How to replace the Timing Chain Tensioner with torque specs?

Tiny
SIXTY6GTO
  • MEMBER
  • 2011 SCION XB
  • 2.4L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 128,000 MILES
I am going to replace the timing chain tensioner to see if that will quiet up a rattle noise. I am looking for the service manual steps to replace it and torque value for the two nuts holding it on. Also, the gasket I will probably have to buy from Toyota. I already bought a tensioner and watched similar videos on other Toyota cars but want the specific manual procedures for this vehicle listed above timing chain tensioner change.
Thursday, January 18th, 2024 AT 10:22 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
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Yep, a worn tensioner and chain will cause a rattling noise at the front of the engine while it is running. I would install a new timing chain and guides since you are going to be in there anyway. Be sure to clean the gasket surfaces, which will help seal the gasket so you will have no oil leaks. Here are the torque specs as well for the engine and timing chain components. Check out the images (below). Let us know if you need anything else.
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Friday, January 19th, 2024 AT 11:30 AM
Tiny
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Hello Ken,

Thanks for the help so far. This is all good info. I am actually specifically looking for the factory service manual steps to replace the tensioner (#27 depicted in the diagram). I plan to just remove and replace that tensioner for now. This task involves removing the old tensioner and installing the new one with the hook on the new tensioner in place when installing. Then the engine is rotated at the crank by hand in such a specific way according to the FSM so that the hook releases the tensioner against the slipper and the chain does not skip a tooth. I really want to know what the factory service manual says for this task which I believe is rotating the crank counter-clockwise slightly to release the hook on the newly installed tensioner. Next the crank should be rotated clockwise in normal engine rotation, and this will allow the tensioner to extend out against the slipper. Factory written procedure is what I am looking for. Thanks!
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Friday, January 19th, 2024 AT 9:58 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Slipper? Do you mean guide?
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Sunday, January 21st, 2024 AT 9:38 AM
Tiny
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The tensioner pushes on #28 in the exploded view diagram you provided which is called a " chain tensioner slipper". Yes, basically it is a guide. I was just trying to use the proper terminology from the diagram you provided. Nevertheless, I need the Factory service manual procedure step by step which will help me to properly remove and replace the chain tensioner itself which is accessible from the rear passenger side of the engine. It is #27 as depicted in your provided exploded view diagram. The tensioner has two nuts or bolts which hold it on.
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Sunday, January 21st, 2024 AT 11:44 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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This is the only information I can find on the tensioner and guides. Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Monday, January 22nd, 2024 AT 10:14 AM
Tiny
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I changed out the chain tensioner and the noise did not go away.
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Friday, February 23rd, 2024 AT 5:21 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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I have seen the camshaft actuators go out and cause noise as well, did you replace the chain? Can you please upload a short video of the noise so I can hear it and confirm, you can upload the video in your response.
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Saturday, February 24th, 2024 AT 9:43 AM
Tiny
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I did not replace the chain. I will work on getting you a video of the noise. I also was curious about the camshaft actuator as well.
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Saturday, February 24th, 2024 AT 12:40 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Yep, it is best to replace all of the timing chain components when you have the engine apart. I can tell for sure when I listen to the video.
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Monday, February 26th, 2024 AT 10:34 AM
Tiny
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I never was going to take the whole front cover off and do the whole chain. I took a video for you to hear. I hope the video works.
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Thursday, March 7th, 2024 AT 12:23 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Thank you for the video. This does not sound like the timing chain or its components. This sounds like a broken piston, rod bearing or seized wrist pin.
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Thursday, March 7th, 2024 AT 9:42 AM
Tiny
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Okay. I can say that the engine does consume oil but not enough to cause it to constantly smoke. In fact, it does not visibly smoke at all. All I know is that it consumes a small amount of oil, maybe a half of a quart every 500-1000 miles. The car does not externally leak oil. Is there any way to tell which cylinder might be the problem area or to do a check to rev the engine in or out of gear or under load to check further?
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Friday, March 8th, 2024 AT 6:01 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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I would pull out the spark plugs to see which one looks different. This will be the cylinder that is having the issue.
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Saturday, March 9th, 2024 AT 10:00 AM

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