OEM 2004 Toyota 4Runner Timing Cover

2004 Toyota 4Runner Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the timing cover sub-assembly on 2004 Toyota 4Runner?

  A: The procedure to replace the timing chain or belt cover sub-assembly begins with power steering link assembly removal along with differential carrier assembly front (4WD drive type) and engine coolant and oil draining. Then the battery and V-bank cover plus radiator support seal upper must be removed after unclipping 11 retainers. The procedure begins with loosening the fan with fluid coupling then removing the fan and generator V belt before finishing with the fan with fluid coupling. Remove ventilation hose No.2 followed by removing the air cleaner assembly and the oil level gauge guide which requires removing the oil level gauge together with its bolt and O-ring. To start the process remove the water inlet followed by disassembling the vane pump assembly and taking out the generator assembly and cooler compressor assembly after which separate the V-ribbed belt tensioner assembly and idler pulley sub-assembly No.2 utilizing its 2 bolts. The next step involves eliminating idler pulley sub-assembly No.1. To remove the crankshaft pulley one must use Special Service Tools including 09032-0100 09213-54015 (91651-60855), 09330-0021, 09950-50013 (09951-05010, 09952-5010, 09953-05020, 09954-05030) followed by removal of oil pan sub-assembly No.2, oil strainer sub-assembly, and oil pan sub-assembly. Start by disconnecting the two oil control valve connectors and removing the two bolts and two valves to take off the camshaft timing oil control valve assembly together with the cylinder head cover sub-assembly LH and ignition coil assembly and intake air surge tank. Secure a new oil filter bracket sub-assembly by removing its 3 bolts and 2 nuts before you can remove the VVT sensor. Also remove timing chain or belt cover sub-assembly by taking out the 24 bolts and 2 nuts while carefully prying it off to protect contact surface areas and extracting the O-ring from the LH cylinder head. To replace the oil seal use Special Service Tool: 09226-10010 and a hammer while applying MP grease to the lip of the oil seal so that you can install a new one with help from a screwdriver in the opening of the timing gear case or timing chain case. The timing chain or belt cover sub-assembly installation requires several steps starting with cleaning packing material on the specific locations followed by applying new O-rings to the LH cylinder head along with continuous application of seal packing (Part No. 08826-00080 or equivalent) within 3 minutes before tightening bolts and nuts in 15 minutes. Install the timing chain cover when its keyway fits the crankshaft timing gear and fasten it using 24 bolts and 2 nuts applying consistent torque to 23 Nm (235 kgf-cm, 17 ft. lbs.). Reinstall the oil filter bracket sub-assembly with a new gasket and tighten with 3 bolts and 2 nuts to a torque of 19 Nm (194 kgf-cm, 14 ft. lbs.), followed by the VVT sensor, camshaft timing oil control valve assembly, cylinder head cover sub-assemblies, ignition coil assembly, intake air surge tank, oil pan sub-assemblies, crankshaft pulley using Special Service Tool: 09213-54015 (91651-60855), 09330-00021, idler pulley sub-assemblies, V-ribbed belt tensioner assembly, cooler compressor assembly, generator assembly, vane pump assembly, water inlet, oil level gauge guide, air cleaner assembly, and reconnect ventilation hose No.2. The last step requires installing the fan with fluid coupling followed by tightening the fan-with-fluid coupling before adding the radiator support seal upper, battery and differential carrier assembly (4WD drive type) as well as power steering link assembly and conducting leak testing followed by installing the V-bank cover using 2 nuts at 7.5 Nm (76 kgf-cm, 66 inch lbs.).