90k V8 timing belt replacement?

[Andy04]

I've searched a bunch regarding this, but couldn't find a definitive answer....

I recently bought a used 2004 4Runner V8 4wd. It has ~103k miles on it. I registered at the Toyota site to find all of the maintenance history on the truck (I didn't know that was even possible until yesterday), and was pleased to see that the previous owner religiously had the oil changed, fluids changed, followed the various recommended maintenance intervals, etc.

However... at around 90,000 miles, the truck was brought in for the "90,000 mile standard" service. Nowhere does it say the timing belt (or water pump, for that matter) was replaced. I called the dealer, and they didn't really have any more info than I got through the Toyota website. But the service guy did check to see all the the 90k mile standard service entails, and he said it requires them to check all drive belts, which includes the timing belt, but they're not required to changed it unless it looks like it needs it. So, presumably it looked good, and the timing belt was therefore not changed.

Does this sound right to anyone else? Has anyone else had the dealer tell them the belt doesn't need to be changed? I'll probably replace it anyway within the next year or so just for peace of mind, but I thought it was odd that it would be an optional replacement item.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

If the timing belt was changed there should be a white sticker with the mileage and date on the front part of the motor, usually on the cam pulley black plastic cover on the front of the driver side head.

 

[USAFAMMO]

Ditto on that. I've got a sticker showing the mileage and date it was replaced. IMO if they said they inspected the belt, why not change it? They are not meant to go 180K miles. Get it changed or risk a major problem down the road.

 

[Andy04]

Sorry, I should have made my question more clear.

I'm not wondering if my t-belt was changed, or when/why it should be changed. My question is if the dealer's 90k standard service doesn't, in fact, dictate that the belt be replaced, but rather dictates that the belt be inspected and only replaced if it looks like it's in bad shape. Has anyone else had the dealer perform the 90k standard service and not change the t-belt?

 

[message]

When I purchased my 4runner with 118k, and had the timing belt changed, the service tech said the belt was showing typical signs of wear.
I have heard of guys going much longer, but personally I'd get it changed since it's cheaper than buying a new engine if the belt were to go out.

 

[M1911]

If the timing belt was changed there should be a white sticker with the mileage and date on the front part of the motor, usually on the cam pulley black plastic cover on the front of the driver side head.

This. If you don't see the sticker, then they didn't change the belt.

The timing belt needs to be changed at 90k miles. It isn't just an inspection and leave it if it looks OK. If the timing belt breaks, you're probably looking at a new engine.

 

[Nuke]

I've never heard of checking it at 90K and if it looks good, leave it.

 

[scottm]

You may be able to pull a cover back and take a peek at the belt to determine if it's fairly new. The back side runs on a couple pulleys and will wear the lettering off. This is mine at 100k, on an '03 Land Cruiser. If the lettering is crisp and clear it does not have 90k on it.

 

[williamZ]

I've done a couple Lexus V8 timing belts at 100K and by the looks of the belts they could have gone to 120K easy. I would feel confident on letting mine go to 120K.