5th & 6th Generation (2002-2006 & 2007-2011)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 2002-2006 & 2007-2011
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
I am looking for a used Camry to replace my aging Corolla, and found a few 2003 – 2004 Camrys that are in good shape and within my budget.
Given the mileage of these cars, I am concerned about the timing chain. I have asked the owners but nobody knows, how often do you have to replace the timing chain in these cars?
I will be very grateful as well if fellow Toyota owners can suggest what to look for when buying these models. Any weak points? Any thing to be wary of?
They actually have belts, not chains on both I4 and V6 engines. The answer to the question varies by year of manufacture because Toyota played with that number somewhat, so contacting Toyota directly would elicit the correct answer for a specific year, but generally the cam drive belts should be good for about 110,000 km but by 130,000 you would really be pushing your luck a bit. If it is replaced by a dealer they normally paste a sticker on or near the valve cover indicating the mileage, so look for a sticker if you are considering a car in this mileage range or better.
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2007 V6 Camry LE, Built TMMK 27 September 06
"People who think they know it all are particularly irritating to those of us who do."
^It has a V-belt. But so does the Gen 6. V-belts and timing chains/belts are 2 different things. All 2AZ's starting with the 2002 Camry have a timing chain.
__________________ 2009 Audi TT 2.0T --- THE BEAST! 2002 LE 4Cyl --- Gone, but not forgotten. 06/28/09
Glaring blue HID bulbs are NOT classy, and don't make your car look nice, no matter what that kid in the Civic told you.
Generally speaking, timing chains are pretty durable. Change the oil and they ought to last almost as long as the engine, if not as long.
The only time you need to change it is if it starts making a lot of noise or if you had to do a valve job at some point - probably around 200,000 miles - then i would just change the timing chain and gears at the same time.
But in my experience, timing chains usually last a long time and its really nothing to worry about much.
Generally speaking, timing chains are pretty durable. Change the oil and they ought to last almost as long as the engine, if not as long.
The only time you need to change it is if it starts making a lot of noise or if you had to do a valve job at some point - probably around 200,000 miles - then i would just change the timing chain and gears at the same time.
But in my experience, timing chains usually last a long time and its really nothing to worry about much.
are you a service tech?
Because my service manager and dealer said to change it at 145,000km whether it needs to be changed or not. Also a few mechanics i've talked to said the same...
Is it normal to have a squeaky sound under the hood when a car is cold? Don't know if this has anything to do with timing chains but I thought this would be a good time/place to ask.
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Old Car: '03 Toyota Camry LE
New Car: '04 Black ES330 (Aftermarket sound/navigation system installed)
Always got something else in mind...
WRONG. 2AZ-FE engines in all 02+ Camrys have timing chains.
Mike, you jerk, youre always one step ahead. I was about to say its a chain, but we do have a v-belt. Can't you just go away for a week or two so we can sound smart too!
Generally speaking, timing chains are pretty durable. Change the oil and they ought to last almost as long as the engine, if not as long.
The only time you need to change it is if it starts making a lot of noise or if you had to do a valve job at some point - probably around 200,000 miles - then i would just change the timing chain and gears at the same time.
But in my experience, timing chains usually last a long time and its really nothing to worry about much.
I agree.
I replaced the timing chain on my Formula when it had about 200,000 miles on it as preventative maintenance. I will probably do the same with my Camry.
Mike, you jerk, youre always one step ahead. I was about to say its a chain, but we do have a v-belt. Can't you just go away for a week or two so we can sound smart too!
Sure thing. August 5 I'll be in Mexico for a week on vacation. Feel free to fill in for me while I'm gone!
__________________ 2009 Audi TT 2.0T --- THE BEAST! 2002 LE 4Cyl --- Gone, but not forgotten. 06/28/09
Glaring blue HID bulbs are NOT classy, and don't make your car look nice, no matter what that kid in the Civic told you.
Because my service manager and dealer said to change it at 145,000km whether it needs to be changed or not. Also a few mechanics i've talked to said the same...
I'm a mechanic but not service tech since you asked. If you dont want to believe me then my adivse is forget what people tell you, even what i say for that matter, because most of them are full of shit anyway - what does toyota say?
145.000km whether it needs it or not. I honestly don't know if it's worth it or not..but just saying what they told me...this is my first Toyota...only ever owned Chevy. And i never did the timing chain/belts because i sold them before it got to that point.
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03-04 Camry - when do you replace timing chain?
Sure thing. August 5 I'll be in Mexico for a week on vacation. Feel free to fill in for me while I'm gone! 
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