Genuine Lexus RX330 Variable Timing Sprocket

Lexus RX330 Variable Timing Sprocket Parts Questions & Experts Answers

• Pulley, Camshaft Timing
  13523-20020
  Q: How to remove and install a Timing Chain and Variable Timing Sprocket in a Four Cylinder Engine on Lexus RX330?

  A:

  To repair models from 1999 to 2007, you must start by removing the battery cable from its negative terminal and then take off the belt driving and alternator. Also, you need to remove the valve cover and the ABS actuator if your vehicle has that system. Before you take off the right front wheel and splash shield, block the rear wheels, put the parking brake on, and lift the vehicle up through its jack stands while loosening the right wheel's nuts. Pull the coolant fluid from the system while taking out the power steering pump, leaving it safely out of reach. Place the number one piston on top by its maximum travel point on shortening stroke, making sure the timing mark on the crankshaft driveshaft lines up with "0" marked on the timing chain plate and the camshaft gears face the front engine mount bearings. Carefully take off the Crankshaft Pulley/vibration damper, keeping the engine from turning when at Top Dead Center (TDC), by supporting it from either above or below. First remove the passenger side engine mount and movement control rod. Then disconnect the drive belt tensioner(s) and crankshaft position sensor from the timing chain cover. Unplug the big wiring connection junction and disconnect the timing chain tensioner from the backside of the timing chain cover. Remove and set aside the timing chain cover fasteners, then carefully use a pry tool to take off the cover from the engine. Take off the crankshaft position sensor reluctor ring from the crankshaft, then take off the timing chain tensioner pivot arm/chain guide and lower chain guide. Raise the timing chain off the camshaft sprockets before removing it with the crankshaft sprocket assembly. Check the timing chain parts after removal for three types of damage: missing or loose pins, cracks, and worn rollers and side plates. Also look for chipped, broken, or hook-shaped sprocket teeth. Check how much your timing chain can stretch before replacing it. Also test the size of your timing sprockets to find any wear that needs fixing. Look for abnormal wear on the chain guides and replace them right away when you notice it. Wipe away all remaining old sealant from both the engine block and cylinder head's mating surfaces and from the timing chain cover. Place the camshaft pieces at the top where they fit into the pins, then put both camshaft gears on, and use medium-strength thread lock on the bolts. Rephrase: When the camshaft sprockets have TDC marks, line them up. If you moved the crankshaft off TDC, turn it back until its keyway points straight up. Put the stationary timing chain guide in place, thread the chain through the crankshaft sprocket while keeping the No.1 link right, and set the chain and crankshaft gear together. Slide the timing chain into the stationary guide's channel, over the back exhaust camwheel, around the front intake camwheel, with both remaining colorlink connections straight. Pull the loose chain ends and put the timing chain tensioner pivot arm/chain guide in place, doing up the pivot bolt. Make sure the first engine piston is at its highest position, and confirm the timing marks are lined up properly. Apply sealant to cover joints, position timing chain cover over bolts, and fit them in their original places. Tighten all bolts at equal intervals. Put the timing chain tensioner back where it begins and make sure it stays there. Add lubricant to the O-ring on the tensioner, and put it back onto the timing chain cover. Put on the crankshaft pulley and release the engine rotation to set the chain tension. Then carefully pull off the string that held the chain to the crankshaft sprocket. Position the mounting bolt in the guide, put in the new gasket, and screw in the tensioner with bolts. Make sure the cylinder one piston stays at top dead center, and check that the timing marks are correctly aligned. Fix the top chain guide (mounting bolt and guide), apply sealant to the timing chain cover, put the cover back and bolt it down in place, then tighten each bolt according to its original setup. Put the movement control rod bracket on the front of the timing chain cover, and use the correct bolt torque pattern when tightening. Twist the engine clockwise at least twice, and check that the number one piston is back at its highest position before moving the timing chains. After reinstalling everything back in reverse order of removal, complete the setup.