Hello, i got a toyota camry se with 200000 miles on it. It has a small ratteling noise coming from the timing chain. It last a second and then goes away. Iv been doing a little research. If i replaced the timing chain tensioner without taking the engine apart to chek the tention of the chain. Would i be making a mistake or wasting my money? Or Should i take the engine apart first and check.
What year is this car? Tell me if I'm wrong but you are able to check timing chain tensioner without taking the engine apart? What the heck? That's unheard of for me at least. Maybe I just haven't done enough timing chain replacements or something? Lol I mean, it's most likely the tensioner from your vague description. Even if it's 90%-99% you are sure, you might as well check. Because in the small chance it ain't, you'd be wasting time and money right? And if everything is OE and nothin been done, why not get the full kit? Car is 200k after all, not bad if you never done the job before right?
You should tell us the model year. Toyota has a TSB that may apply in your case: T-SB-0146-10.
If that's the case, I think you need more time and money to fix it.
It is a 2012 toyota se with the 4 cylinder. i was asking if i should just replace the timing chain tensioner, (yes you can replace the tensioner without taking the engine apart from what i have seen.) instead of taking off the valve cover and having to replace the gasket and do all that extra work to physically see and feel the slack in The timing chain, just to replace a 60 dollar part. I also dont want to buy a timing gun because they cost half the price of the tensioner. Would this be a smart move? Or am i just being to cheap? The car was driven 90% highway miles and is in very great condition. The sound doesnt last very long at all, probably around one second max. It only does it on a cold start up as well. Thats why i am asking about replacing the tensioner in stead of the whole timing chain kit.