Broken Timing Belt Replacement - Toyota I4 5SFE Engine

This video will show you how to re-align the crankshaft and camshaft pulleys on a typical Toyota 4 cylinder engine (5SFE) prior to installing a new timing belt. The 5SFE 4 cylinder engines is used on the '89 - '01 Toyota Camry, Solara, RAV4 and some Celica's. It's always a good practice to replace the timing belt pulleys and water pump if you intend to get 100k miles of usage out of the new belt. Worn bearings will wobble placing undue stress on any new belt which will cause premature belt breakage. Also, getting another 100K miles out of your existing water pump would be wishful thinking. The OEM providers for Toyota are: 1. Timing belt - Mitsuboshi 2. Idler and Tensioner Pulleys - Koyo 3. Water Pump - Aisin
To view a full timing belt video on this engine, refer to video:
• Camry Timing Belt, Wat...
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Repair Tools and Parts and Specialty Tools:
5SFE Bando (Toyota OEM Provider) Timing Belt:
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[@cal48koho]

excellent production with all the essentials and none of the fluff

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks!

[@neil_digital]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@montyp8124]

After a month of thinking about giving up this video saved my fucked life my 01 Camry with 265xxx miles is back on the road thanks to this

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks for sharing!

[@montyp8124]

@@hardlymovingpro thank you for the great video

[@hardlymovingpro]

You bet!

[@stevenjordan4618]

Excellent techniques to seat the belt, while ensuring exact mechanical timing! Very helpful!

[@hardlymovingpro]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@curtistate6372]

My apologies I was wondering did you turn the camshaft backward to line it up or forward but I just realized that it's a non interference engine so that's why you was able to do it that way if so

[@montyp8124]

@@curtistate6372that’s what I’m thinking cause mines has slack and I’m gonna try it and it’s non interference so it won’t mess up

[@camryiraq6924]

Good work bro 👍🏻

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks ✌️

[@ChrisVargasrpht2000chris]

very good video

[@frankieb2220]

EXCELLENT JOB BUB 😎 💯 👍 👌

[@hardlymovingpro]

Thanks 👍

[@clutch747]

sweet man! thanks!!

[@hardlymovingpro]

You bet!

[@elgatogordo9523]

Wish my problem was this easy. My son’s 97 Camry’s engine is toast! Two con rods and crankshaft journals are totally damaged. I’ll just buy a used Japanese engines for it and down the road 🚗

[@hardlymovingpro]

Try shopping for a JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) engine on Ebay. The engines generally have less than 60k miles and are imported directly from Japan. A friend of mine got a JDM engine for his 1997 Lexus LS400 for $800 including the drop ship cost. The engine came attached with the intake manifold, fuel injectors, throttle body, alternator, ac compressor, ps pump, etc... all from a donor car will less than 60k miles! Car runs like new!

[@davidessien5465]

A client called me to check is Toyota Camry 2000 model with a 5sfe engine which always have a broken timing belt about 4 days after replacement. When I examined the car the only thing I saw that seems to be faulty was that the belt was weak, not really tensioned. The engineers have replaced the timing belt adjuster but to no prevail, the belt keeps cutting off. There was no oil on the belt that could be responsible for that. Please help me, what could be causing the belt to cut frequently?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Bad low quality idler and/or tensioner bearings. If they wobble or out of center, belt gets stressed and snaps in short order. Get Aisin, NTN or GMB bearings.

[@ewags6514]

Can you turn the camshaft counterclockwise

[@hardlymovingpro]

Sure.

[@cjschreiner7925]

On my 98 Celica Gt the cam shaft bearing hole seemed to rotate to the left. And im unable to line the cam up at TDC. Any ideas? Thanks.

[@hardlymovingpro]

With the 5SFE engine you should be able to rotate the camshaft in any direction.

