Timing belt replacement question.

[Jay]

Guys, i currently have 88K miles on my 2001 4Runner. I have heard people say to replace the timing belt at 90K and also some said do it at 110K. Which is recommended, and how much does it generaly cost to have a shop do it, verses buying the parts and doing it yourself? Im mechanicly inclined, rebuilt motors in the past but never a Toyota v6, done a few 22R's. Thanks in advance.

 

[marino]

just throwing in my .02 worth since i'm looking to get mine done too...

stealership will charge more than a locally run shop, but you can do it yourself. if you're already mechanically inclined, have a free day and torque wrench that'll do 210 + lb/ft of torque, then check here for the procedure on changing it out.

oh, and for the mileage... i'm at 106k and want to get it done before it's an "unplanned" shop visit.

happy wrenching!

 

[gapboi210]

I keep reading that you need the special torque wrench. I know several people that have done them selves, never used the special tool and have never had any problems. If the Impact can get it off shouldn't it be able to tighten it back?

 

[marino]

i totally agree about using an impact wrench to get the bolt/nut off... but in my short experience using air tools and such, i'd rather be sure to get it back on at the recommended torque spec... since it's one of the important pulleys and all...

that said, a good 1/2 inch torque wrench that will do 200 + pound feet will run 200 bucks and up. if you're gonna spend that much, why not throw another 150 to 250 at it and have someone else go through the headache?

and if you're not a serious mechanic type person, when will you need that much torquing ability again?

i'll quit being the pessimist now.... already used my last 2 cents.

 

[gapboi210]

i wouldn't count on the shop using a torque wrench. im sure most places will just zap it back on with an impact gun.

 

[hossmaster]

When I did my timing belt, I used an old drive belt and a long chain wrench on the crank. Then my bud took a 3 foot breaker bar and popped the crank bolt off and all was good. Never used a SST for any of the install. For the Timing belt tensioner, I just put a small screwdriver in the set hole and then removed idler pulley one( the one on top) thus the tensioner never moved.

 

[MARSHALLMAY]

512 bucks at the dealership and that with a new water pump. Around here the dealership has the same labor rates as many local shops, the only things that are more expensive are parts, and a timing belt is less than 100 bucks. The water pump was a bit more but I don't mind having the peace of mind of having only genuine toyota parts. When I picked it up I had a chat with the tech that did the work. He said he liked my 4runner and had one just like it. He pointed it out in the parking lot. He also said the crankshaft bolt was "a bitch to get off" and that he broke a socket trying to remove it, and that he got a brand new bolt to replace it.
Another point is that dealerships don't usually hire just anyone to be a tech. I know around here you have to be asc certified.
Another point is that at a dealership you have a chain of command you can go and complain to to try and get any problems you might have fixed. Service writer, Service manager, General manager, etc.
At earl's garage, when earl gets his money, he don't give damn what just broke when you left his driveway.

Bottom line, I like taking my ride to a place that works on nothing but toyotas all day long, the employee parking lot is full of toyotas, and I can get fast quality service and parts. All from people that have proved that they know what they're doing.

 

[gapboi210]

One thing MarshallMay I am in San Antonio too as you know. For most items I have noticed that they are cheaper at the dealer. I usually go to Red McCombs and I get a shop discount too. But I would rather put OEM and especially if it is cheaper. I like that if they can't figure out what part you are needing they will print out a diagram and tell you to point at the one lol. Only one bad incident though. I left mine there for the rear suspension recall and they called me 2 days later at 6 in the morning. "uh.....can you bring your 4 Runner back...........we may or may not have put the right parts on..... we ordered your suspension parts and they are still here in the box after we worked on your vehicle. I was pissed, turns out they put 2WD componets on. But i was grateful they called me back and not just let it fly since I didn't know.

 

[MARSHALLMAY]

One thing MarshallMay I am in San Antonio too as you know. For most items I have noticed that they are cheaper at the dealer. I usually go to Red McCombs and I get a shop discount too. But I would rather put OEM and especially if it is cheaper. I like that if they can't figure out what part you are needing they will print out a diagram and tell you to point at the one lol. Only one bad incident though. I left mine there for the rear suspension recall and they called me 2 days later at 6 in the morning. "uh.....can you bring your 4 Runner back...........we may or may not have put the right parts on..... we ordered your suspension parts and they are still here in the box after we worked on your vehicle. I was pissed, turns out they put 2WD componets on. But i was grateful they called me back and not just let it fly since I didn't know.

that recall was for bump stops, not a real critical issue. But generally oem parts are not cheaper.

