Timing Belt/WP replacement, What about the extras?

[CarbonCrew]

I'm new to the forum as I've just purchased a 2002 Sport with 87k miles. While I had two vehicles, I thought it would be a good opportunity to have the timing belt job done. Normally I handle these types of jobs, but I've got a newborn and very little spare time.

I've done some searches and I see that the timing belt topic comes up a lot, but nothing comes up that addresses my question specifically. My Toyota dealer has quoted me ~$500 for just the belt and pump replacement.

What is your opinion/experience with having the cam seals, crank seals, pulleys, and tensioner replaced at this time? While they techs are there, it shouldn't me much extra work to replace any of those items, but I'm sure there will be a charge for it. Any one item more likely to cause a problem than the others? Other thoughts to would appreciated.

Thanks

 

[TheDurk]

I'm new to the forum as I've just purchased a 2002 Sport with 87k miles. While I had two vehicles, I thought it would be a good opportunity to have the timing belt job done. Normally I handle these types of jobs, but I've got a newborn and very little spare time.

I've done some searches and I see that the timing belt topic comes up a lot, but nothing comes up that addresses my question specifically. My Toyota dealer has quoted me ~$500 for just the belt and pump replacement.

What is your opinion/experience with having the cam seals, crank seals, pulleys, and tensioner replaced at this time? While they techs are there, it shouldn't me much extra work to replace any of those items, but I'm sure there will be a charge for it. Any one item more likely to cause a problem than the others? Other thoughts to would appreciated.

Thanks

I waited until 120k and then I did everything except the seals. I bought them, but they looked tight, so I left well enough alone. Everything I took out looked good for more, except the aux belts, one of which was squealing. I think you could go 180k on everything except aux. drive belts, TB, and WP if they looked good.

 

[agloukhoff]

If I were you, I would take the belt cover off, take a look at the belt and verify that it's in need of replacing.

If timing belt is in good shape, I'd leave it and check in another 10k miles to see if it's starting to look bad.

It's a non interference engine, there is little reason to worry about the belt.

Replacing the tensioner is the only item that may add to the cost of the job. Reason being that it is blocked by the AC compressor. To remove it, you need to pull the AC compressor off which can be a real PITA.

Personally, I'd not replace the tensioner untill the 2nd TB change or unless it's showing issues.

All other extras are very easy to do.

You may also be able to save some money if you buy the parts yourself as a kit and then have the mechanic perform the labor.

 

[Buckaroo]

I just did the job on my 2000 t4R 3.4V6 at 187,000mi and replaced all except the camshaft and crankshaft seals - no leaks so didn't mess with it although I had the seals from kit (aircabinman on e-bay). First time replacement of timing belt (I'm original owner). Everything looked good (timing belt, idler pulley, hydraulic tensioner & pulley) except the water pump - small leak at the shaft. Also replaced thermostat, drive belts & U/L radiator hoses but those had been replaced before - they all looked good, too. I think those timing belts can go a long time if there isn't oil/anti-freeze leakage.

I was gettiing antsy due to mileage. If you want to put it off, I agree with person who said pull the upper timing belt cover and take a look. If everything looks good & dry - could wait....

Good Luck,

 

[CarbonCrew]

I'll take a look at the belt tomorrow. I appreciate the feedback fellas.

 

[NathanOfSeattle]

How do you remove the upper timing belt cover?

 

[Buckaroo]

To pull only the upper timing belt cover (cover #2), see step 12 on this procedure.

http://tacoma.site40.net/4Runner_96...2rmsour/2002/024runne/em5vzfe/timbel/remo.pdf

I believe that you just have to remove the engine end of the upper radiator hose, unclip the ignition wire brackets from the top of the cover, unplug the camshaft position sensor lead and remove the bolts from the cover. I don't think you have to do anything else but you will see if there is something else blocking the removal.

 

[velomatt]

I just did the job on my 2000 t4R 3.4V6 at 187,000mi and replaced all except the camshaft and crankshaft seals - no leaks so didn't mess with it although I had the seals from kit (aircabinman on e-bay). First time replacement of timing belt (I'm original owner). Everything looked good (timing belt, idler pulley, hydraulic tensioner & pulley) except the water pump - small leak at the shaft. Also replaced thermostat, drive belts & U/L radiator hoses but those had been replaced before - they all looked good, too. I think those timing belts can go a long time if there isn't oil/anti-freeze leakage.

I was gettiing antsy due to mileage. If you want to put it off, I agree with person who said pull the upper timing belt cover and take a look. If everything looks good & dry - could wait....

Good Luck,

Bought my 01' SR5 in July w/129,000 on it. Unsure if the timing belt has ever been changed.
Bought the this kit from aircabinman off of ebay:
Toyota Timing Belt Water Pump Kit Genuine Parts 4 Runner Truck 3 4L V6 | eBay

Have 139,000 on it now but can't assume the timing belt was ever changed. So I will change the belt, water pump and all the pulleys to be safe.

Going forward I will replace the timing belt and water pump every 75,000.