TorqFix

Timing belt replacement: Toyota 89 onwards (3S-GE)

Step-by-step timing belt replacement for the Toyota 89 onwards (3S-GE): 64 steps. What to remove, in what order, and what to check after.

Workshop procedure for TOYOTA — the exact step sequence and torque figures, straight from real workshop data.

64 steps 1 engine code

🧭 Before you start

Fits: platform codes 2.0, 16V, GTI, |, (116/129, KW), 2.0I, GT

  • Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job
  • Special tools named: torque wrench, feeler gauge, locking pin

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

3S-GE

📋 Procedure

Preparation and removal

  1. Check the belt(s) for cracks, fraying, wear and oil contamination
  2. Align the marks
  3. Note: Avoid bending, torsion or traction
  4. Remove the tensioner
  5. Remove the timing belt from the camshafts
3S-GE? Steps differ between engine variants — check this job against your exact car before you commit to it. Check my car — free →
  1. Remove the crankshaft pulley centre bolt
  2. Use the special tools
  3. Remove the timing belt lower cover

Installation and checks

  1. Fit the locked tensioner
  2. Fit the timing belt onto the crankshaft gearwheel and idler gearwheel
  3. Fit the timing belt lower cover
  4. Refit the crankshaft pulley
  5. Turn the engine 5/6 revolution
  6. Tighten the tensioner
  7. Use the special tools
  8. Use a torque wrench to adjust the timing belt tension
  9. Turn the tensioner anti-clockwise
  10. Insert a feeler gauge between the tensioner and tensioner pulley
  11. Check the clearance
  12. Renew if the measurements are outside the specified value/range
  13. Refit the timing belt upper cover
  14. Lock the tensioner; use a locking pin
  15. Refit the right-hand engine mount
  16. Refit the alternator
  17. Refit the alternator belt
  18. Reconnect the battery earth cable

Other TOYOTA procedures

Who makes these pages, and how

TorqFix was built by a mechanic — after a 2,700 km drive with five roadside repairs that no diagnostic tool could explain.

The figures on this page come from manufacturer workshop documentation and are shown as they are. The page is assembled automatically from that data — it is not written by an AI. The AI works in the chat, where it answers for your specific car. It writes nothing here.

Variants of the same model differ. Cross-check torque against the factory manual for your engine before final tightening.

Seen a figure that does not match your manual? Write to us — we correct it and note when. support@torqfix.com

The story behind TorqFix →

Workshop data on this page last updated 20 Sep 2026.