I have a 2000 SR5 3.4 with 246,000 on it and the timing belt has never been changed. I did water pump, idler, roller bearing and hydraulic tensioner as well . Only problem I had was I was a few teeth off on the left cam. And since I pulled the pin out of the tensioner I had to take the compressor and bracket back off again. Then compress the tensioner in my bench vise and reinsert the pin. This time everything lined up. The new belt had arrows on it. Pretty sweet. Well after 7 hours it fired right up and runs great. Had two codes for mass air and iat. But since I had things unplugged that's expected. Cleared them, drove it and checked again. All good. Idles at 650-700 rpm too. A free tip for breaking the crank bolt loose. Using a long handle 1/2 drive ratchet and 19mm socket , lay it on the frame on the driver side with little to no space between the handle and the frame rail and bump the key. The engines starter will do the work for you. I was shocked how easy it worked.
Did my first timing belt job on a 5vzfe today.
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It was really straight forward. I could've reused all the bearings and even the hydraulic tensioner was still good. But I ordered a kit off eBay for around $140 that had a new belt, gmb bearings, cam seals (didn't go that far) valve cover gaskets (need to be changed but I don't feel like pulling the plenum) a new water pump, various grommets and stuff and the hydraulic tensioner is an Oem toyota part. These 3.4s just don't wear out.
1996_4_runner
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I need to do mine soon. So the kit on eBay came with everything?
1996_4_runner
New member
And a stupid question as well is it hard to do yourself or is it something to let someone else do? And how much do mechanics usually cost! I'm in the south AL area
Unner
New member
I'm in north AL. I did everything on mine, replaced radiator, new drive belts, TB, WP, idler pulleys, tensioner, crank gasket, thermostat, coolant flush, all for $500 myself. Most places wouldn't even give me a quote for all of that saying it was unnecessary to do all that, even though that's what I wanted done. Some idiot at a semi local toyota dealer said they don't even change the WP which is garbage, the WP is what really needs to be changed. The few places that gave me quotes for all of that were $1500+. Just a WP and timing belt was around $800-900. I'd say do it yourself if you are somewhat mechanically inclined.
calimobber
Member
Nice job. Yea I was super nervous about doing mine but I sucked it up and just took my time. I used a $300 kit off ebay and everything worked great. That was about 60k miles ago.
Ive learned alot with my 4runner.
Ive learned alot with my 4runner.
Gonna have to do this next week. Was your kit an oem kit? I found an oem TB and WP kit on Amazon that came with everything needed for around $300. Also did you already know how to do the job? If not, what guide did you go with. There are so many online with little differences and was just wondering what's the best one to follow. Thanks
BamaDrewski
New member
I am in Alabama as well and the first timing belt job was done by the dealer. They replaced the belts, thermostat and waterpump and charged $1,100.
1996_4_runner
New member
That isn't too high. Maybe a local mechanic wouldn't charge as much you think? I think I could do it myself but paying someone to do it lets you point your finger at someone who screwed it up lol
1996_4_runner
New member
What's the best way to tell you need a timing done
stir_fry_boy
New member
It's very hard to tell by looking unless it's frayed or cracked. 120k miles on a timing belt vs 30k miles for example is very difficult to tell. Recommended interval is 9 years or 90k miles whichever comes first.
Some just go until the water pump starts to leak, but you risk overheating if the leaking is not caught in time.
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1996_4_runner
New member
Ah alright! Appreciate that! I was able to snag one off a old lady that bought in new in 1996 so it's in real good shape! It's as factory as it gets lol but I have ideas for it and plan on sharing some pictures soon!!
stir_fry_boy
New member
If it's never been done, it would behoove you to do it since it's a 20 year old belt.
1996_4_runner
New member
I'm not sure if it has. I'm contacting her tomorrow to check! Really appreciate the help!
Yup. I messed up and order it without the hydraulic tensioner and had to email them to get one sent out. It was $45 and a genuine toyota part. They have some for $65 and have the belt, water pump, bearings and gaskets. If you have replaced the tensioner once you don't need to do it each time. It is a pain if you mess up like I did lol
A mechanic I know said if I brought him the parts he'd do it for $200. I had no manual. I'm just a good self taught shade tree. I did a head and timing belt job on a Honda b20 so I felt I could do this.
I have heard mixed opinions on that. I've never had any prior experience with gmb stuff. Seemed well made. The stockers were still smooth, could have left em in haha. We'll it's not driven much so I'm sure it's gonna be ok.
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