1ZZ-FE 1.8L Timing Chain Replacement How To - For Toyota Matrix, Toyota Corolla, and Pontiac Vibe

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In this episode, we show you how to replace your timing chain on your Toyota Matrix, Toyota Corolla, and Pontiac Vibe. Let's get to it!
Torque Specs found here: www.billswebspace.com/ToyotaE...
Camshaft timing sprocket x Camshaft - 33 ft-lb
Valve timing controller assembly x Camshaft - 33 ft-lb
Chain vibration damper x Cylinder block - 8 ft-lb
Chain tensioner slipper x Cylinder block - 14 ft-lb
Timing chain cover:
1ZZ-FE: (See page EM-25) 10 mm head bolt A - 10 ft-lb
10 mm head bolt C - 80 in-lb
10 mm head bolt others - 8 ft-lb
12 mm head bolt D - 14 ft-lb
Stud (E8) - 82 in-lb
RH engine mounting bracket x Timing chain cover - 35 ft-lb
Driver belt tensioner x Timing chain cover bolt - 51 ft-lb
Driver belt tensioner x Timing chain cover nut - 21 ft-lb
Crankshaft pulley x Crankshaft - 102 ft-lb
Chain tensioner x Timing chain cover nut - 80 in-lb
Cylinder head cover x Cylinder head 1ZZ-FE
w/ Washer - 80 in-lb
w/o Washer - 8 ft-lb

[@user-ji8ls9dr9f]

Very well done! This is also a great How To on how to do How To videos! No distracting music, or BS.

[@unclebs4732]

My 300k Corolla made a noise when started for about 1 second. Changed the adjusted and still made nose. No problem, I'll change the chain and gears. After taking the engine apart, I noticed how the VVT moved with ease. There was a rattling noise in the VVT and it moved very easy. Took it apart and one ear of the rotor was BROKEN off! This job is a lot more involved in the car and with two people doing the job it goes much faster and yes you will need help without special tools.

[@user-zd3ns6wx7y]

I enjoyed this. It’s the engine I have and have been wanting to learn more about it. Not at all confident I could do this by myself yet.

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Maybe have someone help you so you can learn hands on. It really isn’t too hard, just a little tight if still in the car.

[@fahhad17]

for that timing chain tensioner you dont need to hit with screwdriver, all you need turn engine with ratchet , AMAZING VIDEO, thank you

[@edwardoperez1663]

Hello, I just need to know where do you turn the crankshaft to release the chain tensioner? Is it clockwise or counter clockwise? Thank you and much appreciated.

[@fahhad17]

@@edwardoperez1663 counter . Just little bit , you will hear a click noise when it release

[@osmarhernandez8372]

also work clockwise i done a lot of times. just hear the click.

[@dustintaylor2083]

How likely is damage if the chain got so loose it won't start?

[@MN2_Kevin_Hill_1970]

I'm doing this job right now on my 2005 Pontiac Vibe. Thanks for the video.

[@ChaddyMack]

I'm just learning about cars. This was good insite on the purpose of the timing chain. Finnaly I see a video of someone taking off different parts from the belt. I wanna be able to identify the water pump and all the different things that the serpentine belt goes around with out having to look at a diagram haha. Thanks

[@user-jm6jf6nt4v]

Wow I'm trying to do a head job but I'm not sure now but you gave me an idea of what to expect for this job

[@fireyourrocketts]

I believe I may have it now, still want to take pictures to the dealer to a mechanic because I have questions and doubts; by watching your helpful video and reading the manual it is to understand the manual states the sprockets are to be held at 12 o clock, well, they hold close but even in this video you can see the VVTI is not at 12 o clock; I got to the point were everything was aligned as close as could be but not "perfectly" aligned, like I mentioned before with the chain marks aligned with the sprockets these sit close to 12 o clock but not exactly at 12 o clock, that gives me the TDC marks parallel on top but slightly above the timing cover line, not exactly at the line like the manual states, I have not torqued to specs yet or installed the covers until can confirm it will be right; this have been proved to be a nightmare for me!! Thanks again for the video, it really helps.

[@kelvinruben8047]

Thanks guys appreciate the lesson

[@mainasamuel]

I have learned a great deal. Well explained

[@roogermoore1]

Thanks for putting that up. I’ll never try it but it makes me understand why it’s such an expensive job

[@user-ji8ls9dr9f]

It’s all doable if you are willing to invent some cuss words while you figure out the details.

[@luisdorta9780]

Thank You Guys!!!!

