Gen4 timing belt R&R, special tooling and documentation needed???

[blackd0g]

Timing chain replacement

Ok, So I have a 2003 SE V6 and I was going to have the timing belt replaced as per the factory recommendations. However, the mechanic I'm working with says it has a chain and it doesn't need replaced (I'm @ 120K). I also saw someone else mention that chains don't need replaced. What gives? Is it necessary or not?

Ben

 

[96dcmss]

Re: Timing chain replacement

Ok, So I have a 2003 SE V6 and I was going to have the timing belt replaced as per the factory recommendations. However, the mechanic I'm working with says it has a chain and it doesn't need replaced (I'm @ 120K). I also saw someone else mention that chains don't need replaced. What gives? Is it necessary or not?

Ben

your mechanic is correct. As already stated above, 4th gen V6 has NO timing belt. It uses a timing chain that requires no replacing.

 

[spo0587]

Hey does anyone know where I can get the upper and lower radiator hoses for my 4.7 V8 4Runner? All the online part stores only have them for the V6! Also, 96dcmss, I recently had the timing belt,serpentine belt, and water pump replaced, but only the belt, not the idler pulley or tensioner. Should I be worried? Today, my coworker got his Audi back from the dealer today after being in the shop for about a month. He bought it from a friend and it "had all the 100K maint done, including timing belt" Long story short, he got stranded in traffic, and a month, $1,700 later he found out that the idler pulley split and caused the belt to get the timing off. Should I see about going back in and changing them?

 

[96dcmss]

I wouldn't worry about your idlers. They will get noisey before they fail....if they fail. I personally never saw one come apart. Who knows about audi.....

If you had it done by a good tech, they would have inspected the idlers.

Most people just change them to be safe, and save the labor expense later IF the idlers were to go bad. I have seen them with 150+K miles on them with no issues, and some with 90 or so that had noise.

If it's quiet then your fine.

 

[spo0587]

True, thanks. I am not going to worry because it's all quiet. My mechanic checked it when he changed it, and he would have pointed that if it needed to be addressed. Next up is spark plugs and changing the trans fluid.

 

[Techsan]

So how much should one expect to pay for a timing belt replacement?

My dealership says mine should be replaced soon.

 

[spo0587]

The timing belt applies to the V8 only, and is called for replacement at 90K. I went 97K before replacement. Also, the water pump will also need to be replaced. Look at spending $800-$900 for the kit and labor. However, that is the stealer, and everyone else is cheaper.

 

[A/V1]

The timing belt applies to the V8 only, and is called for replacement at 90K. I went 97K before replacement. Also, the water pump will also need to be replaced. Look at spending $800-$900 for the kit and labor. However, that is the stealer, and everyone else is cheaper.

Yeah, I wish. One dealer quoted me $1050 + tax (minus 10% coupon they are throwing in) for timing belt and water pump R&R, and another quoted me $900 + tax. They are charging $500 for labor, and the rest for parts (and that does NOT include tensioner, idlers, etc). Ouch!

Have any of you guys bought your parts online and taken them to your dealer for the labor? Just wondering how they reacted. If the online dealers are cheaper, I may see if my dealer will match it.

I think I could do it myself, but really don't want to risk it. I can definitely see something going wrong. It never fails. I'd rather have the dealership be held liable if something goes wrong.

EDIT: I just checked a local reputable repair shop and they quoted me $320 for the labor to replace the timing belt, water pump, tensioner & idlers. I just need to buy the parts from an online Toyo dealer (Conicelli, 1st Toyota Parts, Toyota discount parts).

I think I just figured out who's going to do the work.