97' Time belt change
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Ron Helmuth
Senior Member
60K intervals I believe
Your timing belt should have been done at about 60K miles.
Pull your VIN# and take it or phone it in to a Toyota dealership to see what you can learn about your vehicle that way.
I find it hard to believe it would never yet have been done.
What could happen-it will break and leave you stranded-unable to run. However it will not cause engine damage if it breaks.
I am no mechanic. Search for threads like "timing belt" on this forum or YOTATECH. Read up. Usually the water pump is replaced at the same time as preventative maintenance. Maybe change out the belts while you are at it.
Your timing belt should have been done at about 60K miles.
Pull your VIN# and take it or phone it in to a Toyota dealership to see what you can learn about your vehicle that way.
I find it hard to believe it would never yet have been done.
What could happen-it will break and leave you stranded-unable to run. However it will not cause engine damage if it breaks.
I am no mechanic. Search for threads like "timing belt" on this forum or YOTATECH. Read up. Usually the water pump is replaced at the same time as preventative maintenance. Maybe change out the belts while you are at it.
AF808fighter
New member
It WILL cause engine damage, if you snap the T-belt going over say 35mph or more importantly higher RPMs, you can plan on at least a new head. When the T-belt snaps while you're driving the valves drop and get smashed by the pistons, usually bending a valve and or breaking a piston. I bought my 97 with 99,000 and had the belt changed along with the water pump just to be safe. If you go buy the parts your self (t-belt/water pump) the whole job with labor should be no more than $500. I have an engine for life warranty and would still rather avoid a mishap. Those motors are way too pricey!!
The 5vzfe is a non-interference engine. Meaning that if the timing belt breaks, the pistons WILL NOT hit the valves.
Some engines are interference motors, but the 5vzfe is not.
:
Originally the timing belt replacement schedule was 60,000 miles. On later engines they increased that to 90,000 miles.
I don't know about any aftermarket timing belts. But the OEM Toyota timing belt comes with a sticker that is to be filled out with the date/mileage of replacement, and is placed on the timing belt cover.
If there is no sticker, it's likely that the timing belt hasn't been replaced. In which case it would be a good idea to replace it, so you aren't stranded at an inopportune time.
Some engines are interference motors, but the 5vzfe is not.
: Originally the timing belt replacement schedule was 60,000 miles. On later engines they increased that to 90,000 miles.
I don't know about any aftermarket timing belts. But the OEM Toyota timing belt comes with a sticker that is to be filled out with the date/mileage of replacement, and is placed on the timing belt cover.
If there is no sticker, it's likely that the timing belt hasn't been replaced. In which case it would be a good idea to replace it, so you aren't stranded at an inopportune time.
ron70062
New member
I look at it this way. For the peace of mind I have KNOWing for FACT that it has a new T-belt and water pump, it's worth every dime. I bought a 2001 Sport with 86000 . I got it for a great price , so I figured I came out ahead either way by changing out the parts. I wouldnt be able to go anywhere and enjoy myself and the ride if that was always in the back of my mind......AKA (Sh-t...I hope the blt or the pump holds out ). If it doesnt have a sticker showing that it's new...bite the bullet and put out the green stuff. if a private seller tell's me me , " Oh Sure..just had er done" , am I willing to just take his word for it ????? NOT !!!!
AF808fighter
New member
I had no idea that the T-belt on a 4runner wouldn't cause damage!! Good to have the piece of mind now.
working in toyota dealerships over the years I see the people who get their t/belts done every 60k even before and i also see the people who take the wait and see aproach. At 60k the belt still looks brand new. At 90k the belt looks used and at 120k the belt is just starting to show glazing on the water pump side and
the threads are poling out at the edges. Most wait and see customers have tbelt failure in their driveway at startup, and if left up to the belt AVERAGE failure mileage is 130-140 k. To my knowledge the V8 tundra motor is the only interference motor toyota builds. It is not a horrible driveway/hand tool type job. Biggest two hurdles are breaking the crank bolt loose and compressing the tensioner to reinstall the belt.
the threads are poling out at the edges. Most wait and see customers have tbelt failure in their driveway at startup, and if left up to the belt AVERAGE failure mileage is 130-140 k. To my knowledge the V8 tundra motor is the only interference motor toyota builds. It is not a horrible driveway/hand tool type job. Biggest two hurdles are breaking the crank bolt loose and compressing the tensioner to reinstall the belt.
If the belt was changed they will most likely have anotated it somehow in the engine bay, usually with a yellow marker or a sticker with mileage written in it if it was done at toyota. Take a look at the pic.
Mine has been done 2x the first at 69k and the second at 169k, you can see the markings from the 69k change, the marks for the second are lower behind the rad hose and not visible in the pic, but you can see 2-06 the water pump was also done.
Mine has been done 2x the first at 69k and the second at 169k, you can see the markings from the 69k change, the marks for the second are lower behind the rad hose and not visible in the pic, but you can see 2-06 the water pump was also done.
Mr. Dabadina
New member
If I want the "norm" done on replacing timing belt, other belts, and water pump, what do need to order? I want to purchase parts my self and have someone replace it. A list would be great.
AF808fighter
New member
Order a T-belt and water pump. Ask your mechanic to give you back the old water pump as you get a core refund of about $20.
peter78
Super Moderator
Mr. Dabadina said:
Here is something from Thai:
Thai said:
In the quote from Thai is a great link on how to install the belt. Here it is again:
http://www.toy4x4.net/timing_belt/index.htm
4BangerRunner
New member
Toyota told my son his '97 was due at 90k...which is when he had it done. He's got just at 200k now, and had it done at 180k -- every 90k! My wife bought a '98 with 120k on it, and the sticker said it had been done at 110k. My son's '98 was done at 100k, and the dealer said it didn't look "too bad" - so he said he'll just have it changed every 100k.... Lucky me - the 2.7 4 cylinder doesn't have that "problem" 
