Timing Belt Question

[glock56534]

Just wondering if anyone here has ever had their timing belt break? If so, what mileage?

Also, for those of you who have changed yours already, when did you change it out and what condition was it in when you did replace it?

I'm at roughly 94,000 on my 2005 V8 SR5 and the timing belt has not been changed yet. I know Toyota recommends replacing at 90K, but this isn't exactly an inexpensive maintenance item. However, the effects of having a timing belt break are quite severe, so replacing it isn't exactly on the "back burner."

Basically, I'm wondering at what point will I be "pushing it" and asking for trouble?

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

 

[00328]

I have read more than a few posts where people have had their timing belts replaced and the old one that came out was in near perfect condition.
Even so, there is a reason that 90K is recommended and I wouldn't push it much farther.

 

[glock56534]

Thanks for your reply. I've read the same thing in several places (that they come out looking new).

It's definitely not worth having to fork over the dough for a new engine though, but it would be a good reason to go to a turbo diesel engine!

 

[Uneek]

The belt can break, but most of the time, replacement is called because the belt stretches.

I ran my old car to 123k on its original belt before I got rid of it. It was beyond being on borrowed time. Not suggesting you do what I did, but I would get it replaced before 95k. Your V8 is an interference engine, so if the belt did break the damage done will be very expensive.

 

[Offroader5]

I just picked up a '03/4.7 with 137k on it. I don't know at this point if the timing belt has been done. I already had the VIN run through a dealership with no results other than a couple oil changes and a recall visit which of course just means a dealership didn't do it if it was done at all. I'd hope that the previous owner did the replacement but I'm not sure IF there's a way for the dealership to tell without doing the same amount of work that would be involved if they replaced it...meaning I might as well have it replaced at that point.

I love aquiring a used vehicle where previous owners couldn't at least keep a log of the major parts replaced. :rant:

 

[4Beast]

Whoever replaces a TB should write in marker somewhere in the engine bay that it was changed, if you don't have any service records, i would look on top of the belt case or nearby to see if there are any notations/stickers etc.

 

[cknsls@adelphia]

I just picked up a '03/4.7 with 137k on it. I don't know at this point if the timing belt has been done. I already had the VIN run through a dealership with no results other than a couple oil changes and a recall visit which of course just means a dealership didn't do it if it was done at all. I'd hope that the previous owner did the replacement but I'm not sure IF there's a way for the dealership to tell without doing the same amount of work that would be involved if they replaced it...meaning I might as well have it replaced at that point.

I love aquiring a used vehicle where previous owners couldn't at least keep a log of the major parts replaced. :rant:

Agreed. There is almost always a sticker place in the motor compartment that says it's been changed. FYI - you need to really look at this has an additional cost of acquiring the vehicle and have it changed.

 

[glock56534]

Well, I called around for dealer quotes on changing the timing belt. Most were in the $500-600 range for parts and labor to change the belt.

However, one dealer had a VERY noteworthy point:

Since I have a Platinum Warranty, the dealer will perform a multi-point inspection of my vehicle free of charge. Included in such inspection is determining whether the water pump is leaking. If the water pump is leaking (which I guess is very common), it is covered under warranty, therefore all the labor and parts to replace the water pump is covered under the warranty.

In order to replace the water pump, the dealer has to take off the timing belt. So, at the same time they can replace the timing belt and all you have to pay for is the new timing belt itself ($70), rather than all the labor.

Not a bad deal, eh?

 

[Zuke]

Well, I called around for dealer quotes on changing the timing belt. Most were in the $500-600 range for parts and labor to change the belt.

However, one dealer had a VERY noteworthy point:

Since I have a Platinum Warranty, the dealer will perform a multi-point inspection of my vehicle free of charge. Included in such inspection is determining whether the water pump is leaking. If the water pump is leaking (which I guess is very common), it is covered under warranty, therefore all the labor and parts to replace the water pump is covered under the warranty.

In order to replace the water pump, the dealer has to take off the timing belt. So, at the same time they can replace the timing belt and all you have to pay for is the new timing belt itself ($70), rather than all the labor.

Not a bad deal, eh?

Take it and run!!

 

[00328]

Good info to know. I too have the platinum warranty, wonder if you can make the water pump leak.

 

[zerowkul98]

There's a few OTHER parts, some tension pulleys and some other things.

I have a thread a few lines down that has a list.

Im pretty sher im gonna buy the list of parts from Conicelli's.

 

[glock56534]

There's a few OTHER parts, some tension pulleys and some other things.

Yes, but what I was getting at is that ALL of the labor will be covered under the warranty since they have to take all that stuff apart anyways to get to the water pump.