[@budakota]

very informative video, but Im rather curious on something , if the timing belt broke ..How did You FIND/VERIFY You Were At TDC & Not The Exhaust Stroke (with your green marks on the harmonic balancer and the timing belt cover timing tab both at the "0" mark)..as I said just curious as my timing belt broke recently on my 99 camry 5SFE engine..thnxs in advance

[@hardlymovingpro]

You mean the camshaft ... not the harmonic balancer? The balancer sits above oil pan, bellow the engine block and is gear driven. Nothing to verify or find. Just follow the instructions in the video. Set the crank at 0 degrees and turn the camshaft till the alignment hole is aligned with the vertical notch on the camshaft bearing cap.

[@chrissizemore745]

u can be 180 out thats what he means?

[@robbflynn4325]

@@chrissizemore745 I think you'd have to look inside the distributor to be sure-at TDC/compression the rotor would be at no.1 coil for ignition spark

[@jefferygordon243]

On this vehicle you just remoce valve cover and look at the dual cam marks and they'll be aligned. Or I guess you gotta 50/50 chance this way lol

[@hardlymovingpro]

That's correct!

[@nefnm]

@Hardly Moving Productions. I have a 98 Celica GT, 152K. Starting to get a rattling sound from the TB area. Have not pulled the covers yet. You left the alternator in place, didn't remove the wheel w/inner skirt and didn't unbolt the motor mount to jack the engine up as I've seen in other vids. Question 1: Is your method only for belt and pully replacement or will it work for water pump replacement as well? Quoting your comment from below "Considering it's a 98, I'd do a full service repair replacing the bearings, w/p, cam, crank and the oil pump shaft and cover seals." Question 2: What are you referring to with regards to the cam, crank and the oil pump shaft? Thank you!

[@hardlymovingpro]

Here's a link to a video on doing a complete belt replacement: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oaSTqqGArb5_pLs Here's a link to a video on replacing the oil pump seals (when doing a belt replacement): kzbin.info/www/bejne/laXWcqevhKyjl7M This should answer most of your questions. Good luck!

[@nefnm]

@@hardlymovingpro Thank you Sir!! Your videos by far are the most informative and well made.

[@brucewest616]

1.40 the mark is one tooth behind your mark u made. A nick in the outer ring pull the gear off and look its small.

[@tombrady9160]

I just changed my timing belt and rollers and pump and seals if the belt breaks is this a non interference engine. You can run the engine before installing the covers with harmonic balancer on with the jack on the engine pan.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Yes. This is a non interference engine and you can run the engine before installing the covers and harmonic balancer.

[@tombrady9160]

Yes its nice to run and see how everything is working like the belt tension.

[@CarlWF6J]

There is a small bump just to the left of where you put the green on the crankshaft TDC on the engine. Thought that was where you line up the notch for TDC? Or is the way you did it more correct?

[@hardlymovingpro]

I see what you're talking about. Thing is, that bump on the engine block (or some people would call it the oil pump casing) doesn't line up with any marking or notch that I can see on the crankshaft pulley. If you want to ensure you're at TDC on the crank, just temporarily install the lower timing belt cover and harmonic balancer. Turn the balancer until the notch lines up with the 0 degree mark on the TB cover. Then take off the balancer and lower TB cover. You'll be at TDC. I use the green paint to ensure the crankshaft didn't move during the belt installation.

[@CarlWF6J]

@@hardlymovingpro - Thanks for the prompt replay. That makes sense, will do. There is such a miniscule "v" on the crankshaft using the cover and the "0" ask TDC works better for me. Thanks again.

[@ankersman]

@@hardlymovingpro - there is another popular youtuber who aligns the mark on the crankshaft timing sprocket (behind the harmonic balancer), with the bump. But the mark is quite difficult to find. But thank you, always good to have alternative method if the other one fails.

