🔧 Timing Drive - No Timing Belt Replacement

Your Highlander does not use a timing belt. The 3.5L V6 is equipped with a timing chain, which is designed to last much longer and is not a routine replacement item. If you’re hearing chain noise, have a cam/crank correlation code, or suspect an oiling issue, the repair is a timing chain diagnosis or timing chain service instead.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 8-14 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Disconnect the negative battery cable before working near the starter, sensors, or engine harness.
• Let the engine cool fully before removing covers or drains; hot coolant and oil can burn you.
• Support the vehicle safely if any underbody access is needed.
• Timing work can damage the engine if the cam/crank timing is set incorrectly.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 3/8-inch ratchet
• 1/2-inch breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Harmonic balancer puller (specialty)
• Crankshaft pulley holding tool (specialty)
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Drain pan
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Timing chain set - Qty: 1
• Timing cover gasket set - Qty: 1
• Front crankshaft seal - Qty: 1
• Engine oil - Qty: 6.4 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Coolant - Qty: As needed
• Accessory drive belt - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and engage the parking brake.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable.
• If the front of the engine must be opened, drain the coolant and engine oil first.
• Take photos before disassembly.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm timing chain concern

• Use a scan tool to check for camshaft/crankshaft correlation codes and misfire codes.
• Listen for chain rattle on cold start from the front of the engine.
• If the engine is running normally, no timing chain service may be needed.

Step 2: Prepare the engine

• Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Remove the engine cover and intake components as needed with a 10mm socket and 12mm socket.
• Drain engine oil and coolant into a drain pan if the front cover will be removed.

Step 3: Remove front drive components

• Use a 14mm socket and breaker bar to relieve tension and remove the accessory drive belt.
• Remove the crankshaft pulley bolt using the crankshaft pulley holding tool (specialty) and a breaker bar.
• Use the harmonic balancer puller (specialty) to remove the crankshaft pulley.

Step 4: Remove timing cover

• Use a 10mm socket and 12mm socket to remove the timing cover bolts.
• Carefully separate the timing cover without damaging the sealing surfaces.
• Inspect the chain, guides, and tensioners for wear or damage.

Step 5: Set timing marks

• Rotate the engine by hand with a socket on the crankshaft bolt until timing marks align.
• Do not force the engine if resistance is felt.
• Keep the chain engaged on the sprockets.

Step 6: Replace timing components

• Remove the chain guides and tensioner with a 10mm socket.
• Install the new timing chain set and confirm all timing marks still line up.
• Torque to Toyota specification for each fastener; use the factory service data for exact values.

Step 7: Reassemble front cover

• Install the new front crankshaft seal and timing cover gasket set.
• Reinstall the timing cover using a 10mm socket and 12mm socket.
• Reinstall the crankshaft pulley and tighten the bolt to Toyota specification.

Step 8: Finish assembly

• Reinstall the accessory belt using a 14mm socket.
• Refill engine oil and coolant.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable using a 10mm socket.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and listen for abnormal chain noise.
• Check for oil or coolant leaks at the front cover.
• Clear any stored codes with a scan tool.
• Recheck fluid levels after the first warm-up.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $2,000-$4,500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $400-$1,200 (parts only)

You Save: $1,600-$3,300 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 8-14 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.