TIMING CHAIN NEEDS TO BE CHANGED?

2011 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
185,000 MILES • 2.7L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
Avatar
BHAMDOC1
  • MEMBER
  • 410 POSTS
No codes whatsoever, but it has a rattle at start up which I believe
is from the intake VVT, I bought it and was gonna replace it along with the tensioner, but I feel the chain is loose unless it is because the tensioner is weak or about to give up, how would I know whether it's a stretched chain or just the tensioner. Also, I tried to sign up the 2 yellow marks on the chain with the notch on the crankshaft pulley, several turns and I cannot sign them up.
Apr 25, 2026 at 4:46 AM

What to check next

Diagnostic guidance. Suggested checks and possible repairs are separate from the owner's reported results.

Before proceeding with the proposed repair, have the noise and timing components assessed using the service procedure for the exact engine. Ask the technician to document the findings that justify replacing the chain, tensioner or VVT unit. This discussion provides no measured chain-wear result or completed timing inspection. It should not be used as a timing-mark alignment procedure or as proof that every proposed component needs replacement.

Guidance references and applicability

2CarPros: Original discussion 1712635 https://2carpros.com/questions/timing-chain-needs-to-be-changed Source for the owner's reported history and outcome. Contributor suggestions are not independently confirmed diagnoses. No attachment content was verified.

Read the replies · Discussion summary and reported outcome

AI-ASSISTED GUIDANCE · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 15,370 POSTS
The 2.7 has had issues with chain stretch over time. Especially at that mileage you would be better off doing the complete timing set and all the VVT units. The timing marks only line up in specific instances because of the chain link counts. When you install the chains correctly with the marks in time and rotate the engine the marks set up the link spacing between the pieces involved, by about the third rotation they will be misaligned. The idea is supposed to reduce chain wear and noise by changing the harmonics in the chain. However it makes checking the timing a pain as it takes like 200 turns before they line up again. FYI, try to use only OE parts as well, the aftermarket ones are all over the place on quality and it's not a job you want to redo in 2000 miles because of bad parts. Overall that engine looks pretty clean inside. Far better than some I've seen.
Apr 25, 2026 at 9:42 AM
Avatar
BHAMDOC1
  • MEMBER
  • 410 POSTS
Ya i earned my lesson, no junk chains, tensioners or vvt, other parts maybe. Ordered the parts will see how it goes. Thanks
Apr 25, 2026 at 1:00 PM
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 15,370 POSTS
Let us know if you run into anything. Especially if you end up with bad parts. I post on a few other places with report cards on parts suppliers.
Apr 25, 2026 at 1:54 PM
Avatar
BHAMDOC1
  • MEMBER
  • 410 POSTS
I asked other new questions but never got the verification email since the site changed
Apr 28, 2026 at 4:57 PM
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 15,370 POSTS
OK, Try it now that it should be operational. Still a few bugs to work out.
Apr 29, 2026 at 9:01 PM
Avatar
BHAMDOC1
  • MEMBER
  • 410 POSTS
When I get the email like I did now which states there has been an answer and I click on it nothing happens, does not take me to the site or the question I have to go manually to the site and find the question.
Apr 30, 2026 at 5:54 AM
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 15,370 POSTS
OK, I'll pass that on. It looks like it isn't sending a link. Thank you for being patient and helping us get back up and running.
Apr 30, 2026 at 10:19 AM
Avatar
BHAMDOC1
  • MEMBER
  • 410 POSTS
IT DID SEND LONKS WITH REPLIES, BUT THE LINK OPENS AN ERROR PAGES
May 1, 2026 at 1:46 PM
Avatar
STRAILER
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 55,560 POSTS
That is fixed now, all responses should open correctly now.
May 2, 2026 at 9:50 AM
Avatar
BHAMDOC1
  • MEMBER
  • 410 POSTS
It still opens an error page. I manually went to see if any question has a reply but none do.
May 2, 2026 at 3:44 PM
Avatar
STEVE W.
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 15,370 POSTS
Be sure you are logged in, at the moment it doesn't seem to log you in if you just click the link. The site also doesn't seem to keep you logged in either. However I can see your replies and this original question.
May 3, 2026 at 1:21 PM
🔧 Tools & Auto Repair Parts
Find automotive tools, diagnostic equipment, and replacement parts for your next repair.
Shop on Amazon →
Paid affiliate link. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Discussion summary

TIMING CHAIN NEEDS TO BE CHANGED?

The owner reported a startup rattle on a 2011 Toyota with a 2.7-liter engine and suspected the intake VVT unit or timing-chain tensioner. The owner also questioned apparent chain looseness and difficulty aligning the colored links after rotating the engine. A contributor recommended replacing the timing set and VVT units, and the owner ordered parts.

Reported outcome: Parts were ordered, but installation and the effect on the startup rattle were not reported.

The contributor's chain-rotation estimate and broad parts-quality claims were not verified. No supporting inspection image was available in this export. Later replies concerned website access rather than the repair.

Read the original discussion

AI-ASSISTED SUMMARY · REVIEWED BY 2CARPROS
Add a reply
Join 2CarPros for free, one of the most advanced car repair communities on the internet. From first-time drivers to seasoned mechanics, everyone is welcome to reply, share details, and get better answers. You can add a temporary image or video first; uploads are limited to 20 MB.

Ask a new question

Frequently Asked Problems for This Vehicle