[@nilolee2426]

I wonder if my moms late 2007 highlander L4 has timing chain or belt?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Believe it's a chain

[@corey5291]

This almost the same as the 3sfe in the rave 4 1996 to 2000, I’m doing the full deal on it right now, water pump, thermostat, crank seal, oil pump seal and gasket and can shaft seal

[@hardlymovingpro]

Yes ... you ar correct.

[@corey5291]

Hardly Moving Productions thanks for the reply you got a subscriber here lol have a great day

[@hardlymovingpro]

@@corey5291 No problem and good luck with the job!

[@curtistate6372]

I was just wondering did you spin that backwards or did you spin it forward if backwards I didn't know you can rotate it that way without any harm I always make sure I go clockwise

[@hardlymovingpro]

Don't quite understand your question.

[@JoseDiaz-rd9fh]

@@hardlymovingpro when you were lining up the mark you did a counterclockwise rotation

[@ankersman]

What is the point of the timing belt cover seal? I didn't have a replacement so it's on with no seal.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Rather useless in my opinion. You can use a reel of rubber retainer material used to hold in window screens as a substitute. It can be held onto the TB cover with super glue.

[@ankersman]

@@hardlymovingpro Thanks, will do that next time the cover comes off.

[@Davo_1991]

But you need to take the harmonic balancer/crankshaft pulley off, wouldn't that move the position of the timing mark to the timing cover? Even gunning it off could move the crank a bit, then i'm assuming you just gently nip the bolt up until it turns clockwise to the mark and zap the bolt off again and hope it doesn't move?>

[@hardlymovingpro]

The pulley will not move if the bolt is removed with a impact gun. Even if it did, you can reposition.

[@Con_Calmaa]

Please respond if possible. My timing belt went on my 98 celica GT and I was about 1/2 mile from work. Not knowing if I would damage anything my Celica surprisingly made it to work the rest of the way and was parked. Then turned on one more time to make sure it was the timing belt. Do you think my valves or anything were damaged due to it being ran the 1/2 mile? If so would it be easier to get a new engine? I absolutely love my Celica and want to get I back and running asap. If I am not mistaken the 2.2 liter 5sfe engine is on my 98 Celica as well.

[@Con_Calmaa]

I am aware that it is a non interference engine and am hopeful that I will only have to repair the belt and tensioners but a confirmation that my valves are more than likely okay would help alot!

[@hardlymovingpro]

The 5SFE is a non interference engine so nothing to worry about the valves being damaged. I've replaced broken 5SFE belts with no problems after the belt was replaced. Belts usually get stressed due to worn bearings in the idle pulley, tensioner pulley and/or water pump. Considering it's a 98, I'd do a full service repair replacing the bearings, w/p, cam, crank and the oil pump shaft and cover seals.

[@Con_Calmaa]

@@hardlymovingpro thank you for being so informative!! Been looking all over for some good 5sfe info. I'll be using your videos and tips!

[@hardlymovingpro]

@@Con_Calmaa No problem and thanks for your support! For the 5SFE owner, slowly making my channel the one-stop site channel.

[@timothyp389]

What are you talking about? If your TIMING belt broke the engine would STOP running!!! You would not make it another 1/2 mile unless you were coasting down hill the whole way.

[@bayareakat66]

I have a 96 Rav4 with the 5sfe. Did timing belt not long ago after it snapped. All has been fine but just wondering...are these 5sfe engines always sluggish with acceleration? I did a tune up with new wires, platinum plugs, & a new cap & rotor. How can I get better acceleration/pick up? I was thinking of replacing the coil but didn't wanna spend $90 more or less just to get very little improvement. I also seem to thing the cats(upper or lower)may be clogged. It passed smog with no issues so I'm assuming all is well with exhaust restriction. What do you suggest at this point?

