Seen videos online and got manuals on how to tackle this timing belt job my vehicle is due for. Anyone who’s done it have any recommendations, tips, or advice before going into it? I’m a diesel mechanic so I’m not really used to working on cars but I’m pretty handy and have tools. I also live in the Midwest so snow and salt are a battle. It’s my only vehicle so I don’t want to down it.
Tackling Timing Belt Job on 4.7
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sundance21
New member
If you can work on a diesel you can do this. Take your time. Don't put a hole in the radiator. In fact, take it out to avoid it. Take pictures before you take it apart to use as reference putting it back together. Buy Aisin kit with water pump and tensioner. Tensioner often goes out on many vehicles around 150,000.
xtremewlr
Member
Agreed.
I have one similar to this. The actual one I got isn't available on Amazon right now.
Amazon.com: for Toyota/Lexus Crankshaft Damper Pulley Holding Holder Harmonic Tool with 2PCS Crank Bolts: Automotive
Good time to do the valve cover gaskets too. Use OEM for those.
This is the Aisin timing belt kit I used and is highly recommended by many - Amazon.com: Aisin TKT-021 Engine Timing Belt Kit with Water Pump: Automotive
I also replaced the accessory belt and idler pulleys while I was at it since that all needs to come off anyhow. Used GATES 90K38488 from Rockauto - GATES 90K38488 Belt Drive Component Kit | RockAuto
Ordered that puppy up. Thanks for the heads up though.
Thanks for the heads up. Now that I think about it I do have a small valve cover leak. So I have 111,000 miles on this guy and it’s a 2003. How do you think this thing is gonna look like? Has been garage kept and maintained at a toyota dealer until I bought it about 3-4 months ago. From what I’ve read and seen the belts look damn near new when doing the procedure. Not gonna chance it that much but just wondering what you’ve come across.
waypoint
Member
Are you sure the timing belt hasn't already been replaced, given it's been maintained at a dealer?
I'd gather up maintenance records and verify it before opening it up.
Hit up Toyota and create an account w/ your truck's VIN at Track Your Service Records with Your Toyota Owners Account
I did this with my '07 4Runner when I bought it, and all the prior dealer service under the original owner was there waiting to be seen.
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I just did the timing belt, etc on my Tundra. Exact same engine.
Take the radiator out. It's not difficult and definitely easier than leaving it in and damaging it.
Might as well drain your block (one on each side) and get all the old coolant out while you're there, cause a lot is coming out when you remove the water pump.
The tool I have to hold the crank is like this. It also works on the 1MZ-FE, 3MZ-FE, etc.
I use an older Craftsman steering wheel puller that looks like this to get the crank pulley off.
You don't have to disconnect the power steering pump hoses, just tie it up out of the way. The hoses have enough slack. Same with the alternator and its wiring.
The air conditioning compressor doesn't have to come all the way off, but you do have remove the bolts that goes through it into the bracket that the fan, etc sits on.
It's not a difficult procedure, just keep track of where all the bolts/nuts go. There's a lot that comes off along with studs that pass through the water pump, and it can be like doing a puzzle if you don't keep notes or something. If you're not careful, it's possible to put the alternator on at the wrong time and it will be cockeyed. If it feels like you're doing something in the wrong order, trust your instincts.
If you're into replacing things "while you're in there", the serpentine belt tensioner has to come off....it was around $55 at my local NAPA.
The Aisin timing kits are good and complete as well as being OEM.
I'll send you an exploded diagram of everything in a message. I'm not sure if I can post it publicly.
Take the radiator out. It's not difficult and definitely easier than leaving it in and damaging it.
Might as well drain your block (one on each side) and get all the old coolant out while you're there, cause a lot is coming out when you remove the water pump.
The tool I have to hold the crank is like this. It also works on the 1MZ-FE, 3MZ-FE, etc.
I use an older Craftsman steering wheel puller that looks like this to get the crank pulley off.
You don't have to disconnect the power steering pump hoses, just tie it up out of the way. The hoses have enough slack. Same with the alternator and its wiring.
The air conditioning compressor doesn't have to come all the way off, but you do have remove the bolts that goes through it into the bracket that the fan, etc sits on.
It's not a difficult procedure, just keep track of where all the bolts/nuts go. There's a lot that comes off along with studs that pass through the water pump, and it can be like doing a puzzle if you don't keep notes or something. If you're not careful, it's possible to put the alternator on at the wrong time and it will be cockeyed. If it feels like you're doing something in the wrong order, trust your instincts.