[@richardlewis6147]

Great morning love your videos

[@jamesstuart3346]

Excellent video! 😊

[@banquetoflaughter3753]

Very well explained ❤❤❤❤

[@Antares191YT]

Hey guys. Thanks a lot for the quality content. I am enjoying the matrix rebuild series. If you allow me to make a suggestion, I would suggest using a microphone when you record (I am assuming that you dont) because your voice is not very clear in the videos especially inside the garage. Cheers!

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Thanks man! I love critique too! We do have a mic, but we got lazy on this one because we were so close to the camera. We should bust it back out though. Thanks again! :)

[@marthab4172]

@@ChadWilliamsFixesAll how many miles were on that engine? Thanks

[@cal48koho]

Great video. My question is why replace the timing chain? Did you measure stretch? If so how? I replaced the chain on a 80's MB diesel because it had obvious stretch which can me measured. I am thinking if the 150K motor had good oil changes, the chain might be just fine? I replaced the timing chain on a 300K 1zzfe just because it had 300K but I think it was still functional and didn't need replacement.

[@AimForTheBushes908]

Super helpful information and quality video. You guys made it relaxing and therapeutic (I would have been cussing out the car). You guys wouldn't happen to have a separate video on how to remove the engine out of the car would you? That's the only way i would even consider this doing this job myself lol.

[@itsnotfunny8257]

you don't need to pull the motor out mate, just put a jack under the sump and get to it.

[@daviddickensauge9133]

great video do you have anything on changing an oil pump on a 2009 toyota matrix 1.8 engine

[@faddyfellout4806]

Hey what’s the torque spec for the exhaust cam and intake cam sprockets? I snapped my old exhaust cam bolt bc I heard it was like 75lbs…

[@shingabiss]

Great video!

[@duncanpage1556]

Excellent vid Guys! how many miles on the old chain? Thanks from Alberta

[@stubbz71]

Great instruction!

[@paigeturnahgonz3478]

Hello

[@brbroberts1]

If you rotate the engine counterclockwise after installing the timing chain tensioner, the pressure from the chain will compress the tensioner and release the hook.

[@michaeldratcliff1465]

Yes I have a Pontiac vibe 2009 I got a blown head gasket and I'm trying to change it myself I know it pretty much know what I'm doing but I just need your help a little bit about how to put it back in time and make sure I do everything right

[@TheRainayan]

First of Thank you for video and I am planning to change timing chain tensioner . I have question for you! Can just swap the timing chain tensioner ? I saw in other youtube video they just swap it but in this video you guys tap or press down from the top of

[@toufikait8960]

Hats off !! guys. I never went so deep (replacing a metal timing belt) in mechanic, so I'm surprised how come there's no seal or gasket between the cover an and the engine block when you re-assembling.

[@chiggynoodlesoup2037]

You do need RTV sealant between the cover and the engine. They didn't apply it on camera because they have to take the cover off again later and don't want to seal it twice.

[@limamantapachitas]

@@chiggynoodlesoup2037 Ok that's why I thought, thanks for making it clear

[@user-ot5dc3us1i]

I need the torch specs & does the VVT gear need tobe unlocked when mounted & timmed? On the 05 1.8 in aVibe.

[@terrellmack9630]

Good afternoon. I would like for you to change a timing Chain assembly on a 2008 Scion XD. I was wondering if it has the same engine as the Toyota corolla?

[@jdsinsured]

thank you sooooo much!

[@davidknibbs9646]

How did you know when it was Died top center. Is it when the Crack and key way in each line. First keyway Died top and the dot on the side casting or do you have two go two revisions and then top Died center???

[@user-ji8ls9dr9f]

Can you still get OEM parts for this? If no, what brand is recommended?

[@mushoo7508]

I been had this question 🙋‍♂️

[@victorrosario4109]

Just purchased a red and black leather interior 2005 corolla s with 200 k miles and runs like new. I want to learn about the engine. Great video. When should I replace the timing chain?

[@sethlogan-adams1100]

What do you put the wrenches on when lining up the top two sprockets

[@mxwxgxgxb]

great video

[@Alexmechanic559]

Is it the same concept working with a 2zrfe Engine? I know the timing differs, but are the steps the same?

[@firecharger]

@14:32 can you link this cam locking tool you're talking about?

[@bruceprigge5212]

Thanks! :)

[@gabewalker7604]

What’s more important the dual dots where you aligned the two yellow parts on the chain or the red marks? It looks like your red dots are off one tooth?

[@thomasnoel5943]

I’m just curious where you guys are located, and if you do repairs for the general public?

[@obedmoyo1002]

Hey guys could you assist me with torque specs for the whole engine in Newton Meters or the conversions from the units you gave to Nm.

