Timing belt/90k maintenance

[aimlessone]

I have a 98 4 runner 4 cylinder that is closing in on 90,000 miles. I have heard that this is the time to change the timing belt. Is this correct? I called the dealer and they wanted $960 to change the belt! This seems very high to me, but I never had to change a timing belt on my previous car. Also, what other maintenance things should be done at 90k? I was going to get an oil change and change the air filter myself. The dealer mentioned changing the spark plugs. But with the price the dealer quoted, I was thinking about taking it to my mechanic instead. Also was going to get the water pump changed since that is recommended with timing belt change? Thanks.

 

[Clemsonfan15]

This is what Toyota recomends: http://smg.toyotapartsandservice.com/guides.php?v=1&y=1998&int_id=64

 

[racedirt1]

Would imagine at that high of quoted price the dealer also is including water pump, radiator flush

 

[aimlessone]

Actually, that seemed to be just the cost of the timing belt change because I asked how much for a 90K maintenance and I think it was around $300. I asked if that included a timing belt change and he said, no, that would be an additional $950.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I got a TB/water pump change with engine seals and of course the coolant flush and it was about $870 total price at the dealer.

 

[pat161]

Did you tell the dealer that you have a 98 4 cylinder and they quoted you for a tbelt job. If you left out the motor info and just asked about the tbelt that's different, if you said 4 cylinder I would instantly go elsewhere. The 2.7 3rz does not utilize a timing belt, they have a timing chain, there is no recomended change interval on the timing chain, if its not grinding into the motor its fine, if it is you'll hear it. The water pump on the 4 cyclinder is not prone to leaking like on the 3.4, so in summary at 90k miles do not open up your motor. You will more than likely get 200k plus out of the stock setup.

 

[aimlessone]

I did in fact tell him the exact model I had and that is the price he quoted me. So I wouldn't need a timing chain replacement? How would I know if it is about to go out? Does it make that bird chirping noise? Thanks.

 

[pat161]

Your timing chain is not about to go out at 90k, and no you don't need to replace it unless you have some strange situation leading to a premature failure. On the old 4 cyclinder 22re the timing chain used plastic guides which would wear out and allow the chain to start hitting the block, very common on those motors. With the 3rz Toyota fixed the issue by using metal chain guides. If they wear out you will hear the actual chain grinding into the block, it will be metal to metal and you will know something is wrong. You should be fine for many years to come.

 

[rngesci]

Just finished doing a bunch of stuff to my 96 runner.

96 runner, 125,000 miles, 3.4 liter, 4x4, manual

New Dueler Revo's= $532

Coolant Flush, oil change, tranny flush, spark plugs and wires, fuel filter, timing belt. Done at a Toyota dealership with toyota parts = $810.