OEM 2004 Toyota Corolla Timing Chain

2004 Toyota Corolla Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Q: How to replace the timing chain on 2004 Toyota Corolla?

  A: Start the timing chain replacement process by removing the engine under cover right-hand side and draining coolant before you detach the front wheel right-hand side. To access the cylinder head cover No.2 remove its 2 nuts, 2 clips followed by removing the cover from its position. First rotate the V-ribbed belt tensioner clockwise for loosening purposes before taking off the fan and generator V belt. Reset the tensioner methodically after the operation. You must separate the vane pump assembly by itself but without touching the hose before you take off the generator assembly along with the engine mounting insulator sub-assembly RH while placing a wooden block between the jack and engine to remove 4 bolts and 2 nuts. Disconnect the engine wire after removing five clamps and detaching four ignition coil connectors followed by unfastening a bolt and nut which secures the engine wire. The ignition coil assembly requires removal after unbolted 4 bolts and disconnecting 4 ignition coils while both ventilation hoses need disconnecting from the cylinder head cover. The sub-assembly requires the removal of 9 bolts together with 2 seal washers, 2 nuts and 3 clamp brackets. To set No. 1 cylinder at TDC/compression positioning the crankshaft pulley must align with "0" timing mark and the camshaft timing sprocket and VVT timing sprocket point marks must be aligned. Use Special Service Tool: 09960-10010 (09962-01000, 09963-01000) to remove the crankshaft pulley before proceeding to take off the V-ribbed belt tensioner assembly and water pump assembly and finally removing the transverse engine mounting bracket. Disassembly of both the crank position sensor and chain tensioner assembly No.1 requires caution because the crankshaft should not be revolved without the tensioner in place. The timing chain or belt cover sub-assembly removal process starts with eliminating 11 bolts and nuts and using an E8 torx wrench socket to remove the stud bolt and carefully prying off the cover. First extract the timing gear cover oil seal as well as crankshaft position sensor plate No.1 and chain tensioner slipper. Start by removing the timing chain sub-assembly through the crankshaft timing gear removal while using the shop rag to protect the engine from harm that might damage the pistons during the process. Begin new chain installation through positioning No. 1 cylinder at TDC/compression while setting the camshaft timing sprocket orientation followed by inserting the timing chain onto the crankshaft timing sprocket with the yellow link at the timing mark position. To install the crankshaft timing sprocket first apply Special Service Tool 09223-22010 which will help you align the timing chain with the camshaft timing sprockets. Image the chain tensioner slipper with its bolt and achieve 194 kgf-cm (14 ft. lbs.) torque before installing the crankshaft position sensor plate No.1 facing its "F" mark forward. With new oil seal lips treated by MP grease install tool 0922-22010 to drive the oil seal until its edge matches the timing chain cover boundary. Install the timing chain cover after cleaning the contact surface with 11 bolts and nuts while applying seal packing of equivalent parts (Water Pump: 08826-00100 or Other: 08826-00080). Torque all fasteners according to specified values. Place the chain tensioner assembly No.1 with its O ring properly cleaned and hook properly set before you put on the crank position sensor and transverse engine mounting bracket according to the specified torque values. The water pump assembly together with the V-ribbed belt tensioner assembly and crankshaft pulley need proper alignment and torque specifications during installation. The last step involves reinstallation of the cylinder head cover sub-assembly alongside ignition coil assembly and engine wire followed by engine mounting insulator sub-assembly RH and generator assembly and vane pump assembly then front wheel RH and coolant addition with leak checks on engine coolant and oil systems.