts and nuts according to prescribed torque values. Install the crankshaft pulley to its specific position with the set key while using SST for the bolt. Fit the oil strainer with a new seal packing over the oil pan surface then bolt it down after removing the old packing and installing new seal packing. Put the flywheel housing under the engine with its dust seal installed before adding 2WD stiffener plates. Place the crankshaft position sensor with its new O-ring inside and bolt in the generator with adjusting bar and bracket. Keep torque settings correct. After placing the A/C compressor and bracket in position you should set the cylinder head assembly, water pump pulley, fan assembly with fluid coupling and generator drive belt. To test 4WD performance install the drive shafts assembly and front differential while filling with engine oil and starting to locate leaks. Install the engine under cover and take a vehicle drive test to detect irregular noises or shifting problems plus smooth operations. After testing recheck engine oil and coolant levels.