How long have you gone without replacing your timing belt?
 

Recently purchased an 03 Limited with the V8. So I have it understood that Toyota recommends the belt to be replaced every 90k miles and I know that the engine is an interference engine so I know what a broken timing belt will do to the engine. Vehicle currently has 104k miles on it and it’s been garage kept and maintained at a Toyota dealer it’s whole life. Should I be worried? My foreman who used to be a tech for Toyota for 15 years says not to worry and not to go changing it because he’s never ever seen one break. He said he wouldn’t even bother with replacing it. I’m thinking about replacing it around 140-150k hopefully my money is right then. What are your guys thoughts? How long have you gone with an original belt on your 4Runner?

153,000 miles before change.

Well seeing as I got the car from my parents a few months ago. My dad hasn’t changed it once since he bought it new in 03. 125k miles. I too probably change it once i move from Colorado to South Carolina.

I would change it as soon as possible. You have to remember that age has a bearing on this as well as mileage. That belt is close to 18 years old. And as you know the result of a failure is catastrophic. I wouldn't chance it.

I bought my 07 with 70k on it in 2018. So the belt was at least 11 years old. I was more worried about degradation than 'wear' and it's also the Water Pump/thermostat that you're changing. Figured it was a good reason to do a coolant flush as well. There's lots of things your doing with that belt at the same time. And if you do it yourself it's really not difficult nor expensive. You'll find people have never changed it with 250k or there's a few in my area that have had it break at 150k... YMMV but I'd rather do preventative work; it's cheaper than an all out repair...

belt life
 

I'm ashamed to admit this... but never once has my timing belt been replaced.

My wife and I have had this amazing vehicle since she bought it new in 2004. It turned 300,000 miles two weeks ago.

It's not that I don't want to change the belt, it's just that there is always something more important to do with the $1,000. And I suspect it's beyond my wrenching abilities...

Now that I think about, I just replaced the original plugs in it about 5,000 miles ago. Wasn't much left to the plugs, as you could imagine. I do find it odd that the truck doesn't run any better or worse... other than it's gained me 2 mpg fuel-wise....

I cannot begin to explain how much I have come to love and respect this 4 Runner.

LOL I won't ever change it, I have a chain HAHAHAHA

Totally feel you man. Your post actually gave me a lot more confidence. Toyota’s are just great vehicles that even the most basic maintenance items are like “meh” to a Toyota lol

Sweet. I shouldn’t worry then... I think I have waaaay more than enough time to save up to change it. I’m sure even when I go ahead and change it the belt will be in good conditions lol

You wouldn't happen to have the lottery numbers for this week, would you?:lmao:

Looking at a V8 with 117k on it and it has not been replaced yet, but if I purchase the car I will be getting the job done for peace of mind!

My 2003 has no record of ever gettinh the belt changed before I bought it 5 years so with188000. I have 215000 miled on it now but never have the money to get it done. I used to worry about it breaking but I was told by a Toyota service advisor that even if it breaks the result is typically not catastrophic as it is for most vehicles.

I still cross my fingers
Hoping it holds until I can afford to do it. Not sure if I can do it myself but know I can't afford to pay someone to do it.


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Replaced mine at about 135k. miles. Water pump at the same time.
Took a cross country trip so before I left I replaced the timing belt & water pump to be on the safe side.

The 2UZ in the v8 4runner is technically an interference engine, so when the the timing belts snaps the piston and valves could try to occupy the same space. Although I have seen from browsing here or facebook, one or two guys that have lost the belt on pre-vvti (03-04) and haven't grenaded the engine. Its certainly a risk.

Found the Facebook Post:
Snapped Belt: 4th Gen 4Runners
Running fine: 4th Gen 4Runners

Heres a T4R post: https://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...VLhpiJLPxA0PT0

If you're somewhat mechanically inclined and can scrape together some cash for the parts, maybe you and a buddy could give a go at it? From what I hear, most of the money is in the labor. Unfortunately as a v6 owner I haven't done one to give my feedback on the job, but I'm sure there are a few guys on here that could give tips if you get stuck. There are a few timing belt swap writeups on here including this one: Guide: V8 Timing belt replacement 2UZ-FE VVT-i

never been changed

2005 V6 4runner with 150,000 miles.

WP and Alternator OEM too

never had even 1 check engine lite in 15 years.

bought the tool to check the codes, but never have had to use it.

never had an overheat. never had a coolant leak.
I do change the coolant every 5 to 7 years with the best stuff.