J0hnP

To make a long story short.

1.) upper control arm (no pics), just not that common of an occurence being that I see people only changing the lower, but ya, my **** was gone. *Symptoms) , clunking sound when I was going over bumps at slow speeds, and coming out of steep driveways and such.

2.) VVTI Cam Gear Leaking Oil..how we ffound this out? Well Car was leaking Oil, recently did tune up so I was like WTF mate? A little worried, I took the car to my guy and had him replace valve cover gasket yesterday....he replace the gaskets, and we drove it around a bit. Went back to the shop to install the upper control arm, and boom, more leaking OIL..I was like damn, so we take off the front case, praying that I dont have ANOTHER SOAKED TIMING BELT lol. The inside of the case has oil on it, belt is dry...a little confused I start the car with the front case off, and there is the culprit, Oil coming out of the front of the VVTI Cam Sprocket. And Pictured below is the culprit.





Which was inside of the Cam





So, here is the good news and bad news

Bad news first, Toyota / Lexus does not sell this O-Ring, so first, my guy will use a silicon seal. If this doesnt work, then comes the good news, The VVTI Gear is not that expensive from Toyota / Lexus. So either way Im not up the creek without a paddle.

J0hnP

This booger :/ grr

MrExecutiv

iTrader: (2)

well, at least you know whats causing the leak. I had to replace my UCA too a while back.

kit cat

iTrader: (6)

I replaced my UCA too. and I would go ahead and change the timing belt on that thing... with oil and maybe coolant leaking, it might make the belt more brittle.

J0hnP

Word, see you on the 28th? I am thinking of just dumping my car for that haha

Infamous 1

iTrader: (20)

Did you guys change them because of the stress caused from lowering your car?

J0hnP

actually, mine was toast and I havnt even dropped my car. My GS3 is my stock daily, just keep an eye on yours, Ive been sitting on a set of Tein SS forever, and have yet to install, kinda glad I never did haha

FrankT

Good post.
The VVTi cam gear part number 13050-46010 is about $150 from the dealer...

You disassembled the the gear and put it back with silicone , I was under the impression that the gear is not serviceable and by removing the 5 bolts bad things happen.
I'm sure you used care reassembling the gear, lets us know how its working out.

sakataj

iTrader: (182)

contact jefftsai he might have one or be able to get u one cheaper

J0hnP

Actually, was put back together with another O-Ring same size as OEM. It runs ok now, we will see in about a week the results, if it starts leaking again, ill but a new one

FrankT

You have a good mechanic. Not all are as resourceful...

JeffTsai

iTrader: (1)

I've noticed this happening a few times on high mileage cars. I'm talking like 200K+ miles range.

MrExecutiv

iTrader: (2)

wrd. i'll be there but my gs probably won't be out yet.

J0hnP

yah, I have 170k, going for 500 haha

99SC42

iTrader: (44)

Yeah i was thinking the same think .It says that it's not serviceable and if you remove the 5 bolts on the sprocket you will need a new one. GL