Timing belt and waterpump swap

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snowninja

New member
I have 335k on my 4runner and purchased in 2004 with 60k miles. I have never replaced timing belt or water pump so thinking I am beyond running on borrowed time. I don't even know where to start but have replaced shocks, LBJ's and CVD shafts so I think I can tackle this. I found a kit on amazon, does anyone have an opinion on this kit? I am thinking to add a radiator swap to this as well.

http://www.amazon.com/TBK-Timing-Belt-Kit-4Runner/dp/B0039VMSCU

Also, where are the best instructions for replacing doing this job?

Thanks fellas
 
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Go with the Aisin kit. Rockauto.com has them. If you've never done a tb before than i recommend you pay someone to do it, it's a little involved compared to shocks and LBJ's. Search 4runner timing belt replacement on Youtube. I'm sure there are videos posted there to give you a idea of what's involved. Good thing about the 3.4's they are not inference motors.
 
I strongly suggest you use the OEM metal type wp gasket like the one that comes in the Aisin kit, ask me why?
 
snowninja said:
I have 335k on my 4runner and purchased in 2004 with 60k miles. I have never replaced timing belt or water pump so thinking I am beyond running on borrowed time. I don't even know where to start but have replaced shocks, LBJ's and CVD shafts so I think I can tackle this. I found a kit on amazon, does anyone have an opinion on this kit? I am thinking to add a radiator swap to this as well.

Amazon.com: TBK Timing Belt Kit Toyota 4Runner 1996 to 2002 3.4L 5VZFE V6: Automotive

Also, where are the best instructions for replacing doing this job?

Thanks fellas
Click to expand...

I purchased a kit similar to that one on amazon which most of the parts are basically oem. I also purchased it on amazon. Kit has been on for a few thousand miles and no issues so far. It was good quality.

I changed mine and had no prior experience doing it. It really isn't that hard. A good set of tools makes a job so much easier. Search on YouTube. There is one that is a Tacoma with the same engine that I watched a couple times. Perfect opportunity to learn more about the vehicle. I say go for it.
 
One thing I noticed from his instructions is that the giggle valve on the thermostat goes at 6:00 not 12:00 as mentioned many times before in other threads. You also will want to replace your tensioner, this is not described in these instructions.

I am looking into getting all my parts from amayama, so far with every little part I can think of to replace, it's coming up to $325 plus shipping. Comes with many more parts than the kit from eBay like crank bolt, crank timing gear, dipstick tube seal, oil cooler hose, timing cover seal, etc etc.

The timing belt on the 5VZ is one of the most straightforward I've done. I've done much harder belts like the J32A in an Acura TL, and the J35 In the RL (which in fact has a balancer belt, which makes lining up the timing a little more arduous).

You will have tons of room, and the motor is non-interference so you can't mess anything up. By far and away the most difficult thing will be removal of the crank bolt. You may need some heat. I bet your crank timing gear may be rusted to the crank, so getting it off to replace the seal will be difficult
 
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68dave said:
I strongly suggest you use the OEM metal type wp gasket like the one that comes in the Aisin kit, ask me why?
Click to expand...

I've seen your post in the other thread. I've used the paper gasket (supplied in the Gates kit), which said on the instructions to lightly coat with RTV. I haven't had an issue with 2 Toyota water pumps doing this. That is really crappy you had to do it twice, and I agree that it's better to use the OEM metal gasket.
 
snowninja said:
I have 335k on my 4runner and purchased in 2004 with 60k miles. I have never replaced timing belt or water pump so thinking I am beyond running on borrowed time. I don't even know where to start but have replaced shocks, LBJ's and CVD shafts so I think I can tackle this. I found a kit on amazon, does anyone have an opinion on this kit? I am thinking to add a radiator swap to this as well.

http://www.amazon.com/TBK-Timing-Belt-Kit-4Runner/dp/B0039VMSCU

Also, where are the best instructions for replacing doing this job?

Thanks fellas
Click to expand...

How close are you to Cowlitz County? i've got the tools you need and can lend you a little help if you decide to move forward with doing it yourself. You'll need a 250# torque wrench and the following;

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/194291-crank-pulley-removal-timing-belt.html#post1982933

Time is my worst enemy right now.
 
You can totally do this yourself! There's so much info on the 5vz timing belt change. Before I did mine I had done shocks, springs, valve cover gaskets, and LBJs as the more major things. Just take your time, don't rush, and follow the directions and you'll be able to do it no problem. I did mine 8k miles ago and it's been running fine. This was my first timing belt job and I can say it wasn't that bad. The worst part is getting to the tensioner that requires removal of the AC compressor.

I spent 2 days on mine, but I replaced everything I took off, and took my time going slow knowing it was my first time and I wanted everything perfect. You have to start somewhere and the 5vz is a great easy motor to do so on. Plus there's nothing like starting it up and having it run perfectly the first try and knowing you just saved $1500.
 
Unner said:
You can totally do this yourself! There's so much info on the 5vz timing belt change. Before I did mine I had done shocks, springs, valve cover gaskets, and LBJs as the more major things. Just take your time, don't rush, and follow the directions and you'll be able to do it no problem. I did mine 8k miles ago and it's been running fine. This was my first timing belt job and I can say it wasn't that bad. The worst part is getting to the tensioner that requires removal of the AC compressor.

I spent 2 days on mine, but I replaced everything I took off, and took my time going slow knowing it was my first time and I wanted everything perfect. You have to start somewhere and the 5vz is a great easy motor to do so on. Plus there's nothing like starting it up and having it run perfectly the first try and knowing you just saved $1500.
Click to expand...

Why was the compressor removal the hardest part?
 
stir_fry_boy said:
Why was the compressor removal the hardest part?
Click to expand...

It's a total pain to get to the 14 mm bolts that hold it in. They're about impossible to reach. You need a 14mm ratcheting wrench and preferably a stubby ratcheting one as well. I did mine without the stubby though. I probably spent 3 hours or so messing with just taking it on and off, and about 10 minutes replacing the tensioner...
 
Unner said:
It's a total pain to get to the 14 mm bolts that hold it in. They're about impossible to reach. You need a 14mm ratcheting wrench and preferably a stubby ratcheting one as well. I did mine without the stubby though. I probably spent 3 hours or so messing with just taking it on and off, and about 10 minutes replacing the tensioner...
Click to expand...

I was able to do mine without removing the compressor. Bit of a challenge but definitely doable.
 
I couldn't get the one bolt with a swivel out to remove the tensioner so I had to take out the compressor. As Unner states a 14mm ratcheting stubby is your best friend to remove those compressor bolts.

Overall it is about a 4 out of 10 for degree of difficulty IMHO. There are others that are much worse. Get the kit I linked earlier and everything should be good.
 
Rock_Rat said:
I was able to do mine without removing the compressor. Bit of a challenge but definitely doable.
Click to expand...

I tried my best to do it without removing the compressor. I broke a nut driver and then snapped my 1/4" U-joint. That's when I gave up and just took the compressor off. Seems like some people can do it without removing, and then some have issues like I did. I guess you just need the perfect combination of extensions, socket lengths, and u-joints.
 
I got a timing belt kit from AirCabinMan on eBay. Very helpful seller. I also got the rest of the parts from Camelback Toyota, including oil cooler hoses, bolts, and antifreeze.
Overall, amayama was a lot more money for the same parts with shipping. Most parts were coming from UAE (United Arab Emirates) for the timing belt, although Japan had them for a lot more money.
 
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