Timing belt maintenance... Is that an absolute must? or is it just good practice.

[Billynath1988]

Hey everyone,

Been skimming through the forums here for a little while, just reading everything I can. Searched a bit on timing belts and couldn't come up with any clear answers.

Basically, I bought my 2005 V8 SR5 in September at 89k on it. Im around 93k now and it runs as good as i could imagine it did when it was brand new. Is dropping almost a grand for a timing belt change at this point really necessary and does everyone do it?
I know the risk but For all i know it was changed and im going to drop money for nothing.

If its not really nessesary then I would like use the money to start some modding.

 

[CXS]

Look at it this way, you're dropping a chunk of cash to drive it another 100k miles. I suppose it's possible the belt will last but if it doesn't you're out a motor. I'm the last guy that will tell you what you should do but I did mine because I'm not a gambler.

 

[Upchk]

I bought mine with like 93k in December and when I went to have it checked out, they said all the belts look fine... So I'm thinking just go get someone to check it...

 

[Billynath1988]

CXS- I agree with you im not a fan of taking chances like that however, dealer recommended maintenance guides are also set in place to keep the dealer making money. Not necessarily because every 4runner needs it done at 90k..

With that said,

upchk- Is it possible someone can actually tell whether or not the timing belt is in good shape or whether it should be replaced by looking at it?.. I never owned a vehicle where this had to be done, so this is a kind of new thing for me.. IS there any signs of symptoms to look for when you should just get it done..

 

[NJshadow93]

I bought mine with like 93k in December and when I went to have it checked out, they said all the belts look fine... So I'm thinking just go get someone to check it...

They can't check the timing belt without opening it up, and it takes several hours to do this. I DOUBT they checked your timing belt. I would still replace it. In most cases I've heard of, the timing belt isn't even the most vulnerable thing in there, it's the other moving parts driving by the belt (auto tensioner, pulleys, etc.) which should all be replaced with the belt and the water pump. I bought mine with 109,500 miles and had it done right away. My '03 I bought with 78,000 and did it as soon as I hit 90,000 (I think it was 90,054 to be exact). It's just not worth the risk to me.

 

[CXS]

I agree, my Camry made it to 238,000 before the belt failed but that was a non-interference motor unlike these. Obviously your call!

 

[KingPrat]

Hey everyone,

Been skimming through the forums here for a little while, just reading everything I can. Searched a bit on timing belts and couldn't come up with any clear answers.

Basically, I bought my 2005 V8 SR5 in September at 89k on it. Im around 93k now and it runs as good as i could imagine it did when it was brand new. Is dropping almost a grand for a timing belt change at this point really necessary and does everyone do it?
I know the risk but For all i know it was changed and im going to drop money for nothing.

If its not really nessesary then I would like use the money to start some modding.

Point 1: Information is readily available. Go on the Toyota owners site and punch in your VIN. I'm surprised, buying it at 89K, that it wasn't done previously.

Point 2: Either drop a grand on a timing belt, or drop 5 grand on a new engine. Your choice.

 

[Billynath1988]

Ok, im convinced, lol

I never knew about the toyota owners site, ill check that out right now. Im pretty sure it was dealer maintained as well, so im thinking either it was done or they traded it in because it needed to be done.

 

[oljedi11950]

timing belt

Be prepared to all of it , WP all your belts while they have it apart or you'll be back . Definitely check owners with VIN . & hope it was serviced by toyota

 

[Billynath1988]

well, just checked the history and it only goes to 9,000 miles.. guess it wasnt dealer maintained, but whoever did maintain it did a good job.. i just have no idea what was done and what wasnt.

 

[KingPrat]

Haha yeah. It's an interference engine, so if the belt goes, so does your engine. The timing of the cam is directly controlled by the belt, as its turned by the crank (I believe...) If it goes, your valves will end up going through the pistons.

Owner's site is great. I have the full maintenance history on mine, and what shop did the work. Takes about 5 minutes to sign up!

Welcome to the site! :rockon:

 

[Billynath1988]

Alright next question,

for those of you who had it done, what was your cost of getting it all taken care of, Knowing that the cost varies place to place, but just so i have an idea.

 

[oljedi11950]

timing belt

Keep a grand ready unless you do it or someone you trust ! Minimum take care of that stuff 1st & you;ll be modding real soon GL .

 

[Billynath1988]

alright, a grand huh, that could have almost been a lift.. o well.. normally I do everything myself, but something like that Id have a good shop do, they are insured and warranty the work. I just cross my fingers and hope everything i do comes out right lol..

 

[NJshadow93]

alright, a grand huh, that could have almost been a lift.. o well.. normally I do everything myself, but something like that Id have a good shop do, they are insured and warranty the work. I just cross my fingers and hope everything i do comes out right lol..

I would honestly go to a Toyota dealer for the timing belt service. They are surprisingly cheaper than private shops (in my experience anyway). I had mine done for $800 with everything at the dealer. I would also trust a Toyota dealer more than another shop for something this major but that's obviously personal opinion.

 

[Billynath1988]

Thanks for the info everybody, appreciate it..

 

[MikeInNH]

Timing belt is NOT something you want to skip. This IS an interference engine and if it breaks...it could cost you THOUSANDS in engine repair.

As for cost of getting it done....I've always found independents to be FAR FAR cheaper then the dealer. The main reason is the hourly rate charge. Dealers around here charge $140+/hr...good independents charge less then $80/hr. This is NOT rocket science. Any good back-yard mechanic can do it well.

 

[Dexter Morgan]

There's such a huge risk if you don't get it done that I just don't see it as worth it to leave it alone.

If it weren't an interference engine, I would say hold off.

 

[Zulu95]

We had it done last week due to age. (2005 vehicle.) Total cost was $530 at our indy including an oil/filter change.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I talked about this with my co-workers and it seems a lot of them say 100-115k is still a comfortable place to replace the belts on these V8's (Toyota is very conservative with their specs, with good reason, but still conservative.) That being said, you shouldn't skip it just to save money as it will come to haunt you later. I would also recommend you get the water pump done (the other bits are up to you, from my experience and my co-worker's experience the bearings and such don't seem to go out as much as say Honda's or Domestic timing belt engines) and other maintenance services to get the best bang for your buck. If you're feeling really cheap and handy, you can easily do this yourself in your driveway if you want.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/130732-2uz-fe-r-r-t-belt-water-pump.html