When to change timing belt?

[NathanOfSeattle]

My beloved 4runner is running beautifully at 160K miles. I noticed on the engine cover it says the timing belt was changed back at 86,000 miles (before I owned it). When is a good time to change the timing belt? I'll likely buy the parts online (Toyota genuine parts of course) and hire my local mechanic for the job.

 

[A.Wilson013]

Honestly? Right about now...

Mine was also changed around 86k (87k) and I plan on doing it again in 80k.

 

[LittleCaesar]

At 102,000 miles on a 10/98 (99) 4runner. Original belt and pump.

 

[awdjunkies]

80-100k is about normal even though some people have been known to go a lot more because it's not the TB that goes bad, as it is the WP that leaks. But keep in mind though that the sooner it is done the better "Peace of mind" you have and can concentrate on other things in life.

 

[TheDurk]

I did mine at 120K and I will run it until 240K to change it again, if all goes well. But I did everything: tensioner, both idlers, WP, belt, thermostat, accessory belts and rad hoses and I am very good about coolant maintenance. I bought the seals but they looked perfect so I left them.

If you can't be sure the WP was done last time, I would do it within the next 20k or at the first sign of a coolant leak.

 

[Elton H]

good place for a timing belt kit

Toyota 3.4L/V6 Complete Timing Belt & Water Pump Kit | eBay

 

[rjaudi]

I recommend you replace the idlers and tensioner at that mileage. One of my idlers started making noise at 160k and I had to redo the timing belt after it was done at 120k.

 

[PitbullRescuer]

Durk, I know we talked about a wrenching party at your place last year. Any chance you'd be up for that this Spring? I want to do my timing belt/WP and all that goes along with it. I feel pretty confident but would rather have someone who's done it before help me out.

 

[NathanOfSeattle]

good place for a timing belt kit

Toyota 3.4L/V6 Complete Timing Belt & Water Pump Kit | eBay

Thanks! I also was wondering if I should change out the drive belts too and it looks like this kit includes it.

Does this kit also all the idlers and tensioners? I don't know how many there are.

Also any idea how many hours I can expect my trusted mechanic to estimate for all of this? I know every mechanic could have a different hourly rate but should at least estimate the same hours.

 

[TheDurk]

Durk, I know we talked about a wrenching party at your place last year. Any chance you'd be up for that this Spring? I want to do my timing belt/WP and all that goes along with it. I feel pretty confident but would rather have someone who's done it before help me out.

PM sent.

 

[T4R_Finally]

According to the sticker on my fan shroud, mine was changed at 98k miles. At 127k now, so will go at least another 50k or so before it gets it again.

 

[bitchaaz]

Im at 188k now and its never been done. I plan on getting everything done next weekend.
Alldata calls for 3.8 hrs for water pump replacement. Might aswell put new parts when putting everything back on. Labor should run me right under $400. I bought all the parts myself. All in all, I will have around $700 in it. Seems about the standard, give or take a benjy.

So to answer OP's question. Next chance you get would be good. Dont let it hit 180k before you do it.

 

[jmyer72]

Anyone know of a decent step by step thread on doing the full WP/TB service? I'm pretty mechanically inclined but some guidance would be nice. Also wondering if any specialty tools are needed.

Thanks!

 

[torontoGuy]

Youtube video for timing belt replacement

Anyone know of a decent step by step thread on doing the full WP/TB service? I'm pretty mechanically inclined but some guidance would be nice. Also wondering if any specialty tools are needed.

Thanks!

This is an excellent and detailed video on how to change the timing belt. All specialty tools and alternatives to them are discussed.

Toyota Timing Belt Replacement (PART 1) for 3.4L V6 5VZ-FE (4runner, Tacoma, Tundra & T100) - YouTube

 

[Endlessblockades]

240k - never been changed. After my current failed axle boot gets done, I think it's time for a water pump and belt. Good 'ol non-interference engines.

 

[keeperofgoal]

just bought a 96 with 200k it was last changed at 61k and im just going to keep driving it seeing it lasted that long. the belt is in good condition. can timing affect performance? am i wearing the engine out?

 

[Ron Burgandy]

@231k on original belt. it’s been parked though until I get the time to change it, don’t wanna get stranded in the winter with kids in the car


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[Skulking]

just bought a 96 with 200k it was last changed at 61k and im just going to keep driving it seeing it lasted that long. the belt is in good condition. can timing affect performance? am i wearing the engine out?

Timing can affect performance, but the belt being old won't affect timing until it does, at which point it should immediately become obvious that there is a problem. Since the 5VZ-FE is a non-interference engine, even a broken belt won't damage the engine, you just won't be able to drive.

 

[FD7683]

I'm finally getting around to replacing the TB on my vehicle as it has 230k on the original belt and is on it's last miles. Is it recommended to put blue loctite on the crank pulley bolt? I read everywhere but i'm not getting a clear answer on this.

 

[Bad Luck]

I'm finally getting around to replacing the TB on my vehicle as it has 230k on the original belt and is on it's last miles. Is it recommended to put blue loctite on the crank pulley bolt? I read everywhere but i'm not getting a clear answer on this.

Threadlocker isn't needed on that bolt due to the high torque value.