How To Change Timing Belt On 1999 Toyota Camry

A 2.2L 4-cylinder engine powers the 1999 Toyota Camry. As a freewheeling engine, it is unlikely that serious engine damage may result if the belt were to stretch over the tensioner’s capacity. The procedure takes roughly three and a half hours to complete. You do need a general purpose puller even though you don’t require any special Toyota gear. Every 60,000 miles, Toyota advises timing belt replacement.

Step 1

Negative battery wire should be unplugged and laid aside without touching any metal. Lift the Camry’s front end and use jack stands to support it. The reservoir tank should be unbolted and removed from the car when you pull the hoses off of them.

Step 2

By pushing the accessory drive belt tensioners away from the belt or by releasing the locknuts on the accessory slider brackets and pulling the accessory toward the engine, you can remove the tensioners for the drive belts. Off the pulleys, raise the accessory drive belts. Using the proper socket, remove the alternator and its bracket.

Step 3

Utilizing the lug wrench, take off the right front wheel. Using the proper sockets, remove the right front fender shield. Set the wood block on the floor jack. Submit the oil pan with the jack. In order to support the engine, jack it up high enough so that the wood hits the oil pan’s bottom. Using the proper sockets, remove the upper timing belt cover, the support rod, and the right engine mount bracket.

Step 4

To help you with putting the Camry back together, number the spark plug wires. The order of the cylinders is 1, 2, 3, and 4, with wire for No. 1 being closest to the timing belt. 1-4-3-2 is the order of attack. Spark plug wires should be pulled out. Utilizing the spark plug socket, remove the spark plugs.

Step 5

In the No. 1 cylinder hole, insert the long screwdriver. Turn the crankshaft clockwise while holding the screwdriver until it stops turning. This indicates that the piston is in the piston hole’s uppermost position. Verify the crankshaft’s timing mark. Turn the crankshaft one more full circle until the screwdriver stops moving if the dot on the sprocket is not aligned with the mark at the 2 o’clock position. The dot on the camshaft sprocket should match up with the mark on the head at the 12 o’clock position. Check the timing marks on the crankshaft and camshaft.

Step 6

Use the proper socket to remove the crankshaft pulley bolt. Remove the crankshaft pulley with the puller. Utilizing the proper sockets, remove the lower timing belt cover. Next, remove the belt guide washer.

Step 7

Pull the tensioner away from the belt by loosening the tensioner bolt. Just enough bolt tension should be applied to keep the tensioner out of the way. Off the sprockets, raise the timing belt.

Step 8

Remove the spring and the tensioner pulley. Your hand’s tensioner should be turned. Replace the pulley if it grinds or has a lot of resistance. The tensioner spring should be measured end to end. Replace the spring if the measurement is not 1.81 inches. Install the spring and tensioner pulley. Simply tighten the bolt to keep it in place while pushing the tensioner to the left.

Step 9

Beginning at the crankshaft sprocket, install the timing belt. The belt should be wrapped around the oil pump pulley’s exterior and then behind the tensioner, working clockwise. Route the belt, which is being held in one hand, around the water pump sprocket and the idler pulley on the right side of the engine as you look down at it.

Step 10

Install the lower timing belt cover, the crankshaft pulley, the crankshaft pulley bolt, the belt guide washer, and the crankshaft pulley. The crankshaft pulley bolt should be hand tightened. Verify the alignment of the timing markings.

Step 11

Bring the timing belt up over the camshaft sprocket to complete the routing while maintaining right-side hand tension between the crankshaft, idler, water pump pulley, and the camshaft sprocket.

Step 12

The crankshaft pulley bolt should be torqued to 80 foot-pounds. To enable the timing belt tensioner to apply tension to the belt, loosen the bolt by a half turn.