 

[hossmaster]

that recall was for bump stops, not a real critical issue. But generally oem parts are not cheaper.

True, but there are vendors out there that will give great discounts for these types of clubs. Toyota of Dallas is one, or my good friend Tacozilla who works for Champion Toyota internet parts sales here in Houston, Tx. I got all my parts for my timing belt with new seals etc for 300 shipped. You can get the parts cheap and still OEM.

 

[gapboi210]

bump stops and springs

 

[peter78]

Guys, i currently have 88K miles on my 2001 4Runner. I have heard people say to replace the timing belt at 90K and also some said do it at 110K. Which is recommended, and how much does it generaly cost to have a shop do it, verses buying the parts and doing it yourself? Im mechanicly inclined, rebuilt motors in the past but never a Toyota v6, done a few 22R's. Thanks in advance.

I am in about the same boat. I have 87,500 miles. It is recommended to replace the timing belt at 90,000 miles. I am tempted to go to 120,000 miles. I give up my 2 cents worth. First off, a lot of members write about going way beyond 90,000 miles and no problems. Second, the engine is a non-interference engine, which means if the belt breaks you have a bad day, but you did not lose an engine.

I plan on keeping my 4Runner for over 200,000 miles and changing belts can add up. I am talking big now, but I may chicken out in the future. But for right now, I am staying with my timing belt for awhile.

Here is a write up on how to do it yourself:
http://www.toy4x4.net/timing_belt/index.htm

 

[MARSHALLMAY]

by the way, i did mine @ 135,000. noticed a small power and economy increase.
I also did a trans power flush last week @ 136,000 and shifting has gotten alot smoother and highway cruising requires less throttle.

 

[Rob96]

I am at 89,500 miles on my T4R, and I am not a gambling man. ya see, I had a Buick that timing belt broke on at less mileage. Mine is going in on the 23rd to get the timing belt, drive belts and water pump replaced.

 

[gapboi210]

I have tried searching and never found a definite answer. Are these interference motors? I have read no they aren't, yes they are, probably they are, etc.

 

[peter78]

I have tried searching and never found a definite answer. Are these interference motors? I have read no they aren't, yes they are, probably they are, etc.

When I first got my 4Runner in 2001 I read in forums that it had a non-interference engine. Also, Gates timing belts had a chart and they said it was a non-interference engine. About 2 years ago Gates, changed their chart and made it an interference engine.

My take on it, I have heard certian 4 valve non-interference engines do indeed have a problem when the timing belt breaks, if the circumstances are just right. So, I think their is a risk on our engines, but it is considered a non-interference engine. I have had quite a few interference engines and I make sure the timing belt is changed. From what I have read, I feel the V6 3.4 is a non-interference engine, you may want to do a search on this site and other forums for your peace of mind.

 

[jac100]

Cost

I'm at 107,000 on my '97 4runner Limited. I was a little worried about the price of this procedure. I started to price out the parts I'd need ($100 for water pump & $40 for the timing belt). The real killer for me was the $200+ for the torque wrench and $50 for the Tensioner tool.

I just called my local shop here in Denver (Toyota Car Care). They quoted me $189 to do the timing belt. While they're doing that they'll inspect the water pump and will add $285 to do that also if it's needed.

I just made the appointment for next week to get it done.

Thanks for the instructions on getting this done, I know I could do the work, just have to buy the tools and spend a day of time. (I'm slow)

 

[Yazoo 4Runner]

If your'e going to replace it yourself, DO NOT use an impact wrench! Also don't half ass it when putting the crankshaft pulley bolt back in. Replaced mine last year and didn't tighten the bolt like I should have and the bolt backed off couple of weeks ago and messed the pulley and bolt up. Also broke the key holding pulley in place. Repalced pulley, bolt, and key, tightened with a 3 foot torque wrench and held pulley with 3 foot chain wrench and good as new!

 

[GatorGreg]

I have tried searching and never found a definite answer. Are these interference motors? I have read no they aren't, yes they are, probably they are, etc.

There has been tons of debate on this subject both here (just search "interference") and other toyota forums. If you check out the posts by BruceTS on page 3-4 of this YT thread you'll see actual measurements / pics he took of a 3.4 which seem to verify it's a non-interference engine.