If you're into replacing things "while you're in there", the serpentine belt tensioner has to come off....it was around $55 at my local NAPA.
The Aisin timing kits are good and complete as well as being OEM.
I'll send you an exploded diagram of everything in a message. I'm not sure if I can post it publicly.
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I guess I'm stupid and can't see where to attach pics in a message unless they're hosted somewhere. Shoot me a message on this site with your email address and I'll email them to you.
I'll be snowmobiling Sat and Sun, so if you don't see this till Saturday morning, I won't see your message till Sunday evening.
I'll be snowmobiling Sat and Sun, so if you don't see this till Saturday morning, I won't see your message till Sunday evening.
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Yeah I checked maintenance history on Toyota’s website. Has everything that’s been done on the vehicle even the windshield wipers would be replaced there but there was not a single mentioning of a timing belt on the records for some odd reason.
BigNuge
New member
I’ve done this on my old 03 4R, and now on my current build (02 Sequoia). Not a bad job at all.
Like others have said, plan on removing the radiator to give yourself room to work. Definitely do a coolant flush at that time (just prior to the timing belt job). I did a Gates serpentine kit at the same time as well, comes with tensioner, idler, and a Gates serpentine belt. Good kit.
One note on the timing belt kit. Like others have said, the Aisin kit is the one to get. Be sure you get the kit that includes the hydraulic tensioner. When I was looking for the kit for my Sequoia I noticed that they sold kits that did not include that tensioner. Not sure why, it’s foolish not to do it while you’re in there!
As a mechanic you know how to turn wrenches I’m sure, you’ll be fine doing this.
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Like others have said, plan on removing the radiator to give yourself room to work. Definitely do a coolant flush at that time (just prior to the timing belt job). I did a Gates serpentine kit at the same time as well, comes with tensioner, idler, and a Gates serpentine belt. Good kit.
One note on the timing belt kit. Like others have said, the Aisin kit is the one to get. Be sure you get the kit that includes the hydraulic tensioner. When I was looking for the kit for my Sequoia I noticed that they sold kits that did not include that tensioner. Not sure why, it’s foolish not to do it while you’re in there!
As a mechanic you know how to turn wrenches I’m sure, you’ll be fine doing this.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I cheated and did mine while bringing it back from the dead. The entire radiator support was already just about out so I took advantage.
But like others have mentioned, just pull the radiator to give yourself some room and you'll be in business. Mine was out of florida with no rust on anything so it all came apart really easy. I've seen other T4R's that would require nothing less than a plasma cutter to get some stuff off so that plays a role too lol.
With regards to the crank holder, i'm a shade tree mechanic.. have never used one in my life, and since these cars have the bump start ignition you can't undo it with by jamming a breaker bar and bumping the starter. I opted to just jam some nylon rope into the #1 cylinder to lock it out. Work like a dream and gave me both hands on the breaker bar.
Other than that, if you turn wrenches regularly, it isn't half bad. I did both belts, water pump, all pulleys, all plugs and valve cover gaskets while I was at it.
But like others have mentioned, just pull the radiator to give yourself some room and you'll be in business. Mine was out of florida with no rust on anything so it all came apart really easy. I've seen other T4R's that would require nothing less than a plasma cutter to get some stuff off so that plays a role too lol.
With regards to the crank holder, i'm a shade tree mechanic.. have never used one in my life, and since these cars have the bump start ignition you can't undo it with by jamming a breaker bar and bumping the starter. I opted to just jam some nylon rope into the #1 cylinder to lock it out. Work like a dream and gave me both hands on the breaker bar.
Other than that, if you turn wrenches regularly, it isn't half bad. I did both belts, water pump, all pulleys, all plugs and valve cover gaskets while I was at it.
Thanks. I should be successful then. I’m sure radiator R&R on a semi truck is more of a pain in the ass than this lol
I'll echo the advice to remove the radiator. I didn't put a hole in mine, but leaning on it opened up a leak.
For the crank pulley, I wrapped the serpentine belt around the pulley so it jammed against itself, and looped the other end over a suspension mount. Basically a DIY strap wrench. I wouldn't recommend it, so if you can get a tool definitely do that.
Getting to the timing belt was the most time consuming part. After that, everything went back together quickly.
For the crank pulley, I wrapped the serpentine belt around the pulley so it jammed against itself, and looped the other end over a suspension mount. Basically a DIY strap wrench. I wouldn't recommend it, so if you can get a tool definitely do that.
Getting to the timing belt was the most time consuming part. After that, everything went back together quickly.
