OEM 2003 Toyota Tacoma Timing Chain

2003 Toyota Tacoma Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to service and repair the timing chain on 2003 Toyota Tacoma?

  A: You must remove engine under cover while draining the engine oil as the first step for timing chain service or repair. Service 4WD models by starting by disassembling the front differential drive shafts followed by taking off the generator drive belt and generator fan coupled to the fluid device and water pump wheel. Proceed to take off the cylinder head assembly before unbolting the A/C compressor and bracket with the required 4 bolts before setting the compressor to a safe location. To remove the generator with its adjusting bar and bracket the procedure requires generator connector disconnection followed by the removal of the nut and wire clip and extraction of the lock bolt pivot bolt then generator. Take off the crankshaft position sensor while removing its 2 bolts along with the O-ring. The stiffener plates of 2WD models require removal through 8 bolt removal. Begin by removing the flywheel housing under cover and dust seal and continue by taking out the oil pan by removing its 16 bolts and 2 nuts through the use of Special Service Tool: 09032-00100 for sealer removal. The mechanic must first remove the oil strainer although crankshaft pulley removal requires Special Service Tool: 09213-54015, 09330-00021, and during certain conditions Special Service Tool: 09950-50013 will be essential to remove the timing chain cover. Proceed with the removal of the No.1 timing chain and camshaft timing sprocket followed by the crankshaft timing sprocket through utilization of Special Service Tool: 09950-40011. The service procedurals calls for removing the No.1 timing chain tensioner slipper along with the No.1 vibration damper but also asks for the removal of the crankshaft position sensor rotor along with the timing chain oil jet for 2RZ-FE models. When working on 3RZ-FE models you need to remove the No.2 and No.3 vibration dampers together with the No.2 chain tensioner before installing the balance shaft drive gear, shaft and No.2 timing chain and No.2 crankshaft timing sprocket and completing the install with the No.4 vibration damper. Check timing chains and sprockets for elongation and wear while verifying the state of both timing chain tensioners and their oil jet for damage or blockages. First place No.1 cylinder at TDC before you can install the equipment sequence which begins with the No.4 vibration damper followed by the No.2 timing chain and No.2 crankshaft timing sprocket and balance shaft drive gear and shaft while making sure all timing marks match. The installation order includes the No.2, No.3 vibration dampers and No.2 chain tensioner followed by the oil jet for 2RZ-FE vehicles. After installing the crankshaft position sensor rotor first, add the No.1 timing chain tensioner slipper and No.1 vibration damper before setting the crankshaft timing sprocket and No.1 timing chain while aligning all components correctly. Place the timing chain cover on with fresh gaskets and proceed with the crankshaft pulley installation using Special Service Tool: 09213-54015, 09330-00021. Finish installation with the oil strainer that uses a fresh gasket. Proper torque specifications must be maintained for all components when installing the oil pan along with its seal packing (Part No. 08826-00080). The procedure requires replacement of flywheel housing followed by stiffener plates on 2WD models and crankshaft position sensor and generator and adjusting bar with bracket and A/C compressor combined with its bracket until the cylinder head assembly installation is complete. After engine oiling begins an engine start procedure to search for fluid leaks and reinstalls the under cover before performing a vehicle on-road evaluation for abnormal sounds and system behavior. It ends with double checking both engine coolant and oil levels.