Timing Belt

[xcmtb83]

I am not stating anyone should get sued. I am stating that we live in a very lawsuit happy society and anything is possible. I think that if the prosecution found out that the defense was knowingly prolonging their recommended timing belt maintenance intervals prior to the failure (accident/casualty etc.) as some sort of experiment to see how many miles the belt will last it would be game over for the defense.

 

[gwlgis]

THANK YOU!
Very old thread, but a good one. I did a search for 'timing belt clearance' and up popped this thread.
Greatly appreciate everyone who posted, as I am now debating on the replacement of my timing belt, etc. (clutch and rear main seal, water pump, crankshaft seal, camshaft seals, thermostat, timing belt cover gaskets, tensioner, tensioner pulley, idler and fan bracket).
Backstory: Just bought a 130K Green Limited 1997 4R, as a 'mate' for my 283K White non-limited 1997 4R. The 'new' one (Green 130K) is a mystery, I didn't get any service records unfortunately, thus may save some aggravation and get it done.
That's it, no question, just a thanks to everyone who contributed to this thread

 

[shoboat990]

anyone have any thoughts on the condition of this timing belt? Still in good shape or need to replace?
thanks

 

[shoboat990]

sorry, forgot the pics

 

[Alan in Alabama]

Something to think about.

I have read many, many, many posts that say something like "Change that timing belt NOW if it has been 100,000 miles since the belt was last changed."

I have never seen a post that said "My 4Runner timing belt broke." Maybe someone can show a link to such a post.

Water pumps probably show signs of trouble before the timing belt and of course it would be stupid not to replace the belt and associated pulleys at the same time.

I realize most on this forum will disagree, but that's what I have observed.

 

[Endlessblockades]

I'm nearly at 260K on what I am positive is the original belt (second owner here). I've been putting it off for a few years. If it breaks before I get to the belt and pump you can be sure I will post it here....

 

[shoboat990]

I really appreciate the replies and the insight. For reference, this belt has 66k miles on it, however it's 13yrs old. Thus far, there is no indication of any water pump issues. I posted mainly as I have no frame of reference as to what an old timing belt looks like. Perhaps it doesn't look new, but it doesn't look like an old, cracking drive belt either.

 

[Bad Luck]

anyone have any thoughts on the condition of this timing belt? Still in good shape or need to replace?
thanks

That belt looks in good condition, and I wouldn't worry about it at all.

 

[Mendoncyclesmith]

Did my '96 at 120K, and while it apparently didn't need it based on appearances, I felt better knowing it was done, considering the age of the material itself, if not the miles.

 

[Corrin Bran]

Something to think about.

I have read many, many, many posts that say something like "Change that timing belt NOW if it has been 100,000 miles since the belt was last changed."

I have never seen a post that said "My 4Runner timing belt broke." Maybe someone can show a link to such a post.

Water pumps probably show signs of trouble before the timing belt and of course it would be stupid not to replace the belt and associated pulleys at the same time.

I realize most on this forum will disagree, but that's what I have observed.

I also saw about 100,000 miles, but couldn't find anything about the age. How do I know if it's worth changing if the mileage is lower?

 

[Bad Luck]

I also saw about 100,000 miles, but couldn't find anything about the age. How do I know if it's worth changing if the mileage is lower?

Unbolt the upper timing cover and slide it back a little to look at your belt condition.

 

[phattyduck]

I also saw about 100,000 miles, but couldn't find anything about the age. How do I know if it's worth changing if the mileage is lower?

The Toyota official interval is 90k miles / 6 years. That is pretty conservative if you use OEM parts - anything beyond that is up to you. The engine is non-interference, but who wants to be left on the side of the road?

-Charlie