Issues discussed in the material:
- What you need to know about replacing the chain tensioner in a Toyota
- How to replace the chain tensioner in Toyota
- How to understand that it is not the chain tensioner in a Toyota that needs to be replaced, but the chain itself
- How to replace the tensioner and chain in a Toyota Corolla
- Replacing the chain tensioner in Toyota through the eyes and hands of car enthusiasts
Replacing the chain tensioner in a Toyota, at first glance, is not the most difficult procedure that even a novice car enthusiast can handle. However, the apparent simplicity can result in more serious engine repairs if something goes wrong.
To replace the chain tensioner in a Toyota, as well as the chain itself, it is better to contact an authorized service center. If you want to know how such repairs are carried out in order to supervise the master or expand your own horizons, read our material.
When to change the timing chain?
A timing chain is much better than a belt and lasts much longer, but sometimes you have to change it too. This is due to normal wear and tear as the chain can stretch.
When it comes to Toyota Corolla, replacing the timing chain is resorted to when the element can no longer be tightened. If the chain is stretched, it can no longer be restored by building up links. If the part is stretched, the vehicle's gas distribution will be disrupted and the engine will not operate normally. In addition, a stretched chain will lead to rapid wear of the engine shoe, and can also damage the damper, which is quite expensive to change every month.
You will know that the timing chain has stretched when the engine becomes noisy. It needs to be changed urgently, because if it breaks, the car will suffer serious damage.
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What you need to know about replacing the chain tensioner in a Toyota
Toyota cars equipped with a 1ZZ engine are preferred by many motorists around the world to other brands. This is explained by the fact that such an engine is equipped with a timing chain (gas distribution mechanism), and not a belt. That is why the car is considered more reliable.
It is worth noting that replacing the Toyota Corolla chain tensioner is done much less frequently when compared with the exact same engine with a timing belt. In addition, a car with a power of 140 hp. With. consumes less fuel compared to cars equipped with 7A, 4S engines with a timing belt. And another advantage of the engine with a small displacement of only 1.8 liters is that it is more powerful than belt-driven engines.
The timing belt is necessary for the operation of not only the engine, but also other vehicle systems. This mechanism supplies fuel to the cylinders and then removes combustion products.
The timing belt is driven by a chain or belt that is connected by 2 gears. A chain or belt drive plays the role of a transmission mechanism during engine operation. If the gas distribution mechanism fails, the internal combustion engine will also not be able to function.
Many motorists are interested in when to replace the chain tensioner in a Toyota. If extraneous sounds appear under the hood while driving, then replacement cannot be avoided. Moreover, this must be done in advance, as soon as the first signs of a malfunction arise. Don't delay replacing and wait until the chain breaks.
How to understand that it is not the chain tensioner in a Toyota that needs to be replaced, but the chain itself
If a Toyota engine is equipped with a timing chain, it means that it transmits rotational force from the crankshaft to the camshaft located in the cylinder head (overhead valve type engines).
All chains in Toyota are divided into two types: gear and roller, and the latter are practically not used. On most machines with a gas distribution mechanism, gear systems are installed if a chain drive is used.
Toothed units ensure smooth operation, have increased reliability, and make virtually no noise during operation. In operation, gear systems are similar to belt drives. It is impossible to accurately answer the question of which is better. If you start discussing this topic, you will get a full-fledged article.
Hydraulic tensioners, the working fluid of which is engine oil, tension the chain in Toyota. Oil flows through the engine lubrication system. The number of tensioners depends on the number of camshafts. There may be one, two or three.
The timing chain system includes the chain itself, the tensioner, and the lubrication system. Over time, due to wear of parts, the mechanism begins to work worse: the tensioner or the chain itself in the Toyota needs to be replaced.
How to understand that the timing belt has become unusable? To do this, listen to how the motor works. We heard metallic sounds and a crackling noise at high speeds, which means that the gas distribution system has failed.
Press the accelerator pedal sharply, you will immediately understand that the circuit is faulty. In this case, the ignition will not work properly, and when the speed increases, you can see black exhaust gases coming out of the exhaust pipe. This indicates that the fuel mixture is over-rich.
To identify wear on the chain drive, you need to inspect the motor. We remove the valve cover, even a beginner can handle this, the main thing is to take a suitable key. After 10 bolts are unscrewed, remove the cover. Now you can easily reach the chain. Carry out a visual inspection of it. If it is in working condition, it will not sag at the top.
