2011 Rav4 Timing Chain Replacement

There isn't any sound where I sped the video up because there were people talking in the background, so I didn't want you to have to listen to Alvin the whole time. Just turn on some of your favorite tunes and enjoy the video.

[@marcopolo7163]

Should have replaced the intake VVTi sprocket while you had timing cover removed, those are prone to rattle on cold starts and get worse over time. Mite even damage the upper timing chain guide and do some engine damage ☠️

[@JetFire9]

That was a boat load of RTV on that cover. I've seen a lot of engine breakdown videos where they found big chunks of RTV wreaking havoc in the engine from people gooping that stuff on like there's no tomorrow.

[@Keith_Blackgrove]

I didn't have much squeeze out. The car also say for a couple of days before running it so I'm not to concerned. This stuff is near impossible to tear once it sets.

[@JetFire9]

@@Keith_Blackgrove If it didn’t squeeze out, then all that excess squeeze in! I am sure it will be fine. 🤣

[@chrisr2925]

I appreciate you taking the time to make this video. What were the symptoms that caused you to replace the timing chain?

[@Keith_Blackgrove]

Seemed like it was ticking and it had over 150k so I figured it was about due but I read later that it's supposed to be good for the life of the car. I thought better safe than sorry. If the chain goes the engine is wrecked.

[@chrisr2925]

@@Keith_Blackgrove 10 4, thank you. I have a 2013 with similar rattle and am going to do the sprocket also. But your video is still very helpful to me

[@herbertmichaels2841]

They all rattle spme as they age . no big deal jist keep clean oil in and dont beat on an old engine itll last unless its super insane loud . some rattle is fine

[@Maxx134a]

​@@Keith_Blackgrove At least you changed the timming belt tensioner as I read that's a main cause of rattle as well.

[@multirotormanish7220]

Why did you have to replace the timing chain? As I understand with Toyota timing chains, if the paint marks are still visible the chain is good. Nonetheless, great video on how to. I'm preparing to change mine out as the paint marks are gone and I have a cold start rattle. I'm also going to replace the intake VVTi gear as well as all the chain guides and tensioner. Thanks again for posting this video!!!

[@Keith_Blackgrove]

Engine was getting noisy and I was concerned that it was the chain so I went ahead and changed it. Figured it wasn't going to hurt to do it. Better than grenading the engine. Thanks for the positive feedback! Glad it was a help.

[@paulwyman2299]

My wife has a 2012 RAV4 Limited 4 cylinder is it a timing belt or a timing chain in that vehicle thank you for the video

[@Keith_Blackgrove]

That would have a timing chain. Thanks for watching!

[@adecarion]

Thanks for this video. How long did this job take to do?

[@Keith_Blackgrove]

I'm not a mechanic, so it was slow going, but it's something that can be done in a weekend if you're mechanically inclined. Thanks for taking the time to watch and comment. Please share my channel with others. I'm trying to get it to grow!

[@boogiemanshow8400]

when I rotate to TDC clockwise to "0" when I let go the pulley rotates (by itself) slowly counter clockwise off TDC past small dash & 10 off TDC. Why ? Please help. Is this OK?

[@Keith_Blackgrove]

How much does it rotate? It shouldn't matter as long as you compensate by setting your chain back by the same amount. Be sure to rotate the engine a few full rotations to confirm clearances.

[@ethanstein4821]

Thanks Keith. I have a 2011 Rav4. It has a rattle that I am wondering if maybe is from the timing chain. The rattle is always upon starting up the motor lasting about 3-5 seconds. And sometimes during engine acceleration or deceleration. A few mechanics have said they don't know the cause. The vehicle runs well. You think it could be the tensioner? Any ideas to rule that out?

[@Keith_Blackgrove]

Without actually hearing it in person I can't really say. Could need a valve adjustment. I'm an amateur so I'd hate to steer you in the wrong direction.

