So I ordered a full set of belts on eBay for the alternator, ac and power steering. Changed them yesterday. Well the ones that came off were labeled Toyota. And they were really in bad shape. Some had split and separated from the ribs. So I just got to thinking. If the outside belts which are easy to change had never been. What are the odds that the timing belt has 245,000 on it also???? Some people just shouldn't own cars....... (not me, just saying in general) I plan to change it.
Tell me what you think.
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Hesk11dog
New member
They could have been OEM belts as a lot of people on here ONLY use toyota replacement parts. If they were factory and they easily could have been, that doesn't mean that the timing belt was not done. The timing belt is something that can be replaced as preventative maintenance or when people notice wear but it really doesnt matter. If you want peace of mind, I would replace it with out even double thinking it.
Dephcon
New member
It takes a long time for belts to reach a "poor" condition which I think is what the OP is getting at. So if the accessory belts do not appear to be changed, more than likely the timing belt has never been changed. My engine has a sticker on the timing cover with the milage of the last change, been done twice according to the sticker. I believe ebay has timing belt "kits" which use mostly OEM Toyota parts for around $300 making it a very cheap investment if you plan on doing it yourself.
Precisely my point Dephcon. Our 2010 highlander has 130,000 and the original serpentine belt is fine. 15 years and 245,000 is extremely hard on original belts. Haha. The more I look at this rig I realize that while it runs awesome (a testament to Toyota engineering) it hasn't been taken care of. Shocks are original and shot. The rubber bushings in them are wallered out. Axles seals are gone and soaked the drums. I have all the parts for that too.
shocks shot=NEW LIFTimp:
Haha. Naw. It's a 4x2 so I'm keeping it stock height.
True....true....:yo:
98OzarksRunner
New member
If the old belts were Toyota, they were probably replaced by a dealer (or original). Go to toyota.com/owners and register, and enter the VIN. It will give service history of anything done at a Toyota dealer, going back to the mid-2000s. If the TB has been done by a dealer, it should be listed. Won't guarantee it hasn't been done, but it will tell you if it has (and if a bunch of other service is listed but the TB isn't, it probably hasn't been done).
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
The TB service will be written on a sticker on the timing belt cover on the front of the engine, or on the owner's manual (mine was on both).
Just for the record, if your timing belt does brake, all you have to do it get it towed home then fix it. We have non-interference engines so no damage will be done.
Just for the record, if your timing belt does brake, all you have to do it get it towed home then fix it. We have non-interference engines so no damage will be done.
scrapper
New member
I would replace the timing belt unless a visual inspection
renders either a sticker w/ mileage of replacement or a
new fresh looking belt.
In regard to your last statement (and I agree) I've found that the said
people are typically oblivious to the cost of ownership. Spoiled brats, etc. When you pay your own hard earned money to purchase and maintain a vehicle you tend to take care of it.
Scramble
New member
A.Wilson013
New member
My timing belt has been done and all of my belts are OEM Toyota belts... Maybe the PO was a freak like me and only used Toyota belts?
I also don't have a sticker for my timing belt change, or anything in my owners manual.
I do have the receipt from Toyota though.
I also don't have a sticker for my timing belt change, or anything in my owners manual.
I do have the receipt from Toyota though.
animator
New member
I would pop the top cover off and inspect the timing belt. If it looks worn, (cracked, pieces missing) assume that it needs a complete TB/WP service, and replace everything behind the cover.
I put the sticker on mine, and recorded it on the toyota service website. My ink pen has faded on the sticker...
I put the sticker on mine, and recorded it on the toyota service website. My ink pen has faded on the sticker...
maybe some spacers but thats your call. :nod:
papapoopski
New member
It is my understanding that the water pump is what typically will wear before the timing belt.
If the previous owners treatment of the car was not up to your standards, why did you buy it?
If the previous owners treatment of the car was not up to your standards, why did you buy it?
Because as I stated in my very first post on the forum, It was a repo and in pretty decent shape. It had a few small things wrong with it, but I paid $500 for it. It wouldn't stay running and the prior owner let it fo back. I discovered a wire pulled from the ignition control box. And once I fixed it, she ran like a top. Still does!!!
I did pop the top cover off. The belt is cracked pretty good. Guarantee it is original with 245k on it. I read on here some have gone over 200 with the original tb. The problem arises when a car like mine is purchased and resold time and again by dealerships who do in house finance. This thing more than likely has spent most of it's life in this area with no thought to maintenance. But hey, it was cheap and all of this is an easy fix
Get shocks & springs for a 99.
Why are they better?
gamefreakgc
Elite Member
Taller by a little bit. Only if you buy new ones though, old used ones will be compressed like the rest of them.
papapoopski
New member
Daaaaaamn! $500, can't beat that. Nice find.
I've bought auction cars as well. Some good deals to be had. Good luck with yours.
