OEM 2003 Toyota Corolla Camshaft

2003 Toyota Corolla Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the camshaft on 2003 Toyota Corolla?

  A: Start the process of camshaft replacement by taking off the engine under cover RH and then the cylinder head cover No.2 by unscrewing two screws and removing three clips and pulling off the engine under cover. First loosen the fan and generator V belt through clockwise movement of the V-ribbed belt tensioner. Then remove the belt before returning the tensioner to its original position. The PS oil pump reservoir must be disconnected while you place a wooden block between the engine and jack before you remove the engine mounting insulator sub-assembly RH. The engine wire must be disconnected after unclipping five clamps and four ignition coil connectors from the ignition coil assembly. You must remove the cylinder head cover sub-assembly after disconnecting its ventilation hoses and taking out 9 bolts, 2 seal washers, 2 nuts and 3 clamp brackets. The first step requires setting the No. 1 cylinder at Top Dead Center through grove alignment and sprocket mark line ups for both camshaft and VVT timing components. You must unfasten the V-ribbed belt tensioner assembly before removing the camshaft under all conditions where you must not turn the crankshaft without the chain tensioner active. The first step is to mark the timing chain and camshaft timing sprockets before uninstalling the chain tensioner but remember to avoid damaging the valve lifter when loosening the camshaft timing gear set bolt. Safety first requires camshaft bearing cap bolt loosening per sequence before removing caps and extracting the camshaft with your hands on the timing chain. Examine the camshaft timing gear assembly for complete locking while checking for smooth revolving motion by implementing air pressure when required. Place the new camshaft timing gear assembly onto the camshaft before proper alignment then install it correctly. Strengthen the fringe bolt to 54 Nm before installing the camshaft while ensuring proper timing mark alignment on the timing chain. The chain tensioner installation requires engine oil application to an O-ring then secure it using two nuts at 9.0 Nm (92 kgf-cm, 80 inch lbs.) before installation of the tensioner. The valve clearance needs adjustment followed by installing the V-ribbed belt tensioner assembly where the nut should get tightened to 29 Nm (296 kgf-cm, 21 ft. lbs.) while the bolt requires a torque of 69 Nm (704 kgf-cm, 51 ft. lbs.). Soldiers should use new seal packing (Part No. 08826-00080 or equivalent) when installing the cylinder head cover sub-assembly followed by torquing the bolts and nuts in multiple steps. End the procedure by putting on the ignition coil assembly along with the engine wire as well as the engine mounting insulator sub-assembly RH and cylinder head cover No.2. Torque each component using its specified values while inspecting for engine oil leaks.