[@testtesting2868]

Why didn't you mark and align the cams / crank before removing the chain?

[@pedrogonzalez9943]

What is the interval to replace the timing chain on that engine? miles? years? can it be done with the engine in the car?

[@marthab4172]

How many miles were on that engine? Thank you

[@Estoesjackie]

Nice video! Congratulations for give us this information. Where did you find the pictures about the marks of the distribution? Thank you, from Spain.

[@kbengson9163]

Online or the factory service manual

[@darylhatherrley5765]

Are you replacing the cams to?

[@donaldhiggs2075]

I've got 340,000miles on my 1zz-fe vibe motor and haven't done the timing chain yet but it's on the list for this summer. Just did the valve cover gasket today. It was leaking oil. But the car still goes 8k miles between oil changes before I need to add any oil.

[@thomasjones1369]

Wow, thats amazing. My corolla goes about 600 miles before its burned a whole quart 😔

[@buddymullins4477]

Hey I have all of the torque specs for doing this change but I can't find specs for the exhaust gear

[@homecarebees769]

Torque specs please. Awesome video btw.

[@andrewschalk7344]

The torque specs given for the timing chain cover don't have the corresponding drawing. It lists different torques but I don't know which bolts are which, for example which is 10 mm head bolt A?

[@mrmanbearpig411]

Is there no need for a cam lock tool on this engine?

[@zackwis8958]

Hey video helped a ton. Just wish you showed putting a steering pump on there. I can't get the pump back on. Edit: got it on just a pain while the engine is still in the car.

[@BillyBobBigFoot]

For those that don’t know, use the power steering bolt and nut to hammer the power steering bushings on the timing cover. Do this by putting the bolt back in the hole with the nut in (reverse) between the two holes. Get a hammer and hit it until the bushing goes inside. Then the power steering pump should go back in easily

[@elvisroye556]

Do you have to remove the engine to replace the timing chain or can it be done relatively easily while still installed in the car?

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

You do not have to remove the engine to replace the timing chain. I have done it many times within the vehicle and it isn't too difficult.

[@andrewfaling3786]

Can I possibly get all the torque specs for the job. I'm going to need them soon

[@fireyourrocketts]

Hey man great video, I wish I had it back in 2019 when I did this, at that time I got a CNS timing kit, engine is now ready to go back into the bay finally almost fully assembled with mostly every part replaced new, I have not mounted the AC compressor, serpentine belt, spark plugs and coils yet BUT, when I did the timing I expended an insane amount of time trying to align the marks on the top the exhaust sprocket, VVTI Assembly and the top line of the timing cover as I did it without help; in my case the 2 marks are a bit off, like a hair, less than a mm, after cover and tensioner if I remember correctly the chain would flex in the middle when rotated and I don't know if this is normal and could not find any answers anywhere not even in the dealer; a mechanic then told me a tiny bit off was not going to be a big deal and that the car should start just fine but engines are precise devices; this "tiny bit off" bothers me still even when I put everything back together, I have always struggled with the idea that I did it wrong and now when I am close to drop engine in I keep having nightmares of car not starting and as I watched this video I wonder if it would be safer to just open everything up again and make sure it does align? like better SAFE than sorry kind of thing as it is way easier to do it now even with the transmission already assembled the whole engine is sitting in a hand truck, not on the hoist just yet; I followed mostly all you show here, I believe I tried to line up chain with marks all at same time, not marks first; I don't remember holding the camshaft with the wrenches or maybe I did just one? its been long time, like I said, lot of time invested in this and wondering to get it wrong? plus I opened the VVTI which was full of sludge and expended 4 hours alone with that part cleaning throughly and reassembling as my original issue was gasket failure due to oil starvation. In the VVTI I had to replace one bolt. The engine does not have any oil in yet so everything is squeaking clean on it. This here shows it is possible to do this in an hour maybe couple of hours since everything is at hand, I do not think I need to get the intake manifold and exhaust out, only alternator and power steering pump in my case besides what this video shows. My other worry besides the timing is I used standard bearings and pistons/rings even the block was rectified, crankshaft was lightly turn to "clean it", cylinder walls were deglazed and the head was done by a specialized shop; I fully do not understand when or why to use 0.10, 0.20 etc, I am a little lost when it comes to engine tolerances so I used standard and wonder if this all would work at all, remember I am NOT this type of mechanic, I work in electro mechanical engineering for retail and financial institutions; pretty close without the grease and dirty mess and that is the only reason I started this project to fully restore this 2004 Toyota engine that have been burn out twice; the mechanic's prices were very expensive so I just got me the tools needed and parts and took under it myself, learning something in the process; giving my scenario; do you think I should revisit the timing or should I keep going?It kind of sucks to go do it again when everything is almost ready but it would suck even bigger to after all this time effort and money expended to have the car not start and having to pull the engine apart again. Need help, or encourage or both, LOL. thanks for this video!!