[@hardlymovingpro]

What's the mileage? What you can do is have the fuel injectors cleaned (via pressurized fuel injector service using FI & upper cylinder head cleaner) and install a new exhaust down pipe with a new cat attached. Cat's deteriorate over time, can cause exhaust back pressure and relatively cheap to replaced. Check out these videos: kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5anl2quhdaWbbs kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHuwcpKIarWZbNk

[@christopherpurnell5092]

. I have a 2005 ls430 Lexus with 225k and my Timing belt broke I'm going down the side of the road... Show a be best for me to buy a new motor or look into the vowels fix.. help me

[@hardlymovingpro]

I have a friend who had the same problem with a 1998 LS400. He found a replacement JDM engine with around 60K miles on Ebay. He paid $800 for it with shipping included. He then found a mechanic to do a engine swap for $700. Overall, he spent around $1,600. He's real happy with the engine's performance and says it runs like new.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Don't understand. What was preplanned?

[@miriamvivo4279]

Did timing belt with related on 1999 toyota rav4 gates kit from rockauto same engine snapped timing belt no engine damage lucked out. No so lucky with 1995 honda odyzsey .same senario 0

[@hardlymovingpro]

Yes ... F series Honda engines are interference and valves will bend if the timing belt brakes.

[@Shadow-kl7zs]

I just did my timing belt on my 5sfe and I thought I didn’t had to tighten the tensioner bolt and the spring would put the tension on it and now my car won’t start so it would make sense that the belt skipped a tooth right? Don’t judge me it’s my first timing belt lol

[@hardlymovingpro]

Yes. I'd would think the belt's out of alignment.

[@Shadow-kl7zs]

@@hardlymovingpro I just checked and you’re right it was out of timing by 4-5 tooth thanks a lot for the video it was really helpful👍

[@tracycopen5263]

I thought the motors crashed when the belt broke? Good info

[@hardlymovingpro]

On the Toyota 4 cylinder interference engines (AZFE) that replaced the (SFE), the valves will bend if the timing belt brakes (the pistons smash into the valves). The AZFE now uses a timing chain in lieu of a timing belt. So if you don't change the oil very often, you run the risk of stretching the chain, wearing out the chain guides and could eventually lead to chain breakage.

[@tracycopen5263]

@@hardlymovingpro v6 3.0?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Nope ... V6 3.3 is interference along with later models of the 3.0 with VVT-i technology.

[@MrOmarado]

How about 4.2 turbo diesel?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Don't know

[@juniorjones5137]

is the notch with the green at the bottom correct or is it the notch before it?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Green where? On the harmonic balancer, crankshaft sprocket, or the camshaft sprocket backing plate?

[@juniorjones5137]

@@hardlymovingpro Sorry the bottom crankshaft mark maybe you havd it correct i missed it, also i noticed you started the car to test the belt do i need to ground the engine meaning do i need to plug the black wire near the dogbone when i test the belt?

[@juniorjones5137]

Also when i start the car does it have to be top dead center top and bottom or at the 45 degree mark?

[@hardlymovingpro]

Nope ... don't need to plug the black ground wire to test the belt.

[@juniorjones5137]

Doing job tonight also when i start the car does it have to be top dead center top and bottom or at the 45 degree mark? I have heard some say don't start at DTC but line the buttom crank with the long black line one the timing case it's just before the 15-0 marks which one is correct

[@vilmaelsie17]

Bonjour jeper avoir comments fair pour taille une pickup diesel 2L Jesuit Jonas Joseph

[@mckoylach1622]

When the timing belt broke on any Toyota, the belt can be reinstalled and the car will run again,right ? But any car besides Toyota, it will not work, right ? Because it’s not a non-interference engine , the valves will hit the pistons

[@hardlymovingpro]

100% correct on the 5SFE and the V6 1MZFE. The Toyota engines that replaced the 5SFE and 1MZFE are all interference but are now driven by a timing chain. The chain will stretch (causing a camshaft position sensor error code in your OBDII) before it brakes. I can't speak for other car manufacturers engines with timing belts. Some are and some aren't interference. But in general cars with over a 9.5 to 1 or more compression ratio tend to be interference. Turbo engines, which have a lower compression ratio, I would say would be non interference. Hope this helps.

