TOYOTA TUNDRA 5.7L ENGINE RATTLE. FIXED!

This 14 Tundra 5.7L came in with a loud engine rattle from the driver side valve cover area. Here is a look inside at the problem and the fix.

[ErnestDuarte]

On my 2011 Tundra it was sticking tensioner. Ran seafoam Oil, Fuel, Intake and has made zero ticking since. Only did the treatment once and no longer add sea foam and is still solid for the past 6 months. Not saying that is the same for everyone but it would be a fast and cheap test. Oh by the way my noise would go and come while the engine was warming up. Once it warmed up it would usually stop.

[stephenroach]

My 2010 tundra has the same problem. It's had it for about 8+ years. Took me a while to figure out it was a tensioner. Had multiple dealerships/shops tell me it wasn't worth the money to fix unless I could do it myself, so I left it alone. Truck is now at 325, 000 kms and still runs like a dream otherwise. Edit: Also, mine is the same as a lot of others, intermittent until up to running temp, then goes away.

[paulbaird]

Just had this fixed at a local Toyota specialist shop. While they were at it, they fixed leaking cam towers on both sides. Total cost was $4500.00. Dealer quoted $7500.00 for the same job. $4500.00 included replacing primary timing chain, gears, water pump, belts, hoses, both primary tensioners, and a fan bracket as well as seeping cam towers on both banks. Also, I tried the seafoam fix, and it worked for a few weeks.

[ErnestDuarte]

Also I would like to mention one thing that is the biggest cause of time chain stretch and guide wear besides not changing your oil is not letting your engine warm up before driving. Especially in the cooler months. Alot of people will start their car and just start driving while the oil pressure is at a elevated level. So not only is the oil level higher is increases the pressure on the hydraulic chain tensioner. Good rule of thumb is to start your car and wait for the engine to warm enough for the oil pressure to normalize. If you drive while your engine is cold not only do you have more pressure on the chain than at idle it will substantially increase wear during that time. I believe this is why people that know nothing about things mechanical have issues more often than mechanically inclined individuals. IMO. Sorry @raincitywrench for high jacking your post.

[ccobra]

Tip if your ever putting a timing cover back on like that cut the ends off two bolts and make yourself temporary dowels. This way you can slide it on straight without smearing the silicone all over everything. Even if the engine has dowel pins sliding it over the cut bolts will be way easier.

[Bill-tszv]

Great call, fixed the problem and saved the customer a bunch of money.

[antbymcnair]

That is awesome! 215K and my 07' ticks from time to time, but not always. I'm going to give the seafoam a shot first and if not, get replacing the chain tensioner. Thanks for the video!

[torresggustavo]

Had same issue on my 2015 Tundra. It was a while before the dealership acknowledged it was a problem. Anyhow I am still under warranty. They replaced the timing tensioner, timing chain, and left variable timing gear. Took it home and after driving about 10 miles, I got a check engine light. Took it back and was told they should have replaced both timing gears. So everything was torn apart again and they replaced the other timing gear. All in all it was like a $5, 200 repair I am happy I didn’t have to deal with. Advise!! Just change the timing tensioner and don’t go to a dealerhip for repair!!!

[nelsoncarpentry]

I just had sound appear this morning after owning it one week. 🤦🏻‍♂ Going to tackle it tomorrow. Thank you so much for the video! 👍🏻
I feel like replacing the timing chains and other parts while I'm at it would be good preventative maintenance, but I can't afford to take it too far. My truck is a 2014 with 287000 km.

[vasileiacoban]

Had same issue on my 2010Tundra
Dealer asked for 9800$ to do the VVT and all else
Toke it apart ordered all new chains and tensioners cause I didn’t want to risk it since I have high mileage, problem solved 2000$ In parts later .wish you had this video up a few years back when I did mine, would’ve solved my frustration going back and forward with Toyota reps and mechanics.

[danmccarthy]

For all the work involved in taking it apart, you should have changed both primary tensioners. It sounds like bank 2 is a little noisy too. I did all 4 on mine along with 4 chains. The bank 2 tensioner had the same varnished appearance as bank 1. I would also use the Toyota 103 sealer when putting it back together. That stuff is great. If you end up with an oil leak over time, its most likely the gasket sealer failing. That job was so much work I recommend using all the best quality parts and sealer so you never have to do it again. Its not a job for joe average to change all those parts. Good work.

[paintperfectionplusconstru]

I just had my 2014 5.7 tundra done with 177k same sound. Replaced timing chains and tensioners 2500.00 bucks. Fixed the issue. Started making the sound on cold morning start ups at 40k miles truck has had oil changes done religiously. After fighting with the Toyota dealership and getting no help i took it to another shop i was in and out. Not happy with Toyota as the truck was still under warranty when i first started asking to get it fixed dealership refused and said it dosen't need done.

[kevinavery]

GREAT VIDEO, STUBBORN O-RING, ONLY THING I THINK i'D HAVE DONE DIFFERENT, WOULD BE TO REPLACE BOTH TENSIONERS, WITH ONE FAILING I WOULD QUESTION THE INTEGRITY OF THE OTHER, AND YOU'RE RIGHT THERE ANYWAYS, JUST A PERSONAL OPINION, /VIEW, STILL A GREAT FIX IT VIDEO, KEEP EM COMING

[chriscorts]

Thank you RCW. Great video and gives me confirmation of nasty noise.

[JustCallMeAhmi]

Great video. Crazy thing is that EVERY symptom you explain even the sounds is exactly what’s going on with my 5.7 Grand Cherokee. Took a stethoscope this morning and listened around. Valves and rockers sound good outside of the normal Hemi tick. As soon as I put the stethoscope up front the chatter was as loud as can be so I’m guessing it’s the same issue. Originally I thought my exhaust manifold bolts had broken again but I checked them and they’re perfectly fine. Guess I’ll take the weekend and rip it apart 😞

[zedxrom]

Good fix. I normally replace chain and guides as well, especially on a higher mileage engine! Messy tedious job, but worth the money for the customer.

[cparkerz]

Overall the 5.7 is a loud engine normally but you can definitely tell the difference between before and after repair, I think my 08 with 150k will need this repair soon not to mention valve cover and spark plug tube gaskets.

[stevekuiper]

At 4:20 my man nice job putting the timing chain cover on with all that EVT like material. Very careful and methodical!

[Airman..]

Best 57 rattle video on YouTube
Thank you

[duggydo]

My 2018 made a bit of a rattle like that on startup when it was cold. I bought used and only had it one winter. Changed the oil and going to see if it happens this winter. Really low miles on it (~4000) so hopefully it was just something sticking and will free up now that I've put a few thousand more miles on it.