Toyota Camry Timing Belt Replacement
Ed’s question:
I’m trying to put a timing belt on my 2001 V6 Toyota Camry, but I can’t figure out how to reinstall the tensioner. It’s one of those hydraulic jobs and of course now it’s popped the whole way up. Give me some pointers, please.
Answer:
Yes, that tensioner on the V6 camrys is the only really tricky part. You need to have a hydraulic press or a large bench vice to squeeze the piston back into the hydraulic tensioner. Then put a small drill bit into the line up holes on the tensioner to hold it in place. If you don’t have this equipment, you can just buy a new tensioner that’s already pushed in with a holding pin in it. Which really isn’t that bad of an idea, then you don’t have to worry about the tensioner wearing out as it will be a new one.
Thanks ever so much. I just went to the Toyota dealer and bought a new timing belt tensioner with the pin holding the piston in place. Then the timing belt went back on without a glitch. Thanks for the warning BEFORE I did the job. You’re doing a great job on this site. Ed.