Another Timing Belt Question

T

Tri C

New member
I've looked through many of the old threads about V6 timing belt replacement. Most folks here seem to agree that this service should be performed at 90K. Some cite the owner's manual as the source for this recommendation. Yet the manual (at least for '98) says only that it should be replaced at 90K if the vehicle is subjected to heavy service (such as a taxi).

Why this disparity?

If it's not to be done at 90K, when should it be replaced (the manual only goes up to 120K)?
 
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I would look at the belt carefully looking for cracks or chipping on the inner belt surface. Its relatively cheap to replace it compared to what happens if it slips or breaks.
 
Assuming he has a 3rd gen then nothing bad will happen if it breaks. He will need a tow for sure, but no other damage will be done. The 3.4 is a non interference motor.

If you read the fine print almost everyone fits into the severe use category. Things like short trips and dirt roads are enough to bump you into the shorter intervals.
 
I would make this suggestion, at the next service you have done, ask the mechanic (if you trust him) how bad the timing belt needs to be replaced. When the timing belt was replaced on my t4r it didnt really need to be done, it was more or less something that was done to prevent being stranded when it did poop the bed.

Only bother asking the mechanic if he/she is someone you trust, otherwise you will most likely be told it needs to be done, just for the extra cash flow
 
pat161 said:
Assuming he has a 3rd gen then nothing bad will happen if it breaks. He will need a tow for sure, but no other damage will be done. The 3.4 is a non interference motor.

If you read the fine print almost everyone fits into the severe use category. Things like short trips and dirt roads are enough to bump you into the shorter intervals.
Click to expand...

Actually, the fine print (page 31 of the '98 owner's manual supplement , part 1) is quite explicit:

"If the vehicle is operated under extensive idling or low-
speed driving for long distances as in heavy commercial
use such as delivery, taxi, or patrol car, replace the
timing belt every 90,000 miles."

It's hard to see how "...almost everyone fits..." into that category.

I'm beginning to think that a great many 4Runner owners have been sold a bill of goods on this issue.
 
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I have 97,000 miles and I have not changed my belt. I have read members going 120,000, 160,000 miles and even 200,000 with the same belt.

Since I keep cars for a long time, I am thinking of doing it at 120,000 miles then when I get to 240,000 miles I may not change it, as that is usually when I get rid of a car.

Now, I had a Acura with a interference engine that needed changing the belt every 60,000 miles. After 200,000 miles that added up.
 
I'm a tech at a Toyota dealer. I just changed my timing belt last week on my T4R at 105k miles. The way the timing belt is routed, it tnds to last a long time compared to other setups, but you'd rather not take the chance, ya know
 
I have got a '98 with 73K miles. I just pulled the cover off and the belt still looks great. I am going to check it again and more than likely just do it @ 90K.
 
I did mine at 80. I had the money at the time So i did..No big deal.
I went to Competition Toyo in Middle island they have a pretty good staff there.... I will be bringing her back shortly for some more work.
then maybe a Sequioa...!
 
No foolin?
hahaha i'll be back there shortly.. I'm planning to drive down to Fla this winter Dragging my new jetski with me. I'm going to go to Riva motorsports and have them do some work on it then to play for a while.
How long have you been there? I bought it new in 97 when it was middle island toyo. I bought it from Vinny, last i heard he sells for bwm at the east end of sunrise hi way.

I also might bring her in for a wiper motor making a racket when being used..
You guys did my exhaust not too long ago, actually twice. the first one rusted- well this one too but i'm not going to worry about it..
the front staff out there have a habit of talking me into anything..... i'll let you know when i'm going to be there next
 
i've been there about 2.5 years...if you ever see the millennium silver lifted 4 runner with the roof basket out back, that's me....my name is Bryan, btw
 
I see your truck all the time! or what i think is your truck... michelle, brought me through me back truck bay one time i was there. i wanted to speak to the tech that was working on my truck.he was working on it in the back garage, thats when i saw it.... it's a great truck. i think you park it in the same place most of the time right? you have the super/turbo charger in it right? think you guys can get me factory bumper for it front/ rear? i need to replace mine ain't had much luck with finding an aftermarket i like.
[email protected]
 
yeah I used to park it right outside my bay door, but now we have to park wayy in the back of the lot. no supercharger...yet...hehe...but yeah, we can get you the bumpers, your best bet would be to call parts in advance and haved them order them up so theyre here and ready to go when you bring the truck in.
 
Thanks for the reply...
Do you hang out with any of the other T4R's on the island? do you guys go anywhere? I think that group from CT are pretty active they do things, Go places.. and generally Talk Toyo.. I replied to the section on LI'ERS who have trucks but the reply has gone unanswered.
I already asked if they could get me the bumpers.. the price was not too bad, but it was at that point i thought i might be able to get something aftermarket that might make it look a little better- but i guess stock IS best. I'll have it there before i leave for fla. Michelle said i better! I might have them do the wiper motor too.. or myself.. i dunno yet. Do you have an email? I'll send you a pic or 2 of my truck. and something else i thought was funny..
 
I am will be changing my belt at 150k. Almost all recommendations are at least half of what is really needed. Oil changes included.
 
peter78 said:
I have 97,000 miles and I have not changed my belt. I have read members going 120,000, 160,000 miles and even 200,000 with the same belt.
Click to expand...


elemint said:
I am will be changing my belt at 150k. Almost all recommendations are at least half of what is really needed. Oil changes included.
Click to expand...

I rest my case.
 
Well, having weighed the pros and cons, it's now in for a new timing belt at 121K.

Two factors were decisive:

1) It's 10 years old (a '98) and my son will be taking to back to school with him in Oklahoma in January where the heat is likely to be tough on it; and

2) The Toyota store is charging $635 for the service. While not the lowest figure I've seen, it least it's not real high and so worth doing for peace of mind.
 
Rolling up on 115k here on the orig belt.
Figure I'll look into changing it around 120...if I've gathered enough info and more importantly, gathered the gumption to tackle the project myself.
 
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