Toyota Diesel OEM Hydraulic Tensioner 1KZ 1KZT 1KZTE 13540-67020

Product Overview

Genuine OEM Toyota Hydraulic Timing Belt Tensioner compatible with 1993-2020 Toyota Land Cruiser, Prado, Hilux, 4Runner, Hiace, and Dyna models with 1KZ-TE, 1KD-FTV, 2KD-FTV, 1HD-T, 1HD-FT, 1HD-FTE, and 1HZ diesel engines. This critical timing system component provides automatic hydraulic tension control to maintain optimal timing belt tension throughout the service interval. This genuine OEM tensioner features integrated release-pin technology for simplified installation and helps prevent catastrophic timing belt failure in interference diesel engines.

OEM Part Number(s):

• 13540-67020 (current primary)
• 13540-17011 (superseded)
• 13540-67010 (superseded)
• 13540-0L010 (superseded)
• 13540-17010 (superseded)
• 13540-30010 (alternate reference)

 

Key Features & Benefits

• Automatic Tension Control: Hydraulic design maintains constant optimal tension across the entire service interval without manual adjustment
• Release Pin Technology: Includes factory-installed release pin for simplified installation and precise tension application
• NTN Manufacturing: Genuine OEM tensioner manufactured by NTN (Toyo Bearing) to Toyota's exacting specifications for maximum reliability
• Catastrophic Failure Prevention: Essential protection for interference diesel engines where timing belt failure causes severe valve-to-piston contact damage
• Multi-Engine Compatibility: Universal design fits multiple Toyota diesel engine families, including 1KZ, 1KD, 2KD, and HD-series engines

 

Technical Specifications

Part Type: Hydraulic Automatic Timing Belt Tensioner Assembly
Material: Die-cast aluminum body with precision-machined hydraulic cylinder
Manufacturing: NTN Corporation (OEM supplier to Toyota)
Mounting: Two-bolt configuration (bolts not included)
Hydraulic Pressure: Factory pre-charged, maintenance-free sealed system
Release Pin: Factory-installed for easy installation
Engine Compatibility: 1KZ-T, 1KZ-TE, 1KD-FTV, 2KD-FTV, 1HD-T, 1HD-FT, 1HD-FTE, 1HZ diesel engines
Operating Temperature: -40°F to 275°F (-40°C to 135°C)

Fitment

Year Range	Toyota Model	Engine Options
1993-1995	4Runner / Hilux Surf	1KZ-T, 1KZ-TE 3.0L turbo diesel
1996-2002	4Runner / Hilux Surf	1KZ-TE 3.0L turbo diesel
1993-2009	Land Cruiser Prado (70, 90, 120, 150 Series)	1KZ-TE 3.0L, 1KD-FTV 3.0L, 2KD-FTV 2.5L turbo diesel
1993-2005	Hilux (6th Generation)	1KZ-TE 3.0L turbo diesel
2001-2015	Hilux (7th Generation Vigo)	1KD-FTV 3.0L, 2KD-FTV 2.5L turbo diesel
2015-2020	Hilux (8th Generation Revo)	1KD-FTV 3.0L, 2KD-FTV 2.5L turbo diesel
1993-2020	Hiace (Grand Hiace, Granvia, Regius, Touring Hiace)	1KZ-TE 3.0L, 1KD-FTV 3.0L, 2KD-FTV 2.5L turbo diesel
1990-2007	Land Cruiser (70, 80, 100 Series)	1HZ 4.2L, 1HD-T 4.2L, 1HD-FT 4.2L, 1HD-FTE 4.2L turbo diesel
2005-2015	Fortuner	1KD-FTV 3.0L, 2KD-FTV 2.5L turbo diesel
2000-2015	Dyna / ToyoAce	1KD-FTV 3.0L, 2KD-FTV 2.5L turbo diesel
2004-2016	Innova	2KD-FTV 2.5L turbo diesel

Important: This hydraulic tensioner is designed for interference diesel engines where timing belt failure can cause catastrophic valve-to-piston contact. Always verify engine code before ordering—professional installation mandatory for proper timing belt service procedures.