To realign all timing marks, turn the crankshaft two turns in the clockwise direction. If the tension spring is silver, the tensioner bolt should be torqued to 31 foot-pounds. Turn the crankshaft 1 7/8 revolutions until the pulley notch aligns with the 45-degree mark on the lower timing belt cover if the spring is green. The tensioner bolt should be torqued to 31 foot-pounds. In reverse sequence of removal, assemble the remaining components. When necessary, refill the radiator.

On a 1999 Toyota Camry, how long does it take to change the timing belt?

A handful of quick points regarding timing belt replacement. Knowing whether your engine is an interference or non-interference engine is essential to understanding the potential harm that might result from not replacing the timing belt. The majority of current engines are non-interfering, which means that even if the timing belt breaks, the piston won’t make contact with the valves. The interference engines will cause serious harm to the engines.

For the experienced do-it-yourselfer, changing the timing belt on your automobile is a pretty simple task that may make for a fun four hours of getting to know your car better.

The key to keeping your car running is routine preventative maintenance. My Camry has 423 000 km on it and is still going strong. I would be willing to provide pictures of the full procedure online if anyone is interested in learning more.

Can I change the timing belt on my own?

It does need some engine knowledge to replace a timing belt and water pump, so if you don’t have much expertise working under the hood, we advise leaving it to the experts. However, if you prefer making your own repairs and restorations, you can do it yourself and avoid paying hefty repair expenses in the process.

Starting with the tools you’ll need, we’ll walk you through the replacement of a timing belt and water pump step by step.

What You’ll Need to Replace the Water Pump and Timing Belt

  • Wrench socket set
  • tools for driving screws, such as Philips and slot drive
  • Set of Allen keys
  • jar or bucket (for collecting coolant)
  • bags made of plastic and a permanent marker (for labelling nuts, bolts and parts you remove from the engine)
  • leather gloves
  • Tip-Ex, white chalk, and white paint (for marking the cogs for simpler reassembly)
  • a fresh timing belt
  • a fresh water pump
  • new antifreeze/coolant

Step 1: Preparation

Get your car and work area ready first. Depending on your degree of experience, changing a timing belt and water pump can take anywhere from one to three hours, so make sure you have the time and space necessary. Before you begin, carry out the following:

  • To reach the undercarriage beneath the engine, jack up the front of the automobile.
  • Since coolant will spill out when you remove the water pump, place a bucket underneath it. To find the pump, see your car’s manual.
  • Prepare all of your tools, and have bags and a pen on available to name and store the engine parts you remove.
  • Before starting, make sure the engine is entirely cool.
  • To stop the engine from spinning while you’re removing the timing belt, put the engine in drive and use the handbrake.

Step 2: Removing the Belts

You must first remove the fan belt and power steering belt because they are located next to the cover that protects the timing belt and water pump. To remove the belts, take the following actions:

  • The fasteners holding the alternator in place should be loosened. The fan belt can then be removed by lightly tapping it.
  • To access the timing case and crankshaft pulley, do the same with the power steering belt by moving it aside.
  • Crankshaft pulley: Loosen. To access the engine and remove the bolt, you’ll need a long wrench arm.

Is there a timing chain or belt on a 1999 Toyota Camry?

All Toyota Camry V6 models used a timing chain and interference engine from 2007 to 2021. Between 1990 and 2006, non-interference engines and timing belts were standard on V6 Camrys.

All 4 cylinder Toyota Camry models used timing chain and interference engines from 2002 to 2021. Timing belts and non-interference engines were standard on the four-cylinder Camrys from 1990 to 2001.

In contrast to the 2006 Toyota Camry 3.0L V6 190 hp (1MZ-FE) option, the 2021 Toyota Camry 2.5L 4 Cyl. 206 hp (A25A-FKS) option includes a timing chain.

For a 1999 Toyota Camry, how much does a timing belt cost?

Belts don’t cost a much by themselves. Since many pieces must be removed in order to reach the belt, labor is where the true expense lies. Your best chance is to shop about and compare prices, but be prepared to pay anything between $409 and $919. (including parts and labor).

What occurs when the timing belt on a Toyota Camry malfunctions?

