🔧 Timing Belt - Service Information

Your Camry 3.5L V6 does not use a timing belt. It uses a timing chain, which is designed to last the life of the engine under normal conditions. If you’re hearing chain noise, have a cam/crank correlation code, or suspect a timing issue, the repair is a timing chain diagnosis and possible chain set replacement—not a belt job.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• The engine must be cool before starting.
• Battery disconnect is required before working near the starter, sensors, or wiring.
• The front of the engine has many seals and covers; keep dirt out of the engine.
• Use a support stand or engine support bar if mounts are removed.
• Do not rotate the engine backward.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Metric socket set
• 1/4-inch drive ratchet
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Harmonic balancer puller (specialty)
• Engine support bar (specialty)
• Gasket scraper
• Drain pan
• Funnel
• Trim tool set
• Jack stands
• Floor jack
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile 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
• Valve cover gaskets - Qty: 2
• Engine oil - Qty: 6 quarts
• Oil filter - Qty: 1
• Coolant - Qty: 1 refill
• RTV sealant - Qty: 1 tube

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting.
• Drain engine oil and coolant before opening the front cover.
• Remove the right front wheel and splash shield for access.
• Support the engine if a mount must be removed.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Prepare the engine

• Use a 10mm socket to disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Drain the engine oil with a 14mm socket on the oil drain plug.
• Drain the coolant into a clean drain pan.

Step 2: Remove access components

• Use a metric socket set to remove the air intake duct, belt drive components, and front covers blocking access.
• Remove the right front wheel with a 21mm socket.
• Remove the splash shield with a trim tool set.

Step 3: Support the engine

• Use an engine support bar (specialty) if the engine mount must come out.
• Remove the mount fasteners with the correct metric socket set.

Step 4: Remove the crank pulley and timing cover

• Use a breaker bar and the proper socket to remove the crankshaft pulley bolt.
• Use a harmonic balancer puller (specialty) to remove the crank pulley.
• Remove all timing cover bolts with a metric socket set.
• Carefully pry the front cover off and keep track of bolt locations.

Step 5: Set engine to top dead center

• Rotate the crankshaft only in the normal direction using a breaker bar.
• Align the timing marks before removing the chain set.
• Take photos before disassembly.

Step 6: Replace the timing chain set

• Remove the chain tensioner with a metric socket set.
• Remove the chain guides and timing chains.
• Install the new chain set and line up all timing marks exactly.
• Torque the chain guide and tensioner fasteners to factory specification.

Step 7: Reinstall covers and front components

• Clean gasket surfaces with a gasket scraper.
• Apply RTV sealant where required by the factory sealing points.
• Install the front cover and torque bolts to factory specification.
• Reinstall the crank pulley and torque the crank bolt to factory specification.

Step 8: Reassemble and refill fluids

• Reinstall the engine mount, splash shield, wheel, intake parts, and any removed brackets.
• Refill engine oil and coolant.
• Reconnect the negative battery cable.

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and listen for abnormal chain noise.
• Check for oil, coolant, or front cover leaks.
• Verify no warning lights are on.
• Recheck fluid levels after warm-up.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $1,800-$3,500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $350-$900 (parts only)

You Save: $1,450-$2,600 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.