Installation & Maintenance

Installation Difficulty: Expert / Professional
Tools Required: Complete socket set, torque wrench, timing belt tools, and pin removal pliers
Professional Installation: Mandatory - requires precise timing belt service procedures and verification

Installation Procedure Notes:

• Install hydraulic tensioner with release pin engaged (factory installed)
• Secure tensioner with two mounting bolts to manufacturer's torque specifications
• Install timing belt and verify all timing marks are properly aligned
• Pull release pin to activate hydraulic tension against the idler pulley
• Rotate engine two complete revolutions by hand and re-verify all timing marks
• Confirm the tensioner has properly self-tensioned the belt before final assembly

 

Maintenance Tips:

• Always replace the hydraulic tensioner during timing belt service - never reuse
• Replace the timing belt, tensioner pulley, and hydraulic tensioner as a complete assembly
• Follow manufacturer-recommended timing belt service intervals (typically 60,000-100,000 miles)
• Inspect the water pump, camshaft seals, and crankshaft seal during timing belt service

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why must the hydraulic tensioner be replaced during every timing belt service?
A: The hydraulic tensioner is a sealed, maintenance-free unit that cannot be rebuilt or reset. Internal hydraulic seals and spring mechanisms wear over the service interval, and reusing a tensioner can result in improper tension, leading to catastrophic timing belt failure. For interference diesel engines, this means severe engine damage from valve-to-piston contact.

Q: What's the difference between the hydraulic tensioner and the tensioner pulley?
A: The tensioner pulley (13505-67050) is the rotating idler bearing that the timing belt runs on. The hydraulic tensioner (13540-67020) is the hydraulic pressure device that applies force against the tensioner pulley to maintain proper belt tension. Both components must be replaced during timing belt service.

Q: How do I know if my hydraulic tensioner has failed?
A: Warning signs include timing belt noise (squealing or rattling), loss of engine performance, check engine light with cam/crank correlation codes, or visible oil leaking from the tensioner body. However, most tensioner failures occur suddenly without warning, which is why preventive replacement during scheduled timing belt service is critical.

Q: Is this tensioner compatible with both early and late 1KZ-TE engines?
A: Yes, this hydraulic tensioner (13540-67020) is compatible with all 1KZ-TE variants from 1993-2009, as well as the newer 1KD-FTV and 2KD-FTV common rail diesel engines. The hydraulic tensioner design is universal across these engine families.

Related Toyota Parts You May Need

• Timing Belt (13568-69085) - Must be replaced simultaneously with the hydraulic tensioner
• Timing Belt Tensioner Pulley (13505-67050) - Essential companion component for complete timing service
• Water Pump Assembly (16100-69355) - Recommended replacement during timing belt access
• Camshaft Oil Seal (90311-32020) - Preventive replacement during timing cover removal
• Injection Pump Drive Seal (90311-58006) - 1KZ-TE specific seal replacement
• Crankshaft Front Oil Seal (90311-50051) - Replace if leaking during timing service

Common Symptoms of Hydraulic Tensioner Failure

• High-pitched squealing or rattling noise from the timing belt area during engine operation
• Loss of engine performance, rough idle, or difficulty starting
• Check engine light with P0016 or P0017 cam/crank correlation fault codes
• Visible oil leaking from the hydraulic tensioner body, indicating seal failure
• The timing belt appears loose or exhibits excessive vibration during inspection
• Catastrophic timing belt failure resulting in complete engine shutdown

Why Genuine OEM Hydraulic Tensioners Are Critical

The Interference Engine Reality: Every Toyota diesel engine listed in this fitment guide is an interference design, meaning the pistons and valves occupy the same space at different points in their cycle. When a timing belt fails or slips due to inadequate tension, pistons strike open valves at high speed, causing catastrophic damage, including bent valves, damaged pistons, and potentially destroyed cylinder heads.

The hydraulic tensioner is the only component maintaining proper timing belt tension throughout the 60,000-100,000-mile service interval. Unlike manual spring tensioners found in older designs, hydraulic tensioners provide consistent automatic tension adjustment to compensate for normal belt wear and stretch. This makes the hydraulic tensioner arguably the most critical timing system component for preventing catastrophic engine failure.

Why NTN OEM Quality Matters: Toyota specifies NTN (Toyo Bearing) hydraulic tensioners because they meet exacting standards for hydraulic seal integrity, spring pressure consistency, and temperature stability. The hydraulic cylinder must maintain precise pressure across a wide temperature range (-40°F to 275°F) for years of service. Aftermarket tensioners often fail prematurely due to inferior seals, weak springs, or inadequate hydraulic fluid formulation.

The factory-installed release pin system represents sophisticated engineering - it allows the tensioner to be installed in a "locked" position, preventing premature hydraulic deployment. Once the timing belt is installed correctly and verified, pulling the release pin activates the hydraulic pressure, automatically tensioning the system to precise specifications. This eliminates human error in tension adjustment that occurs with manual tensioners.

Don't gamble with aftermarket tensioners on interference diesel engines. Invest in genuine OEM quality and protect your Toyota diesel investment with the same precision-engineered components Toyota specifies for new engine assembly.