OEM 2003 Toyota Corolla Timing Chain

2003 Toyota Corolla Parts Questions & Experts Answers

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

  A: The first step to timing chain replacement requires removal of the engine under cover RH, draining of coolant, and disconnecting the front wheel RH. Proceed by removing cylinder head cover Number 2 through the removal process of its 2 nuts and 2 clips before extracting the cover from its place. The V-ribbed belt tensioner requires turning clockwise before removing both the fan and generator V belt before returning the tensioner to its proper state. Separate the vane pump assembly without unhinging the hose while you remove the generator assembly and engine mounting insulator sub-assembly RH using proper procedure to set a wooden block between the jack and engine and remove its 4 bolts and 2 nuts. The engine wire requires removal of its 5 clamps to disconnect the 4 ignition coil connectors while also unfastening the bolt and nut securing the wire before extraction. The ignition coil assembly removal process starts with disconnecting both ventilation hoses from the cylinder head cover followed by unbolting and removing the ignition coils and 4 retaining bolts. To remove the cylinder head cover sub-assembly you need to take out all respective components that include both 9 bolts along with 2 seal washers, as well as 2 nuts and 3 clamp brackets. Align the crankshaft pulley on No. 1 cylinder at TDC compression as you complete alignment of the camshaft timing sprocket and VVT timing sprocket point marks. Special Service Tool: 09960-10010 (09962-01000, 09963-01000) is needed to remove the crankshaft pulley before proceeding to take off the V-ribbed belt tensioner assembly. It is essential to disconnect the water pump assembly and transverse engine mounting bracket along with the crank position sensor and chain tensioner assembly No.1 and timing chain or belt cover sub-assembly while paying attention to contact surface integrity. Start by taking away the timing gear cover oil seal with the crankshaft position sensor plate No.1 and chain tensioner slipper. Proceed to install the timing gear plus timing chain by firstly positioning cylinder No. 1 at TDC/compression before aligning camshaft timing sprockets. During this operation protect the engine with a shop rag and avoid rotating the camshafts when the chain is not installed on the sprockets. The new chain sub-assembly installation requires No. 1 cylinder placement at TDC/compression along with camshaft timing sprocket alignment before timing chain attachment onto the crankshaft timing sprocket using the yellow link as a reference. The technician should utilize Special Service Tool: 09223-22010 for setting up the crankshaft timing sprocket while positioning the timing chain on its camshaft timing sprockets. The chain tensioner slipper must receive precise torque before adding the crankshaft position sensor plate No.1 that needs its "F" mark oriented forward. The installation of the timing gear cover oil seal requires MP grease followed by installing the timing chain or belt cover sub-assembly with seal packing and cleaning the contact surfaces before installation within the specified period. Set the chain tensioner assembly No.1 so its O ring remains clean while the hook is in proper position. Apply the specified torques when installing the crank position sensor together with the transverse engine mounting bracket and water pump assembly and V-ribbed belt tensioner assembly. The crankshaft pulley installation requires alignment of the set key before tightening the bolt with Special Service Tool: 09960-10010 (09962-01000, 09963-01000). Reinstall the cylinder head cover sub-assembly and its components along with the ignition coil assembly, engine wire, engine mounting insulator sub-assembly RH and generator assembly, vane pump assembly and cylinder head cover No.2 while following torque values. The system requires front wheel installation on the right side while coolant addition with leak checks for engine coolant and oil systems.