OEM 2003 Toyota RAV4 Timing Chain Tensioner

2003 Toyota RAV4 Timing Chain Tensioner Parts Q&A

• Q: How to service and repair the Timing Chain Tensioner on 2003 Toyota RAV4?

  A: The service process for the Timing Chain Tensioner starts with engine oil drainage before removing sequential components like RH engine under cover, PS vane pump, ABS actuator, RH engine mounting insulator and drive belt, generator, air cleaner assembly, and ignition coils. You must disconnect the two PCV hoses then remove eight bolts along with two nuts to extract the cylinder head cover. Start by placing No. 1 cylinder at TDC position by spinning the crankshaft pulley until the groove lines up with timestamp 0 as well as when the camshaft and VVT timing sprocket timing marks align with their bearing caps; make a single crankshaft rotation if alignment requires it. You can remove the pulley bolt and crankshaft pulley by utilizing SST 09213-54015, 09330-00021 and SST 09950-50013 as needed. A proper procedure includes taking off 2 nuts and the chain tensioner along with its gasket followed by the drive belt tensioner then the crankshaft position sensor and the oil pan along with the timing chain cover which requires disassembling the stud bolt for drive belt tensioner and removing 14 bolts and 2 nuts while prying the cover off with care. Before proceeding with the replacement separate the crank angle sensor plate from the chain tensioner slipper and the chain vibration damper and timing chain guide then remove the timing chain cranks shaft timing sprocket and camshaft timing sprocket and VVT timing sprocket but avoid damaging the cylinder head and valve lifter. Changes in the timing chain length and sprocket structural integrity need replacement. The chain tensioner slipper and vibration damper need replacement if wear exceeds 1.0 mm. The installation of new timing chain cover oil seal requires SST 09309-37010 for tapping both removal and installation unless it's under cover; in that case use SST 09308-10010 and 09950-60010 to retrieve and implement the seal. Proper alignment followed by correct torque values leads to the installation of camshaft timing sprocket and VVT timing sprocket before resetting No. 1 cylinder to TDC/compression. You should install the chain vibration damper and crankshaft timing sprocket followed by putting on the timing chain while maintaining proper mark alignment. Then install the timing chain guide as well as the chain tensioner slipper to the cylinder block stopper while ensuring the slipper remains in position. Install the crank angle sensor plate together with the timing chain cover which includes seal packing (Part No. 08826-00080), secure bolts and nuts with their specified torques. The installation process includes placing the drive belt tensioner followed by the crankshaft position sensor then the oil pan after which the crankshaft pulley and chain tensioner are installed by maintaining proper torque along with correct alignment. The last step includes checking valve timing before installing the cylinder head cover with its new gasket while reattaching all components before filling with engine oil and starting the engine for leak inspection and subsequent oil level check.