With a broken timing belt, your automobile cannot operate. You won’t be able to drive at all by the time the belt snaps because the harm has already been done. The vehicle will need to be towed to an auto repair facility.

Are specific tools required to change a timing belt?

You must check the timing reference marks before replacing a timing belt, chain, or gear set on some engines. If you don’t know which timing marks to use or how to align them, some engines’ many timing marks may be confusing.

When changing a timing belt or chain, numerous engines demand specialized tools. To ensure that the timing belt is correctly tensioned, you should at the very least have a belt tension gauge.

When changing a timing belt or chain, many engines also demand specialized tools. To ensure that the tension on a timing belt is appropriate, you should at the very least have a belt tension gauge. On some dual overhead cam engines, specialized camshaft positioning tools (or a bolt or pins) may also be needed to hold the cams in place while the belt or chain is being changed.

A handful of the unique OEM timing tools that can be needed include the following:

How long does it take to change a timing belt?

Timing belt replacement is a pricey service. Depending on the vehicle, it is a complex, time-consuming process that can take 48 hours. However, repairing the timing belt before it breaks will avoid engine damage and ultimately cost you less money.

Should a timing belt be used to replace the water pump?

Many modern engines now use timing belts instead of timing chains. The appropriate sequential operation of the crankshaft, pistons, and valves is guaranteed by both belts and chains. Compared to chains, belts are more efficient, lighter, and quieter.

Unless your vehicle has a time chain, which doesn’t often need repair, both parts are essential to the vehicle’s correct operation and should be replaced on a regular basis. See how these parts function below, along with information on the internal parts of the timing belt and water pump system that are related to them.

For information on when to replace your water pump and timing belt, consult your owner’s manual, or stop by and speak one-on-one with one of our service specialists. In general, whenever the timing belt is changed, the idler pulleys, tensioner, and water pump should also be replaced. Since the water pump is often driven by the timing belt, now is the ideal time to replace it. In addition, the manufacturer advises it.

A WORD FOR THE SMART. When requesting a “over-the-phone estimate for replacing a timing belt and/or water pump,” use caution. Less reputable businesses will offer you what appears to be a wonderful price to entice you in and not disclose the “full picture” (see above). The vast majority of the time, it is cost-effective and complete maintenance to replace the timing belt, water pump, tensioner, and idler pulley (where equipped) all at once. This is because, if one element needs replacement, the others are typically not far behind. For details, consult your owner’s handbook.

Caveat Emptor (Buyer Beware)

Let’s get to it: The less honest repair shop provides you a lowball estimate to replace the timing belt or the water pump with little to no labor and little to no cost for parts. When they get you in and your car is disabled on the hoist, they dial your number and ask, “Guess what you need? You guessed ityou need the complete timing belt and water pump package, which also includes the new idler pulley and new timing belt tensioner that your quote ought to have originally included! Hello!

Because you frequently need to remove the water pump in order to access the timing belt, the labor cost difference to perform both units at the same time is practically nonexistent in most vehicles! When compared to having to pay all that labor AND the expense of a water pump in the not-too-distant future when the water pump blows up, the cost of most water pumps is small.

In our humble opinion, it is misleading not to provide you with an accurate estimate of the total cost to replace the water pump, the timing belt, and any other small ancillary parts at the same time.

How long does a Toyota Camry timing belt last?

Although they can last up to 100,000 miles, it’s always a good idea to change them before that. The valves, pistons, and other internal engine components can sustain significant damage in the event of a belt failure.

How is the timing belt checked?

To check the belt, start by examining its exterior to determine if any teeny cracks are developing. The timing belt is an extremely durable rubber-covered metal-reinforced belt. The rubber ought to be largely smooth, without any cracks or missing sections.

How much does a Toyota Camry timing chain replacement cost?

Timing chain tensioner replacement for a Toyota Camry typically costs between $658 and $790. While materials are priced between $161 and $163, labor costs are predicted to range between $497 and $627. Taxes and other fees are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or geographic area taken into account.