[@starwarsman05]

pretty sure its a non interference engine. lol just try and start it up bud wtf

[@jaydenoxendine8128]

Hey Great video! Could you guys drop the torque specs

[@bobthrasher8226]

Why are you changing the chain? How do you know it was bad? I heard if the colored links on toyota are still visible the chain is good.

[@darianmackmer5444]

After doing the timing it seems like everytime I turn it over the intake side does that click to reset, I’m assuming it not normal any input? I’m doing it how it’s showed😰

[@ZOMG1001]

How many hours of Labor for this kind of job?(when taking to shop) Thanks for the upload

[@annabellsilva5296]

usually when I do it timing chain myself. I put all the marks before I take the timing cover off and then I confirm all the marks when I take the cover off

[@thomashollenbeck-pringle5489]

I noticed the orange dots moved after the tensioners were placed. Do you have to re align them? Or just at the initial line up?

[@lilsavagegod]

Initial when it rotates everything is in motion

[@fernandohood5542]

My tensioner is not going in all the way. How do I relieve the tension of the chain on that side? (21.50)

[@drmikeosgood]

I have an engine of the same size and model and need to do the same job you just showed. Please I do need the torque spec. for this job. Also, can this be done with the engine in place? I do have jacks and full tooling equipment. I sure hope to get the torque settings from you...I did also order the same kit from Amazon. Thanks.

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Hey! Look in the description of the video, all the torque specs are there. Hope that helps!

[@kbengson9163]

I know you have completed the job by now but for future reference if anyone wants to know, Yes, this job can be done with the engine in the car.

[@fernandohood5542]

Can you tell if the chain is stretched by observing marks?

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

I know I couldn't, but there may be some specifications out there you could measure against.

[@nenepinolero5427]

My 2005 matrix xr has about 600k miles and not noise yet. Start up just fine

[@fireyourrocketts]

Ok, did this again, now I am even more confused, before I was off a hair on the top marks but now with mark top and bottom perfectly aligned the chain marks do not align at all on top!! so to be clear, if I align the 3 marks with the bottom TDC when I put the chain aligned with the mark on bottom the top is OFF! why?? in the video here there are cuts so we can not see how to align the top for the chain to fit perfectly, after you show the alignment interrupted by a cut, then I can see the chain aligns with the sprocket marks but the marks ex and VVTI are then off??? so how exactly this gets done??? on the bright side at least I am not dropping in the engine until I resolve this mystery out of my lack of knowledge.Thanks!!

[@nadakeenr7715]

what do you have to do to damage 1zzfe?

[@dawn864]

Is it easier with motor out

[@visulesinyangwe1994]

Hello sir? I am having trouble to start a 1zz engine its cranks but wont start no blown fuse spark is there tries to start but wont pickup. Wat can be the problem pliz help

[@harpomarx7777]

Do you have to drain the oil? Do you have to drain the coolant? Do you have to prop up the engine when the engine mount is disconnected from the block?

[@nftandrej5311]

yes otherwise coolant will splash when taking out the water pump and better to drain the oil too

[@jasonalexander6417]

Great video. That engine looks neglected though. Hopefully it doesn't burn oil.

[@rigobertoguedez1052]

Hello friends, I have a Corolla Sensation and I have a problem with certain areas of the engine and I'm going to repair it but I don't know the torques but watching your video about changing the chain they commented that if we wrote to them they would send the torques, is it possible that they would send them to me? thanks a friend from Venezuela

[@mylespavel4159]

Actually as a young automotive engineer i get well prepared to de working on timing and i am seriously looking forward to working as a mechanical engineer

[@l.c.9596]

nice video, can you send me the bolt specs. thanks

[@upset_elcor]

on a scale of one to ten, how hard do you think it would be to do this with the engine still in the car? I know it isn't the best idea but I don't have the means to pull the engine, and my chain is stretched.

[@BillyBobBigFoot]

You have to remove the motor mount. Jack up the engine so you can remove the 17 mm pulley tensioner bolt. Might need to remove the intake manifold to remove the alternator bolts. Remove AC compressor remove power steering . Drain oil. Drain coolant. Remove engine mount bracket. Remove water pump. Remove timing chain cover. You save time from not having to remove the exhaust, heat shield, wheels & axles, transmission fluid, radiator fans, wiring harness, ecu, airbox, brake calipers, and the hassle from removing the engine out the car.

