Timing Belt

[jesman1484]

I have about 75K miles on my 02 4runner and I was having it serviced @ the dealer and they told me there was a water leak that was coming from the Water pump and I should have it fixed ASAP. I was wondering if I would need to replace Timing (BELT?) on the truck as well. I am also a bit shaky wether this really is the timing belt or maybe leaking through the radiator as I am seeing some not normal spots on the inside part of by the fan blades.

I would like to know your thoughts on:

Does this model truck witha 6CYl have a belt or a chain?

When is this usually replaced?

How much is considered an acceptable price?

How can I tell if the leak is really coming from the pump or from the radiator without having the car on a lift.

 

[angrydog]

1) It has a belt.

2) Usually replaced around 90k milage. (some people even wait till 100k+ to change it).

3) Depending on the stealership; ~$700 for both timing belt and pump.

4) I don't know.

Umm; If any of the info here is wrong please correct me, But these answers come from all the knowledge I have acquired from various forums.

 

[pat161]

My 02 did the same thing, the water pump was leaking at 75k and I ended up doing all the service around 80k. Can't say on price as I did it with a friend. When we actually pulled the cover the pump had been leaking pretty bad, so I was glad I didn't wait.

 

[KellyJ]

I'm with those two other guys, I took my car in for a bad squeak in the engine compartment around 85k, and my water pump was leaking, along with busted bearings inside, so it was replaced along with the timing belt at the same time, and I believe I ended up paying a bit more than $700 for everything.

You'll be able to tell if it needs to be replaced if you have a relatively bad squeak that is coming from the engine bay, but is not the belts (belt dressing did not make the noise go away pre-replacement, only installing the new parts did).

 

[DavidAlexander]

I would do the water pump, timing belt, tensioner, idler, radiator hoses ( theyll have to flush anyway), and the other drive belts ( A/C, P/S, Alt). Also the crankshaft seal and front camshaft seals.

That gets all that out of the way in one pop. They all last about the same miles.

You can rub your hand along the bottom of the radiator to see if any coolant has dripped down there. If it's leaking from the water pump you should be able to take the skid plate off and reach you your hand on the bottom side of the water pump to see if any has accumulated there. Thats the only way I can think of.