OEM 2004 Toyota Highlander Timing Chain

2004 Toyota Highlander Parts Questions & Experts Answers

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

  A: You must start the timing chain replacement process by taking out the hood sub-assembly and driving wheel RH followed by the engine under cover No.1 and front fender splash shield front RH and finishing up with front fender apron seal RH. Before proceeding with installation you should drain engine oil and install a new gasket then secure the drain plug with 25 Nm (255 kgf-cm, 18 ft. lbs.) torque. The exhaust pipe assembly front together with the engine moving control rod with bracket needs to be detached followed by the removal of engine mounting stay No.2 RH and engine mounting bracket No.2 RH. Continuing with the procedure requires uninstalling the fan and generator V belt and engine cover sub-assembly No.1 along with engine wire disconnection. As the next step disconnect the generator assembly followed by the vane pump assembly (without hose attachment), ignition coil assembly, and ventilation hoses No.1 and No.2. The cylinder head cover sub-assembly must be removed first before setting No.1 cylinder to TDC/compression position for crankshaft pulley removal using Special Service Tools: 09213-54015 (91651-60855), 09330-00021 to fix the pulley and loosen the bolt. Final steps require removing the bolt and pulley with Special Service Tools: 09950-50013 (09951-05010, 09952-05010, 09953-05020, 09954-05021). The first step is to remove the crankshaft position sensor together with the oil pan sub-assembly and both the chain tensioner assembly No.1 and the V-ribbed belt tensioner assembly. First install engine hanger No.1 and No.2 with bolts tightened to 38 Nm (387 kgf-cm, 30 ft. lbs.), before removing the engine mounting insulator along with the bracket RH along with the timing chain or belt cover sub-assembly without damaging any contact surfaces. The service technician must remove the crankshaft position sensor plate No.1 in addition to the chain tensioner slipper and chain vibration damper No.1 followed by the chain sub-assembly and crankshaft timing gear or sprocket. To access No.2 chain sub-assembly professionals need to turn the crankshaft counterclockwise 90 degrees while aligning the oil pump driven sprocket and securing it temporarily with a 4.0 mm (0.16 inch) bar followed by removing the nut, bolt, chain tensioner plate and spring. The installation process for the new No.2 chain sub-assembly starts by setting the crankshaft key to its left horizontal position before aligning timing marks with the mark links then securing the oil pump driven sprocket nut to 30 Nm (306 kgf-cm, 22 ft. lbs.). Place chain vibration damper No.1 then install the chain sub-assembly followed by chain tensioner slipper (torque at 19 Nm (194 kgf-cm, 14 ft. lbs.)) on the assembly. Install the timing chain together with crankshaft position sensor plate No.1 and timing chain or belt cover sub-assembly after cleaning off all oil residues and using specified torque values when installing seal packing equivalent to Part No. 08826-00080. The technician must install Chain Tensioner Assembly No.1 followed by V-ribbed Belt Tensioner Assembly and Engine Mounting Bracket RH (torque to 54 Nm (551 kgf-cm, 40 ft. lbs.)), then complete with specified torque values. Reinstall all the mentioned parts in their defined torque settings including the oil pan sub-assembly followed by the crankshaft position sensor and crankshaft pulley (torque: 180 Nm (1,835 kgf-cm, 133 ft. lbs.)). Finally, install the remaining components including the cylinder head cover sub-assembly, ignition coil assembly (torque: 19 Nm (194 kgf-cm, 14 ft. lbs.)), vane pump assembly, generator assembly, engine wire, fan and generator V belt, engine mounting bracket No.2 RH (torque: 52 Nm (531 kgf-cm, 38 ft. lbs.)), engine mounting stay No.2 RH (torque: 64 Nm (653 kgf-cm, 47 ft. lbs.)), engine moving control rod with bracket, exhaust pipe assembly front, front wheel RH, and hood sub-assembly (torque: 13 Nm (133 kgf-cm, 10 ft. lbs.)). The technician should add engine oil before inspecting the vehicle for any fluid leakage.