Timing Belt replacement - 2003 4Runner

[Zvander]

Hi Guys,

Here's a quick timing belt story.
Just last week I realized I never had the timing belt on my 2003 4Runner (4.3L, LTD) replaced. So, after doing a little research, it seamed that the belt 'should have' been replaced at around 90K-100K. So I was, let's say, a little over due, and a lot paranoid! But that being said I can now safely tell you the original timing belt can go at least 165,000 miles! (165,035 miles to be exact.)
I had them save the belt for me so that I could see what kind of shape it was in (considering they recommend replacing it about 60-75K before I replaced it.)
Well guess what... it looks like it could have gone at least another 35K - the belt doesn't look bad at all.

So, I'm guessing their 90-100K recommendation is just their CYOA in case something were to brake!

 

[t-man]

Hi Guys,

Here's a quick timing belt story.
Just last week I realized I never had the timing belt on my 2003 4Runner (4.3L, LTD) replaced. So, after doing a little research, it seamed that the belt 'should have' been replaced at around 90K-100K. So I was, let's say, a little over due, and a lot paranoid! But that being said I can now safely tell you the original timing belt can go at least 165,000 miles! (165,035 miles to be exact.)
I had them save the belt for me so that I could see what kind of shape it was in (considering they recommend replacing it about 60-75K before I replaced it.)
Well guess what... it looks like it could have gone at least another 35K - the belt doesn't look bad at all.

So, I'm guessing their 90-100K recommendation is just their CYOA in case something were to brake!

As was stated in the thread about the timing belts already, they will look fine up to the day they break. They don't show wear like you would think. You were lucky my friend.

 

[Zvander]

As was stated in the thread about the timing belts already, they will look fine up to the day they break. They don't show wear like you would think. You were lucky my friend.

I know I was lucky! Like I said, once I realized how over due it was, I started to panic! I might have set the record for going the longest on an original timing belt... (and for being the luckiest, for not having it brake!) Let me put it this way, I realized it Thursday night and had it in the shop Monday morning!

As far as the shape of the belt; Toyota probably knows it can go 190K or more, but recommends 90K-100K, just in case someone (like me) forgets about it... for an extra 65K miles or so!

 

[Brutalguyracing]

yup t man is correct
play fire fire long enough and you get burnt
and man oh man that is an expensive f up
mine water pump was leaking at 90k and i never knew it

 

[DT04R]

I’ve got our 2008 going into service tomorrow for a weird squeaking/rattling noise, see my thread here:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/186626-2008-limited-awd-v8-squealing-rattling-sound.html


But even if it’s not related to the timing/water pump, I’m still about 98% sure I’m going to have that service done - the car is closing in on 75K, it’s our family car, the wife can’t drive my car (and it’s only a two seater) - unless that seems a little premature?

I guess rather be way more safe than sorry, so I figure, it’ll probably need doing while we still own the car, so why not now[?]

 

[Aileron]

I'm buying my dad's 03 4 runner. It's low mileage (44,xxx) but it's also 12 years old. I know there's a mileage recommendation for replacing the timing belt. Is there a time limitation with the timing belts?

 

[awdjunkies]

I'm buying my dad's 03 4 runner. It's low mileage (44,xxx) but it's also 12 years old. I know there's a mileage recommendation for replacing the timing belt. Is there a time limitation with the timing belts?

That's awesome!! but yes, even though the mileage is low, it would be a good idea to, not only do the timing belt job, but also the fluids if they haven't been replaced. To also answer the time frame/limitation question, I would say it's usually between 8-10 years, as this will differ from person to person or shop to shop, as well as climate conditions throughout it's life.

 

[Ask10]

I'm buying my dad's 03 4 runner. It's low mileage (44,xxx) but it's also 12 years old. I know there's a mileage recommendation for replacing the timing belt. Is there a time limitation with the timing belts?

I had a 17 year old Isuzu with 18,000 miles snap it's timing belt on me. Needed a new head and pistons, which meant I sent it to the scrapyard.

In my opinion, just replace it. Rubber doesn't last forever (even when reinforced with Kevlar).

 

[rnywickizeh]

I know there's a mileage recommendation for replacing the timing belt.

 

[Bob J]

I'm buying my dad's 03 4 runner. It's low mileage (44,xxx) but it's also 12 years old. I know there's a mileage recommendation for replacing the timing belt. Is there a time limitation with the timing belts?

IIRC the service manual states every 6 years......

 

[awdjunkies]

I had a 17 year old Isuzu with 18,000 miles snap it's timing belt on me. Needed a new head and pistons, which meant I sent it to the scrapyard.

In my opinion, just replace it. Rubber doesn't last forever (even when reinforced with Kevlar).

Yep, especially when subjected to heat cycles, not to mention just because of the everyday elements..

 

[zerowkul98]

yup t man is correct
play fire fire long enough and you get burnt
and man oh man that is an expensive f up
mine water pump was leaking at 90k and i never knew it

Ditto on this! My 03 had 86k, so i got it done early. Turned out there is a cavity that coolant was leaking into and evaporating from the heat. But outside, you saw nothing.