[@keeganh.4814]

Did ya do it? I'm just starting mine and it's become more than a weekend project 🤣

[@andrewschweickert8334]

Hope this helps you two, but I did it in the car. The labor hours if 5 hours, this is continuous work no breaks and no hitches like stripped bolts. My process was to drain oil and coolant, remove the cruise control, take off the serpentine belt and tensioner, pull the alternator, water pump, ac compressor, engine mount, power steering bolts, then valve cover. Then I got to the timing cover which can be a pain. I reverse the process to replace.

[@jamesariwo6838]

what are the signs that shows timing chain is won out?

[@christopher4692]

Would these parts also work on the 2zz-ge motor?

[@MN2_Kevin_Hill_1970]

No they won't. Different engine

[@albertagueros5495]

I HAVE A 1.8 VIBE MY PROBLEM IS THE OIL PRESSURE AT START IT'S AT 75 AFTER TEN MINUTES IT FALLS TO 1 PSI I CLEANED THE SCREEN TUBE 3 TIMES AND OIL FILTER TWICE BUY NO KNOCKING IS THERE ANY OTHER SCREEN

[@JonnyAutomotive]

Do you need to hold both cams when turning crank to 12 o’clock ?

[@nftandrej5311]

no

[@banquetoflaughter3753]

Wish I can get connected to buy Engines from your company?? Can that be possible?

[@0flyswatter0]

Also common engine in Toyota Avensis 2003-2008 (European model)

[@tariqhanley357]

What’s all the torc specs

[@philliptaylor5981]

Do a 2GR-FE please! Thanks!

[@lgroves336]

I just watch two videos where the EXPERIENCED TOYOTA mechanics said no change of timing chain is required for the life of the engines. The ONLY exception is if they OVERHEAT and the chain stretches. BELTS are required every 100K miles.

[@unclejoe6811]

Not true, if oil changes are not done on time the timing guides will become brittle and the chain will stretch.

[@johnnyb653]

Could I get a copy of those torque specs for everything in the video? Thank you in advance!

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

Should be in the description of the video.

[@johnnyb653]

@@ChadWilliamsFixesAll so they are, I guess a little reading goes a long ways. Thank you for the help, great video by the way!

[@richardpassmore5331]

Would love the torque specs please

[@JRivasERivas]

Necesito ese motor. Y también varios asesoríos...

[@Devin_the_mechanic]

What are the specs on torque

[@user-ip7fz2tk9o]

What causes oil pump failures?

[@abdirizakyahye9358]

😮best

[@moparman7367]

Always do the coil pcks up by hand not impact as it can crack the base.

[@mattmgarza]

definitely when you are tightening them---I suppose when loosening them as well it wouldn't hurt to avoid the impact gun

[@WhatAmIGonnaGet]

To previous mechanic who worked on my engine: Do not want to use impact gun on the exhaust manifold bolts. Tap inserting heli-coils could be avoided that way. Thank you.

[@christopherwatson3112]

Does anyone know the torque specs?

[@mjk9674]

That engine deserves OEM toyota parts

[@benmototechnic2185]

Intrested can i train with you friend's im in Kenya Africa

[@dalehorsley1831]

What is the torque for the water pump bolts

[@joshpiotrowski3487]

88 and 96 INCH pounds. The bolt on the bottom leftmost and two away going clockwise are the high specs, the rest are low spec

[@sumudukaushaka693]

👍👍👍

[@nicholassalyards6927]

Torque specs please

[@OzKittyboi]

How often should a timing chain be replaced?

[@ChadWilliamsFixesAll]

I personally think between 150,000 and 200,000 miles.

[@OzKittyboi]

@@ChadWilliamsFixesAll Good to know. I'm only at 77,000 at the moment, so I got a bit of time.

[@3370603]

@@OzKittyboi I m in the middle of doing mine right now ,as we speak. I'm at 175000 miles

[@davidvaughn7778]

I suspect my engine has a worn out chain tensioner. It makes kind of a knocking/slapping noise in the front of the engine at start up and when you increase the rpm off idle. After 2000 rpm it seems to go away. It will run decent until you slow down to an idle situation. It usually runs rough after idle this way and will most likely die.

[@davidvaughn7778]

I never got to the point of the question above. Can I just pull the tensioner and replace without pulling the timing cover?

[@mongopoe5099]

@@davidvaughn7778what did you end up doing

[@davidvaughn7778]

I replaced just the tensioner. Noise went away, but still have rough idle etc. The tensioner was obviously bad, I could collapse it with 2 fingers. The new one was much tougher to collapse.