OEM 2003 Toyota Highlander Camshaft

2003 Toyota Highlander Parts Questions & Experts Answers

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

  A: Start by disconnecting and removing both ventilation hoses No.1 and No.2 before you remove cylinder head cover sub-assy by breaking free the engine wire harness clamp. Adjust the crankshaft pulley to align its groove with timing mark "0" of the timing chain cover while positioning both camshaft timing sprockets with bearing cap timing marks and applying match marks on the timing chain and sprocket. The procedure to remove Chain tensioner Assay number 1 requires disassembly of 2 nuts, timing chain tensioner, and gasket with strict warnings against crankshaft revolutions without chain tensioner present. When handling the No.2 camshaft removal procedure use a wrench to secure the device while you untighten the camshaft timing gear set bolt and properly sequence the camshaft bearing cap bolt removal before raising the camshaft to remove the bolt and the timing gear and chain. Follow the specified order to unfasten camshaft bearing cap bolts which removes the intake camshaft as you string the timing chain to prevent particle loss inside the timing chain cover. To remove the camshaft timing gear assembly start by fixing the No.1 camshaft in a vise then covering paths with vinyl tape while using air pressure of 150 kPa (1.5 kgf/cm2, 21 psi) to the oil path to turn the assembly counterclockwise without removing the other 4 bolts. During camshaft timing gear assembly installation, position it correctly with the camshaft before gently rotating it leftward without clearance between the gear fringe and the camshaft then bolt it with 54 Nm (551 kgf-cm, 40 ft. lbs. torque). Lay the timing chain on the camshaft timing gear and position the painted links correctly at the timing marks before applying specified torques on bearing caps No. 1 and No. 3 during the bolt tightening process. The camshaft chain installation for No.2 requires linking marked chain areas with the timing indicator, followed by fastening the set bolt then completing bolt tightening per the recommended sequence. Fix the camshaft and tightly bolt the camshaft timing gear set to 54 Nm (551 kgf-cm, 40 ft. lbs.) without harming the valve lifter and verify match mark alignment. The process begins with releasing the ratchet pawl followed by plunger pushing and hook application to the pin before installing a new gasket together with the chain tensioner through two nuts that need tightening to 9.0 Nm (92 kgf-cm, 80 inch lbs.). The crankshaft should first rotate counterclockwise before removing the plunger knock pin and then proceed to rotate clockwise to verify that the slipper moves by the plunger. The final installation step includes placing the cylinder head cover sub-assy while removing old packing material before applying seal packing specified locations (Part No. 08826-00080 or equivalent). Install it promptly within 5 minutes and avoid oil additions for 2 hours. The cylinder head cover needs to receive all bolt and nut torque specifications before adding the ignition coil assembly at 9.0 Nm (92 kgf-cm, 80 inch lbs.) and reinstalling the right-hand front wheel at 103 Nm (1050 kgf-cm, 76 ft. lbs.) followed by an oil leak inspection.