I can not locate any info on replacing the timing belt on my 04 V8 Runner regarding the age of the belt (7 years old). I only have 52,000 miles on the 2004 V8 runner, but nearly 20% is used for towing a 5000lbs travel trailer, so I'm concerned about the AGE of the timing belt, not the miles. I plan to keep the truck for 3 more years. Thanks for sharing!!

So, my personal opinion is to not sweat it. There are several factors that contribute to belts breaking down. Time, use and temperature.

I lived in San Antonio and I know the weather. Dry but hot in summer, nice in the winter. That belt is fine. You don't have the extreme temperature weather swings you get in the Northeast. Snow, then heat.. cold. That constant cycle will help kill a belt.

It should be done at 90k, but that is with a large margin of error. I talked to a toyota guy who said they see them coming in all the time at 110, 120k.

So, what I am saying is I personally bet your belt is fine. Austin temperature/weather is very easy on cars. I had a San Antonio Truck that was 10 years old and looked brand new underneath.

Give it 10k, 20k then get it changed.

If, however, you are uneasy. Have them do it. 1200k is a small price if it makes you feel secure, but having first hand experience on how nice that climate treats cars, I would not worry.

Beautiful! That's what I'm looking for and I did not account for the climate so that completely helps. I'll give it another 20,000 miles. thank you!

For anything I go by either age, mileage, or in extreme cases use (racing). You know just preventative maintenance, if you take care of your ride, your ride will take care of you.

I would not touch until 90k because there is a huge margin of safety in that number that takes into account for extreme conditions and driving then more safety built in.

Toyota offically states 6 years or 90,000 miles which ever comes first.

That being said, I doubt the belt will break on you, this is not a 15+ year old vehicle that has been sitting around neglected for god knows how long. If you really feel nervous get it changed soon, but I would not expect the belt to have degraded significantly enough in that time (assuming there are no fluid leaks, ect, and with the driving details and such provided) to cause concern.

Mine was done at just over 100,000 miles and nearly 8 years of age... AKA long over due... and $1200? WTF... The dealer replaced my belt for $350 out the door including all fees and taxes.

Was this ONLY the belt? No water pump, no fluid exhanges, coolant flush, ect?

Often when you get your 90k service done it is a major service and so it costs a lot because you are doing a lot more.

Not to sound like I am picking on you, but if you didn't get the water pump replaced you may have just cost yourself more money than needed.

350??? No way. Are you serious? Where do you live? 1200 dollars for a timing belt, water pump and other little things they do while in there is a totally standard quote.

You got lucky.

The maintenance shedule for my '05 calls for 90,000 miles or 9 years. Some say that applies to 04 as well. Here are a couple of threads discussing it. You might want to PM 03_4x4Runner who dealt with this and might have fresh info on it. Based on all the posts I've seen about timing belt changes in the 4th gen, I won't be in a hurry to get it done at 90k.

Timing belt change 2003 vs 2004
Interference Engine

I'd replace that belt as the cost to repair the engine is a heck of a lot more. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

The 4.7 IS an interference engine. Timing belts on Interference engines are NOT something I'd consider putting off.

First off there is no way in heck you can tell if the timing belt is good by looking at it. I've seen belts that looked perfectly well and then "Poof"...200 miles later it breaks. If there are obvious signs that it does look bad then replace it immediately. But if it looks good it doesn't mean it is.

Belts deteriorate by mileage and age. Even though you only have 52k miles it's past due because of time. And since it's an interference engine...you're taking a chance. It may go another 10 years and 100k miles...or it may break in 2 months. And if it breaks you're talking about major engine work.

$350 is very cheap to have the belt done. I've never done a timing belt on the 4runner, but I have done a few on the 2 Pathfinders I owned. It's NOT a difficult job. The hardest part is removing the radiator (which is pretty easy). There's just a lot to do. When doing the belt you should also replace all the drive belts, water pump, belt tensioner...I also replace the radiator hoses at this time if they hadn't been replaced earlier. Parts alone cost over $300. On the pathfinder it's a 4hour job....The 4runner could be longer...$1200 seems high...but it really depends on where you live....Around here labor rates are around $90 for independents..and over $100 for dealer.

"First off there is no way in heck you can tell if the timing belt is good by looking at it. I've seen belts that looked perfectly well and then "Poof"...200 miles later it breaks. If there are obvious signs that it does look bad then replace it immediately. But if it looks good it doesn't mean it is. "
Belts deteriorate by mileage and age. Even though you only have 52k miles it's past due because of time. And since it's an interference engine...you're taking a chance. It may go another 10 years and 100k miles...or it may break in 2 months. And if it breaks you're talking about major engine work.


Scare language. We get it. No one EVER knows for certain. I might blow a tire tomorrow and flip over. My brand new belt I just put on, might be defective. Everything you said was essentially a repeat, which no one would fault. But, your assertions and tone is that fear language that is used to bully people to your opinion. I have worked on many cars in my life and I completely disagree with you on your assumptions, but it is the personal choice of the owner.


This was a honest cost benefit discussion. I guarantee the owner understands the importance of maintenance, including the timing belt...

You don't need to scare people with this kind of language to get people to agree with you. It kinda defeats the strength of your argument.

First off I'm NOT trying to scare anyone...Just pointing out the FACTS.

Having a blow-out that causes damage to your car will be covered by your insurance. Not replacing a timing belt and it breaks will be the financial responsibility of the owner.

Of course any part can be defective at any time...But the longer a part is in use the higher the chance it will break. Manufacturers determine through testing what is the expected life of a timing belt will be. They will probably also add in a certain amount safety margin.

If this wasn't a interference engine then NOT changing the belt is just going to leave you stranded.

I think you've been reading too many Steven King novels....Try some Jane Austin..

+1 Me either. I replace the tires on my motorcycle at 6-7 years as well for the same reason. Cheap insurance. You crap out an interference engine by breaking the timing belt and you will be really sorry. For those of you who don't know what it means it is basically the intake & exhaust valves get bent by the pistons hitting them. Just really nasty...and very expensive. :jaw drop: