03 V8 timing belt change opinion

[hamiltonj2w1]

Ok so long story short I have some very unforeseen circumstances which are going to completely drain my funds and I am not going to have the cash to get my timing belt changed this year. Question is do you think I can let it go for another 10 to 12 months? It has 99k miles on it now and it won't get driven much this summer since I will be riding my motorcycle alot to and from work. What do you guys think?

 

[DC runner]

ICK. I hate these questions.

The service schedule is what it is. It is the manufacturer suggestion, a number they pick; after testing, to make sure it doesn't bust on anyone.

Some go sooner. Most go later. I heard people waiting till 110k... 115K.

Do what you need. But know this.. it *could* go at any time. They build those belts to last LONGER than the service schedule, buttttttttttttttttttt it MIGHT.

And that is what it boils down to.

So. You do what you gotta do....but...

 

[iDRiVaT4R]

Not changing it out would bug me every time I'd drive it, but from what I've read the belt should last well over 100k miles. Of course if it does go out, the engine's toast.

I forget, how many miles did it have on it when you bought it?

 

[JB.]

Approaching 90k myself, I've been paying attention to this for a couple of years. Personally, from what I've seen, I'm not in a hurry and will likely wait until 110 or 120k, making sure I'm under the 9 year portion of 90k miles or 9 years service schedule for my '05. There may be some uncertainty as to whether that 9 years applies to pre-05.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/855750-post10.html

 

[HOJeepster]

Approaching 90k myself, I've been paying attention to this for a couple of years. Personally, from what I've seen, I'm not in a hurry and will likely wait until 110 or 120k, making sure I'm under the 9 year portion of 90k miles or 9 years service schedule for my '05. There may be some uncertainty as to whether that 9 years applies to pre-05.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/855750-post10.html

I just experienced this same issue. I had 99k miles on the truck, and knew it could probably go another 10k. But, I want the truck to last and I didn't feel like risking a blown belt due to the engine damage I was reading about on here...I replaced the timing belt, drive belt, spark plugs, tranny fluid, diff fluid, powering steering flush, and oil changed...this ***** is running much smoother now and I'm glad I did all the maintainence...but I think you'll be ok.

 

[Lineman]

Its a 2003.. Its 6 years or 90K miles. Your 6 years was up in 2009..

You definately need to change it now. Also, if you have a motorcycle to ride, sell the motorcycle and change the belt and water pump or else don't complain when you have to replace the engine :sobbing:

Ok so long story short I have some very unforeseen circumstances which are going to completely drain my funds and I am not going to have the cash to get my timing belt changed this year. Question is do you think I can let it go for another 10 to 12 months? It has 99k miles on it now and it won't get driven much this summer since I will be riding my motorcycle alot to and from work. What do you guys think?

 

[progress4m]

I know this is not a direct answer to your question but, how about do the belt yourself? That will save you some cash.
I am entertaining doing the belt myself for my truck when time will come. I have done it on my 3.4 L in third generation and hardest part was removing the crank pulley bolt, but from the info I have seen you can use air tool for crank pulley bolt removal on 4ht gen 4Runners.

Below is a link to a very detailed write-up for timing belt replacement. It is for Land Cruiser, but as you know LC and 4Runner has the same engine.

M3 PINK: Changing it up! Toyota Land Cruiser 2UZ-FE Timing Belt Change

BTW: this LC was 12 years old and had the original belt with 187 K on it:wow:, so I would say you have some time.

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

Well I would love to sell the motorcycles anybody want an 09 R6 or a 2011 Harley Davidson Street Glide?

But I have also considered trading the 4runner in for a new or used Camry SE they are fairly cheap and get good mileage?

Basicaly my wife decided she wanted a divorce while I am deployed and now I will be moving out and paying a ton in child support so extra cash is going to be non existent.

It had 98k on it when I bought it so I drove it for a month before I deployed

 

[Burt]

Sounds like you have more important things to deal with. I would let it go until next year.

 

[zerowkul98]

Let it be known, im a "do it now!" kinda guy, as i dont like to gamble and i enjoy peave of mind, but id agree with the previous poster that you got bigger fish to fry.

My 03 got the Timing Belt + 90k maint. done a few months ago, and here's how i got the best deal: I called 3-4 dealership shops and got quotes for the work (made sure to note that i wanted a new water pump as well) and the quotes ranged from $1300 -$2200 (mind you EVERYTHING'S more expensive up here in MA.). I basically went to the shop i trusted, asked if they could do it for the price their competition quoted me and i got $2400 worth of work done for $1300 (they found i needed a PS fluid flush, and i agreed, so it brought it up to $1420).

My serp. belt was squeeking, and at the time it had 85k on it. I bit the bullet and got it done, and i was glad i did cuz of what was found: My water pump WAS LEAKING but the leaking fluid wasnt escaping the pump housing. Check out the graphic.

Good luck, and btw Happy Vet's Day and thanks for your service!

 

[Drinkin40s]

Mine was done yesterday @ 102k. My water pump was leaking internally as well. Glad I didn't wait too long.

 

[Lineman]

Wait, you have a 2009 R6 and a 2011 Street Glide to ride in the summer but don't have have $800 to change timing belt/water pump :wow2:

You will not be able to be divorced until you return from deployment. No judge would do this. Also, how do you know you'll be paying a ton in child support??? Why not fight for custody??

You could always agree to an amount with your soon to be ex-wife. For example $600 month, she signs and judge would agree. Don't let the state decide the amount. You will get hammered.

Also, make sure she signs over all rights to any retirement benefits in your future.

Well I would love to sell the motorcycles anybody want an 09 R6 or a 2011 Harley Davidson Street Glide?

But I have also considered trading the 4runner in for a new or used Camry SE they are fairly cheap and get good mileage?

Basicaly my wife decided she wanted a divorce while I am deployed and now I will be moving out and paying a ton in child support so extra cash is going to be non existent.

It had 98k on it when I bought it so I drove it for a month before I deployed

 

[MikeInNH]

Can you wait a year...possibly....But it's a gamble. And for me the stakes are too high to risk it. This is an interference engine...If the belt breaks there's a good chance you're looking at buying a new/used engine.

 

[CXS]

Of course it's a risk but the PO of mine didn't do it so I did at 107k. As a side note I never did my old Camry (non-interference) and it went to 238,000 miles.

 

[Outlander257]

FWIW...I bought an 03 V8 Limited with 104,000 miles in late August. According to the service record, there was no sign it had the belt or water pump replaced. Shortly thereafter I had the dealership change out the belt and water pump. According to the service tech, the old belt showed signs of minor wear, and the water pump had some minor seepage.

The $725 I paid...after a 20% off coupon...was well worth the peace of mind.

From the picture, your rig looks pretty important to you...I'd do it. Look for service specials and coupons from dealerships.

Good luck!

 

[Sungod]

I replaced my timing belt on my 03 a few weeks ago. It has 130k. The belt looked good, but there is no way of telling when it would go. I also replaced the serpentine belt as well. That looked bad. I don't think I had much longer on it. Obviously it is a gamble waiting, but that is up to you.

 

[ClockWork]

Look at the WP in particular. Check the TB too, if it looks fine - it will be for another year.

Toyota is very very overly conservative.

 

[cabowally]

Its a 2003.. Its 6 years or 90K miles. Your 6 years was up in 2009..

You definately (sic) need to change it now. Also, if you have a motorcycle to ride, sell the motorcycle and change the belt and water pump or else don't complain when you have to replace the engine :sobbing:

Jesus, could you be any more of a condescending bully know-it-all? Who do you think you are: Toyota's VP of Owners Service Compliance Nazi?


"Wait, you have a 2009 R6 and a 2011 Street Glide to ride in the summer but don't have have $800 to change timing belt/water pump

You will not be able to be divorced until you return from deployment. No judge would do this. Also, how do you know you'll be paying a ton in child support??? Why not fight for custody??

You could always agree to an amount with your soon to be ex-wife. For example $600 month, she signs and judge would agree. Don't let the state decide the amount. You will get hammered.

Also, make sure she signs over all rights to any retirement benefits in your future."

Whoa: you a lawyer too?

I've got 4 suggestions for you:

1. The guy is armed services: Show him the respect he deserves.
2. He's in a bad place right now: A little sensitivity would be in order.
3. STFU!
4. MYOB!

At 10am this morning I had the ORIGINAL timing belt, belt tensioner and idler pulley replaced on a 2000 v8 Tundra with 190,206 miles on it.

Three months ago, I unloaded a 2003 v8 4Runner with 140,000 miles on it and at 140k it still had the ORIGINAL timing belt in it.

So, I submit to you:

1. You pretty much don't know what you are talking about in general but specifically in "real-world" application of Toyota product,and;

2. You're sort of a jerk.

hamiltonj2w1:

Don't worry about the belt. As you can see, there are a number of owners not worried about the belt well into the low 100k range. The vehicle will be fine.

Good luck with everything else and thanks for your service.

peace.













.

 

[Casper421]

Wait, you have a 2009 R6 and a 2011 Street Glide to ride in the summer but don't have have $800 to change timing belt/water pump :wow2:

You will not be able to be divorced until you return from deployment. No judge would do this. Also, how do you know you'll be paying a ton in child support??? Why not fight for custody??

You could always agree to an amount with your soon to be ex-wife. For example $600 month, she signs and judge would agree. Don't let the state decide the amount. You will get hammered.

Also, make sure she signs over all rights to any retirement benefits in your future.

:bravo: I hope you feel better about yourself because you unleased on someone else!! You wasted a post and everyone on this thread is now dumber for having to read what you wrote! Next time you have a thought, keep it to yourself! IMHO :cheers:

 

[ur7x]

If it helps your situation, my 2003 limited had its belt done this year at 120,000 miles. And the dealer did NOT replace the pump. Total cost, out the door, $350.

You only need to replace the pump if it is leaking. If you have been servicing the coolant regularly the pump will likely be fine... If you have neglected your coolant, get ready to replace not only the pump, but the heater core and the radiator too.

Internal leaks are easy to find too... Look at your surge tank... is it low? Does it change? No? Then your pump is not leaking.

Oh and thank you for your service to the country!