purchased a 2001 limited with 57k, Timing belt question

[Dawgz]

I made a thread about the trans oil but also had questions about the timing belt and water pump. The car has seen 57k miles but the car has still seen 13 years. With this low milage is it necessary to still do the timing belt change right now or can I wait till the 90k interval?

Better judgement is telling me to do the belt but I'm not so sure if it's needed right now.....these are also non interference engines from what I'm reading.

 

[amalik]

You are under the interval... but with that said, take the 10mm bolts off the timing cover off and scoot it forward a little (Also move the clip on the upper radiator hose away)... You should be able to spot the condition of it.

 

[Dawgz]

You are under the interval... but with that said, take the 10mm bolts off the timing cover off and scoot it forward a little (Also move the clip on the upper radiator hose away)... You should be able to spot the condition of it.

If I remove the upper radiator hose won't it spill coolant?

 

[amalik]

If I remove the upper radiator hose won't it spill coolant?

read what I said again -- the steel clip tightening the upper hose to the port -- take needle nose pliers and move it back towards the grill/other side of the hose.

then there are 3 or 4 visible 10mm bolts on the timing cover, and one on the lower right that isn't so-visible. remove them and you can move the cover forwards just a bit to see the belt.

57k is nothing for mileage, are you sure you aren't a victim of odometer fraud ?

 

[Dawgz]

read what I said again -- the steel clip tightening the upper hose to the port -- take needle nose pliers and move it back towards the grill/other side of the hose.

then there are 3 or 4 visible 10mm bolts on the timing cover, and one on the lower right that isn't so-visible. remove them and you can move the cover forwards just a bit to see the belt.

57k is nothing for mileage, are you sure you aren't a victim of odometer fraud ?

I have the car fax and the milage is well documented lol.

 

[amalik]

That low of mileage isnt always a good thing btw. Sounds like the truck sat for a while.

 

[Dawgz]

Anyone else?

 

[segafan1989]

I bought a 2002 with 54K on it in January and asked the same question. I got different opinions from lots of people on here. I went ahead and bought the timing kit from aircabinman on ebay, but I have not installed it yet. We're both due based on time but I'm going to continue on until I hit 60K and then I'll swap it out. Regardless of the opinions on here, you're the one taking the risk and accepting the responsibility. I say check the condition by following said instructions above and if it checks out okay then let ride until you feel it needs to be changed.

Hell, I may even let mine go to 100K

 

[Kanger328]

This prob won't help much, but I'm of the opinion that buying an older used vehicle warrants a "baseline" of all recommended maintenance. Tune up, all fluids, etc...including timing belt and water pump. This way your truck gets a good freshening and your mind is at ease.

 

[maine runner]

I have owned my 1999 since 2001 and it has really low miles, just hit 118K after 1k mile move.

I did the water pump and all belts at 89k and 10 years due to my piece of mind. I also replaced the rear shocks too.

I say replace them.

 

[Millerad1651]

The timing belt is rated for 90k or 6 years. The belt can break down over time, even if it hasn't been used for the full 90k.

That said, if you don't change it, its not a huge deal if it breaks when you're driving. You'll just be stuck were you are and need to be towed.

 

[Supermoney]

I'd say replace it, its been 13 years, might as well for the peace of mind.

 

[vanion2]

I'm with the peace of mind crowd. Show your 4R some love now and it will love you back for many miles to come.

 

[hawaiian05]

This prob won't help much, but I'm of the opinion that buying an older used vehicle warrants a "baseline" of all recommended maintenance. Tune up, all fluids, etc...including timing belt and water pump. This way your truck gets a good freshening and your mind is at ease.

I agree with this completely. Buying an older vehicle, regardless of mileage, calls for a full service maintenance. It'll make your purchase that much more enjoyable!

 

[Dawgz]

I never updated this thread...I went ahead and just had everything done. Timing belt, water pump, tensioner, hoses, etc.
I just did the valve cover, spark plug grommets, pcv, spark plugs, plug wires and slapped a supercharger on as well.

 

[Dawgz]

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