like title states. i searched to no avail. so how do you replace the cam seals? correct me if i'm wrong, but it looks like i only have to take the cam sprockets off in order to replace the seals? i currently have everything out, such as fans, belts, radiator, etc.. from doing the timing belt. any tips, tricks is much appreciated. thanks.

vehicle is a '90 4runner 4x4 5spd v6.

 

That's all there is to it.

Good luck gettin' those suckers off if the timing belt isn't there to hold them still.

Maybe you got a good impact driver/wrench?

If not, the sprockets are just going to spin when you try removing the bolts that hold them on. Unless you (re)install the timing belt first, of course.

Yay!!!

 

Never try to hold the cams with the belt if you plan on using the belt. Make this tool and the job becomes very easy:
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...l-tool-186081/

 

Yeah, I guess you probably shouldn't. But I have, several times, with the same timing belt that I still have on there now too. Never caused any problems, or damaged the belt by doing so. They're extremely resilient, as in they DO NOT have ANY stretch to them. So you'd likely snap the belt before causing any real harm to it. And I'd be pretty suprised if you even could snap one by hand, realistically.

But, if you can make or get ahold of a special service tool(SST) to do the job, that's the "best" way to do it for sure. Or, like he says, atleast use an old timing belt for it, if you still have one.

I can't recall if you need to remove the backing plate to get at those seals. I don't think you do, but I could be wrong. Anyway, it's just a few more bolts to get that plate off.

 

If you have the valve covers off (which is not required to do this) you can hold onto the cam shafts by the hex feature that is cast into them, about 1/2 way along the camshaft. Be careful to not damage the head with the wrench, I put some wood up agaist the wrench.

The special SST tool is available from Kragen, it works just fine also.

Good luck.

 

Thanks guys. I actually ordered the SST tool when I was doing the timing belt job. Thinking I had ordered the correct SST tool for the crankshaft pulley, I actually ordered the one for the cam sprockets. Thanks again guys!