Timing belt replacement is it needed???

[akdawg]

I have a "new to me" 2001 with 136k.
I would not have purchased this, however it was the perfect old lady ride.
I have the documents from Toyota here in Fairbanks Ak. for the following:
20k service
30k service
60k service
90k service
Along with new radiator, brakes, toyota exhaust, rear axel seals and other minor things.
It is a great looking rig even with the 15" rims.
My question is another timing belt needed at 160k?
Are these pron to fail?
Thanks for all the great info thus far from this fourm, you all are great!!

 

[Elton H]

if it breaks nothing bad will happen biggest issued id be concern with is the water pump failing

 

[TheDurk]

Not clear from your post if/when TB was done previously and what else was done at that time, especially the water pump. If done at 90k, as recommended, you are not due on the TB until 180K. They are not prone to break, and rarely break on their own. That is, TB breakage is more commonly associated with WP seizure or leakage, idler seizure, tensioner failure, cam or crank seal failure, etc. IMHO, it is as important to get in there periodically to verify these other things as it is to just change the TB.

I deliberately waited until nine years and 120K to do mine, but then I did TB, WP, both idlers, tensioner, as well as accessory belts, thermostat and hoses. I plan on not going back in until 240k, and I will do the same thing, plus cam and crank seals. Everything I took out at 120K looked good for more miles, including the TB, but I don't know about going 240k. (I won't do the tensioner next time, that's the one thing I think is good for 240K and it adds a lot of work to the job).

In your case, it makes a big difference if your current WP has 136K or 46K on it. If it has never been changed, as well as the idlers, then I would get in there and see what is going on and probably change the TB, WP, and idlers no later than 150k. If WP was changed with TB at 90k, you can probably go to a 120k interval and do them both at say, 210K. If not even TB was done, then do it all now. The TB is recommended 90K interval, but my dealer has it as a separate job, not simply part of the 90K service--I don't know about yours.

This is my own approach. 120K interval and then change everything. I just think it makes more sense to change the TB a little less frequently but do more when I do it. There is a monster thread on YT with everyone's TB experience. Many people wait until 160k or more to change. There are almost no cases of the TB breaking on its own even at those mileages. There are lots of cases of problems due to WP's in the 120K-180K area--hence my approach. Time will tell if I am right--use your own judgment. I spend a little more on parts (all OES off e-bay), but the longer interval more than compensates.

Here is the YT mega-thread: Linky

 

[rangermenace]

here is what i was told. You do a WP replacment every second timing belt change which is every 60k. I'm coming up to my second timing belt and will do the water pump. The cost is around $800 for both and that includes new belts and antifreeze, oil. What i would like to know is how ofter does the 96 4runner need a tuneup and beside plugs what else is included? Do you use reguular or plantium tip plugs?

 

[MAD 69]

^^$800 for timing belt & WP? I hope that includes labor.
You want to replace your plugs with OEM which are most likely NGK or Denso.

 

[rangermenace]

^^$800 for timing belt & WP? I hope that includes labor.
You want to replace your plugs with OEM which are most likely NGK or Denso.

yes that is complete job, Firestone price.

 

[Nelsonmd]

I thought that the timing belt schedule is 60k, not 30k. Pretty sure alot of guys go 100k-120k on the TB and are ok.

 

[MAD 69]

AKDawg wrote: "I would not have purchased this, however it was the perfect old lady ride."

That's funny!
I have changed my TB anywhere from 90K-120K I guess it can depend how hard your running it. It can be expensive doing the WP, TB and radiator all at once, I'm trying to do them one at a time since money is so damn tight.

 

[YotaZach85]

I thought that the timing belt schedule is 60k, not 30k. Pretty sure alot of guys go 100k-120k on the TB and are ok.

I think the 96-00 are 60k and 01&02 are 90k. I did mine at 220k (not sure if it was ever done before or when) when the belt slipped and I'm sure I'll never do it again even if this thing lasts over 350k (it won't) just because if it does break the worst that will happen is a tow to my house.

 

[Nelsonmd]

I think the 96-00 are 60k and 01&02 are 90k. I did mine at 220k (not sure if it was ever done before or when) when the belt slipped and I'm sure I'll never do it again even if this thing lasts over 350k (it won't) just because if it does break the worst that will happen is a tow to my house.

Ok, that's what I thought. Either way, the shop was wrong about the every 30k.

MAD69, you should just get the kits that alot of guys have gotten. You get everything for cheaper that way.

 

[TheDurk]

I think the 96-00 are 60k and 01&02 are 90k. I did mine at 220k (not sure if it was ever done before or when) when the belt slipped and I'm sure I'll never do it again even if this thing lasts over 350k (it won't) just because if it does break the worst that will happen is a tow to my house.

I know '99 is 90k (I own one.) Pretty sure the 60k interval is '96-'98. I have never seen any convincing argument--such as a part number change--that says that anything is different about the earlier motors other than the paperwork.

 

[YotaZach85]

I know '99 is 90k (I own one.) Pretty sure the 60k interval is '96-'98. I have never seen any convincing argument--such as a part number change--that says that anything is different about the earlier motors other than the paperwork.

Yeah I wasnt 100% on the year range. I agree with you, I've never seen anything different either.