You should also inspect the tensioner in the Toyota. It should be in such a position that the chain is well tensioned. Have you noticed that it is sagging? This means it needs to be replaced. Many motorists who do not have the opportunity to replace the chain do the following. They install bolts on the tensioner or even install a second tensioner. This manipulation is considered a last resort and can only be performed in emergency cases. After all, the effect will be temporary, and it will be more difficult to repair the mechanism later.
How long a chain will last depends on the material from which it is made. It must be high quality. You should also pay attention to the degree of effectiveness of the heat treatment of the material.
Timing sprockets must also meet the above requirements, because they participate in the operation of the mechanism. The lubrication system must not be allowed to malfunction, as it affects the functioning of the unit. Only high-quality lubricant should be poured into the engine and changed on time.
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If the chain drive is made of durable material and the required tension is set during maintenance, and the oil is changed regularly, the mechanism will properly serve as long as the engine.
On the contrary, a stretched chain will quickly fail. To avoid the need to replace it, you should buy a high-quality part, set the tension correctly, and use a suitable lubricant.
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New installation and assembly
To begin, we return the gears of the VVT-i system and the exhaust camshaft to their place (note that the camshafts must be stationary), install the crankshaft sprocket and damper.
We pick up a new chain: you need to find the timing marks on it. They represent two marks located from each other at a distance of 6 links. Label colors vary depending on the manufacturer.
When installing, it is necessary to align the marks of the crankshaft and camshafts. After installation, make sure that they all match and that the chain in the area from the exhaust camshaft sprocket to the crankshaft sprocket is tensioned and has no slack. We install the tensioner shoe in the groove allocated for it.
How to replace the tensioner and chain in a Toyota Corolla
To replace the chain tensioner in a Toyota Corolla, you will need the following consumables:
- timing chain;
- tensioner;
- shoe;
- drive belt.
If you are not confident in your abilities, you should not do the replacement yourself. At first glance, the work seems easy. However, if you make a mistake, it will not be easy to correct the situation: the motor will fail. Be prepared for the fact that you will spend a lot of time and effort replacing the tensioner in a Toyota. You should be extremely careful while working.
To replace the tensioner in a Toyota, the chain will have to be removed. You need to proceed as follows:
- We remove the protective cover of the motor, as well as the ignition coil of the spark plugs.
- Remove the valve cover. There is a reusable gasket under it; it must be left and installed back upon completion of the work.
- The machine must be fixed; for this we use a jack or a lift. We dismantle the front right wheel, as well as the protection (fender liner), it is located in the wheel arch.
- You now have access to the pulley on the crankshaft. We jack up the engine and remove the support to reach the chain.
- After the tension is loosened, remove the chain.
- To remove the chain, we pull out the lower sprocket; it easily moves along the crankshaft to a distance of 1–1.2 cm. Then we remove the chain.
- We stop the crankshaft pulley by wedging the flywheel. When the bolt on the pulley is unscrewed, remove it from the key.
- We dismantle the generator and power steering pump. Then unscrew the side cover.
- After the coolant has been drained, remove the tensioner and shoe.
- Using compressed air, we remove dirt and install a new tensioner and chain in the Toyota.
How to install a tensioner in a Toyota:
- We place marks on the camshaft pulleys, as well as on the crankshaft. This must be done for the motor to work properly.
- We begin to install the chain, first from above, then from below.
- Set the desired tension. We insert the tensioner using the hook, install it, and tighten the mounting bolts. Then you can remove the hook. If everything is done correctly, the rod will be in the desired position and the chain tension will be normal.
- Then install the side cover and screw it on.
- We perform assembly in reverse order.
The resource of the Toyota gas distribution chain is quite large. However, you should regularly check its serviceability. If this part wears out, the timing belt will not be able to function properly, and the engine shoe will fail, just like the damper. In order not to spend a large sum on restoring the mechanism, it is necessary to periodically check the tension. Of course, the chain breaks infrequently, but such a breakdown cannot be excluded with 100% probability.
Replacing the accessory drive belt
Photo report on the results of the first independent replacement of the drive belt on a 1ZZ 1.8l. Maybe someone will find it useful. Replacement takes about 15 minutes with all the preparations (if you do it for the 2nd time