[@mckoylach1622]

Thank you

[@josephc9694]

Hardly Moving Productions I have a 92 Camry with a 4 cylinder. If the timing belt goes out can I replace it or will the engine be damaged? I just flipped 200k miles and had the timing belt replaced at 100k.

[@hardlymovingpro]

@@josephc9694 Nope ... the engine will not be damaged from a broken timing belt. The engine is non interference.

[@bernardocisneros4402]

Wow, that's an old crankshaft sprocket. It doesn't have the little V cutout that you align with little nub on engine block.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Yup. And you need the balancer and lower timing belt cover to find 0 degrees TDC.

[@maxnovo625]

How many miles did that timing belt last?

[@hardlymovingpro]

On the Camry up to 2001, 90k miles

[@maxnovo625]

@@hardlymovingpro i mean, how long did the one in the video last before it broke? My oem belt lasted 127,000 miles before I replaced it. It still looked good when I changed it.

[@hardlymovingpro]

@@maxnovo625 could look good on the outside but internally can loose its structural integrity. I've seen cosmetically good looking belts that snapped.

[@hardlymovingpro]

@@maxnovo625 also worn belt and water pump bearings that begin to wobble will cause undue stress on the belt. This could eventually snap the belt way before the belt replacement service interval. Which is why you should replace the bearings and water pump with the belt.

[@maxnovo625]

@@hardlymovingpro I'm glad you mentioned this, now i know not to look at the belt to see it's condition. Same reason I don't look at the color of oil for it's condition.

[@oky7111]

Hey man maybe you or someone else will get back to me. I want to do a replacement of my belt, exact engine. Im 17 and am mechanically inclined but I the aura around changing a timing belt is itself scary. I need some info as for what exact tools I need, and at what torque these bolts need to be at. What do I need to move or take off exactly to replace it (which i believe is the tire, rear dogbone mount, possibly moving over the alternator?) As much as I want to ask someone I know for help no male figure around me has, all i need is a little more guidance and I swear I can do this. Id rather not have to pay $600 for something that in many videos and diagrams seems so simple.

[@hardlymovingpro]

Click on the video descriptions "show more" section to get links to parts and tools. Recommend you get a Chilton or Haynes repair manual for your car. Also, the hardest part in the repair for newbies is getting the crankshaft pulley bolt off.

[@ankersman]

@@hardlymovingpro I used bump start method, it worked, but you might need two or three goes at it. Bigger problem is tightening it up to 80 ft/lbs, had to make a tool out of plywood.

[@hardlymovingpro]

You can buy a cheap ac electric impact driver.

[@miriamvivo4279]

Bent valves pulled head now at shop

[@hardlymovingpro]

Bent valves on a 5SFE Toyota engine?

[@winstonsmith3433]

@@hardlymovingpro i heard clock wise rotation onlyon cam shaft...

[@hardlymovingpro]

A few degrees won't matter.

[@SickPigeon]

Mine is more than a few degrees off. Can I do a nearly full rotation on the cam shaft. Also I like your clip trick

[@hardlymovingpro]

Yes ... because its a non interference engine.

[@wolfduranti8735]

You didn't do it right Bob 😭, specially when rotating the upper pulley anticlockwise, and also, you didn't align, the outer V shape little notch with the green mark perfectly. And by the way, the lower crank shaft pulley, has a notch or tiny groove too. The final seen was showing a timing built which was not sitting right on the tension pulley, and you ended the vedio, by saying it is done!

[@hardlymovingpro]

Really? Show us the right way. Make a video and share it with us!

[@wolfduranti8735]

@@hardlymovingpro man 😎, you took my remark seriously, I am not a mechanic, but I watched so many videos on KZbin , and all of those guys which most of them, were professional mechanics, didn't a different way. ♥️

[@hardlymovingpro]

Got it. I am a professional (i.e. do it full time for a living and have worked in shops).