2003 Camry 4cyl timing chain issues

[prady]

Guys my car has 219k miles and has been very loud and when i turn it on the rpm meter goes to 3 and gradually car quiets down and needle comes down to 1. While i drive the steering wheel vibrates too. I took it to the mechanic i was told that timing chain needs replacement as its about time. I was under the impression that timing chains do not need replacement.

The steering wheel vibrates (shakes) it makes light clicking sounds too. I have not been able to diagnose the problem by myself. I think these two things may not be related but engine is really loud. Does timing chain needs replacement? and if it does what else along with it should be replaced?

[leakyseals]

Best thing you can do is post a video. But it sounds like the classic dirty vvt-i/dirty engine to me. Startup ticks. Suggest you try a cleaning run before spending money. I can make suggestions if you want. Can a timing chain go? sure anything can go but I don't think that's whats wrong. if anything its a clogged tensioner. as far as the steering that's a fairly common issue you need the Intermediate Shaft greased or replaced. or an alignment and balancing.

[Donald E. George]

Chain drives last a very long time when properly lubricated but there are many,many wear points in a chain and the wear in each link finally adds up to slop and noise. Regards

[prady]

Originally Posted by leakyseals

Best thing you can do is post a video. But it sounds like the classic dirty vvt-i/dirty engine to me. Startup ticks. Suggest you try a cleaning run before spending money. I can make suggestions if you want. Can a timing chain go? sure anything can go but I don't think that's whats wrong. if anything its a clogged tensioner. as far as the steering that's a fairly common issue you need the Intermediate Shaft greased or replaced. or an alignment and balancing.

damn some of these things i didnt even understand lol.. Dirty engine.. what exactly would that mean?

Also with "intermediate shaft" u don't mean axle shaft. Do you?

Sorry for noob qns. but thanks a lot.

[leakyseals]

Its ok. Its like this...mechanics fix things when they break....its not in a mechanics financial interest to help you prevent fixes....

I suspect you need an oil change. will quiet the engine down. The intermediate shaft is a part in the steering column. Inside the car. If your steering wheel makes a squeak when you turn thats a symptom. Not a big deal to replace or grease. There are many posts about it. Note the link is Avalon, but its the same shaft for the Camry, same problem.