TorqFix

Timing chain replacement: Toyota Hiace E (3RZ-FE)

Step-by-step timing chain replacement for the Toyota Hiace E (3RZ-FE): 235 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.

235 steps 1 engine code

🧭 Before you start

Fits: platform codes 2.7, (RCH13, 19, 22, 23, 39), |, 29)

  • Opens: coolant, engine oil
  • Timing position: the crankshaft or camshaft is set and locked during this job
  • Special tools named: locking pin

Don't miss

  • Parts must be fitted within 5 minutes of applying the sealant
  • Use a wrench to counterhold
  • Do not tighten the bolts

🔧 Engine codes this applies to

3RZ-FE

📐 16 workshop diagrams for 3RZ-FE

Real factory drawings for this job — timing marks, bolt locations and routing. Locked in the free view.

Hiace 3RZ-F(E) - Chain — 3RZ-FE · diagram 1
Hiace 3RZ-F(E) - Chain — 3RZ-FE · diagram 2
Hiace 3RZ-F(E) - Chain — 3RZ-FE · diagram 3
Hiace 3RZ-F(E) - Chain — 3RZ-FE · diagram 4
Hiace 3RZ-F(E) - Chain — 3RZ-FE · diagram 5
Hiace 3RZ-F(E) - Chain — 3RZ-FE · diagram 6
Hiace 3RZ-F(E) - Chain — 3RZ-FE · diagram 7
Hiace 3RZ-F(E) - Chain — 3RZ-FE · diagram 8
+ 8 more diagrams
🔒 16 workshop diagrams for this job Ask about your Toyota 3RZ-FE — free or sign up free to see the drawings

📋 Procedure

Preparation and removal

  1. Before disconnecting the battery cable, check the audio system security code
  2. Drain the engine oil
  3. Align the balance shaft marks
  4. Oil strainer
  5. Remove the alternator drive belt adjusting bar
3RZ-FE? Steps differ between engine variants — check this job against your exact car before you commit to it. Check my car — free →
  1. Vehicles with air conditioning:
  2. Remove the air-conditioning compressor
  3. Remove the air-conditioning compressor bracket
  4. All vehicles:
  5. Remove the dipstick tube
  6. Disconnect the brake servo vacuum hose
  7. Alternator bracket:
  8. Alternator:
  9. Disconnect the fuel injector wiring
  10. Remove the cable ties
  11. Remove the fuel rail
  12. Remove the inlet manifold
  13. Remove the heat shield(s)
  14. Remove the spark plugs
  15. If necessary
  16. Remove the gasket(s)
  17. Remove the engine hanger
  18. Remove the earth cable
  19. Turn the crankshaft to TDC for cylinder 1
  20. Remove the upper chain tensioner
  21. Remove the cover plugs
  22. Align the camshaft timing marks
  23. Use a bolt to block the camshaft gearwheel
  24. Remove the camshaft bearing caps in the sequence shown
  25. Turn the crankshaft to TDC for cylinder 1
  26. Align the camshaft timing marks
  27. Check the camshaft gearwheel marks
  28. Remove the cylinder head
  29. Note: Use a wrench to counterhold
  30. Remove the oil sump
  31. Use the special tool
  32. Remove the oil separator
  33. Lock the tensioner
  34. Loosen the crankshaft pulley centre bolt
  35. Use the special tools to remove the crankshaft pulley
  36. Turn the crankshaft to TDC for cylinder 1
  37. Check the camshaft timing marks
  38. Remove the timing chain
  39. Remove the crankshaft gearwheel
  40. Lock the tensioner; use a locking pin
  41. Remove the balance shaft chain guide rails
  42. Remove the balance shaft chain tensioner

Installation and checks

  1. Tighten the gearwheel
  2. Refit the balance shaft chain guide rails
  3. Fit the timing chain
  4. Secure the chain
  5. Refit the timing chain cover
  6. Renew the gaskets
  7. Refit the oil strainer
  8. Refit the oil sump
  9. Note: Parts must be fitted within 5 minutes of applying the sealant
  10. Refit the crankshaft position sensor
  11. Apply sealant as indicated
  12. Tighten the cylinder head bolts
  13. Refit the bolts
  14. Fit the camshafts
  15. Note: Use a wrench to counterhold
  16. Fit the exhaust camshaft gearwheel
  17. Renew the gasket
  18. Fit the spark plug seals
  19. Refit the spark plugs
  20. Refit the harness bracket
  21. Refit the cylinder head earth cable
  22. Fit the engine hanger
  23. Refit the cylinder head rear cover
  24. Renew the gasket
  25. Refit the water outlet
  26. Refit the exhaust manifold
  27. Renew the gasket
  28. Refit the heat shield(s)
  29. Refit the inlet manifold
  30. Renew the gasket
  31. Refit the injectors
  32. Refit the fuel rail
  33. Refit the fuel return line
  34. Reconnect the fuel feed line
  35. Reconnect the fuel injector wiring
  36. Refit the air inlet box
  37. Renew the gasket
  38. Refit the coolant bypass hose
  39. Reconnect the vacuum hoses
  40. Refit the bracket
  41. Refit the engine wiring loom
  42. Refit and connect the ignition coils
  43. Refit the dipstick tube
  44. Vehicles with air conditioning:
  45. Refit the air-conditioning compressor bracket
  46. Refit the air-conditioning compressor
  47. All vehicles:
  48. Fit the coolant pump
  49. Renew the gasket
  50. Refit the alternator bracket
  51. Refit the alternator drive belt adjusting bar
  52. Refit the alternator
  53. Note: Do not tighten the bolts
  54. Fit the ancillary drive belts
  55. Fit the cooling fan pulley
  56. Refit the fan and the viscous coupling
  57. Tighten the adjustment bolt
  58. Tighten the alternator
  59. Refill the cooling system
  60. Refill the engine oil
  61. Reconnect the battery earth cable
  62. Start the engine
  63. Check that the idle speed is stable
  64. Check the ignition timing
  65. Use the special tool
  66. Check for leaks
Workshop diagrams

Ask TorqFix about your Toyota 3RZ-FE — it answers with the exact sequence for that engine and the workshop drawing for each step. First question is free after a 20-second sign-up, no card.

Ask about your Toyota 3RZ-FE — free → or sign up free to see the drawings

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

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Workshop data on this page last updated 20 Sep 2026.