[@ethanstein4821]

@@Keith_Blackgrove thanks Keith. It couldn't hurt to ask.

[@suerodgers2993]

2011 Rav4 actually had a recall (TSB0041-13) on the vvt-i gear; look up cold-start rattle.

[@hannibalme]

VVTI intake gear rattle@@Keith_Blackgrove

[@Maxx134a]

Rattle issue during acceleration is caused by defective timming belt tensioner. Rattle on start up is the VVTI sprocket. None are timming belt itself unless the color markings are gone. Regardless, the small top guide for timing belt (inside valve cover) will also need replacement due to wear.

[@WV-gt2bd]

Thanks for the video. I need to replace my valve cover seal what were the torque specs you used?

[@Keith_Blackgrove]

I just snugged them up. Didn't use a spec.

[@hannibalme]

Did you get the VVTI intake gear replaced? After the fix I think I hear the VVTI intake gear rattle. Not sure if that's the noise you were trying to get rid of.

[@Keith_Blackgrove]

No, I didn't replace the intake gear.

[@manuelperaga-fi4tl]

What’s the torque for all the bolts the time chain cover?

[@Keith_Blackgrove]

workshop-manuals.com/toyota/rav4_2wd/l4-2.5l_(2ar-fe)/engine_cooling_and_exhaust/engine/timing_components/timing_cover/component_information/specifications/

[@Keith_Blackgrove]

Hope this helps.

[@JoeClarke-h3s]

This is not a common repair. In fact these toyota engines never need this repair. Sometimes the cam gear will make noise usually from people going way past oil change intervals. With proper oil changes, good oil, these engines last forever.

[@huyluong6145]

I heard that timing chain it was last 300,000 miles

[@JetFire9]

Did the before sound worse than the after?

[@Keith_Blackgrove]

Nope.

[@andyg5004]

You should have replaced intake and exhaust camgear white u were there and the timing chain guides

[@Keith_Blackgrove]

The gears didn't look worn. Would there be another reason to replace them? We did replace the guides as well.

[@RCG1211]

The chain didnt look worn or stretched. The intake camgears go bad. They should have been replaced

[@outfield1988]

Been there done that.

[@tylerjones477]

Dude it be nice if you talked about information on the actual car and not about how your paying some dude to fix a building up cause that’s not what this video is about

[@hoobered1232]

Nice video. My 2010 rav4 2.5 2arfe engine light code is P0016. Can you tell me if any sensors are bad? This code zeros in on the sloppy timing chain. Although my engine runs smooth and quiet. This video shows some great tips for me to do the job if the chain is sloppy. TY

[@Keith_Blackgrove]

I'm not sure if there's a bad sensor. I read up a little after I replaced the timing chain and evidently it's supposed to be good for the life of the vehicle. For what it cost to do it I didn't want to take that chance. I'm glad it was helpful.

[@hoobered1232]

wow I did not check the right gear for spring back at 17:02. Does that damage that right side gear? There is a cold start rattle. I ordered the left gear for replacement.

[@hoobered1232]

@@Keith_Blackgrove I changed all parts except top gears. The chain was a bit longer than the new one. Your replies are very much appreciated.

[@hoobered1232]

now Im wondering if I can remove the tensioner and reset the right gear like you did at 17:02. You have me as a new subscriber.

[@Keith_Blackgrove]

@@hoobered1232 did the tensioner take up the slack in the chain?

[@tinaquillo12345]

How often it has to be change ?

[@Keith_Blackgrove]

Supposedly after model year 2000 they should last the life of the vehicle. Mine was starting to make a little noise so I decided to change it. It would cost more to replace the engine than to replace the chain.

[@Swatson0218]

stick to your day job. mechanic work is not for everyone.

[@Keith_Blackgrove]

Still running strong, 200k.

[@Swatson0218]

@@Keith_Blackgrove yeah and that the problem. Out here giving a bad name for the real mechanics trying to make a living