when to do the timing chain?

[Dirt4dinner]

My mechanic brought up the dreaded "T" word.

Timing chain. At what mileage does Toyota recommend this service. SO EXPENSIVE!

 

[palwine]

Funny you posted this! I just got my 2001 SR5 4x4 with 82k back from the shop today (balance and rotate, alignment, B&G Trans flush and new inner and outer tie rod ends). I asked about the timing belt...he said I shouldn't even think about replacing it until 100k. Reading many of the posts on this website it sounds like many wait a bit to do it.

 

[Dirt4dinner]

I'm at 140K.

 

[8ac1v1c]

on a regular vehicle - it is suggested every 5 years/100,000 km. A
Toyota tech told me it wasnt necessary until every 6-7 years/150,000 km

Here's a quick link to Toyota Scheduled maintence Guide

 

[RunnerUp]

toyota recommends 90k miles to change your timing chain, if you live somewhere hot you might want to change it before then. while you are there though, you will want to replace all other drive belts and such.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

It's a rubber belt not a chain and on most 4 bangers that are interference engines it's reccomended every 60k but on our 3.4s it's every 90k.

 

[Dirt4dinner]

Thanks for the link. I suppose I better start saving up some money!

I think I am going to just bite the bullet, and have the radiator replaced (it has a tiny leak someplace) at the same time I have the timing belt, and other drive belts done. That will knock a little bit off the labor costs of having all those done individually.

Should be about $1000.

 

[pat161]

Unless you have a 2.7 3rz equipped 3rd gen you do not have a timing chain. All 3.4 trucks have a timing belt that is recomended to be changed every 90k, most swap the water pump while the motor is opened up. If you do have a 2.7 and a timing chain then your mechanic is probably trying to get you tp spend money, the chains should easily last to 150k and up. If it starts to rattle around and makes lots of noise then it may be time to change the chain, if not leave it alone. Either way the 2.7 and 3.4 are non interfernce motors, so if the belt or chain breaks you will simply be stranded, not in need of a top end rebuild.

And originally Toyota did recomend 60k on the 3.4, they switched to 90k around 98 or so, it really doesn't have anything to do with it being a 4 or 6.

 

[Dirt4dinner]

Thanks Pat. Mine is the 3.4L V6, in a '99 4Runner. So I am glad to hear that if it does go out I won't be buying a new motor!

But I am at 140K, and pretty sure it's original. I need to dig through the paper work and see if it was done right before I bought it from my in laws at 100K. They were diligent about scheduled maintenance.

 

[travisk]

I just had my timing belt done at 115,000 miles. I had the following parts replaced, as recommended by my mechanic and Yotatech:

• Timing belt
• Timing belt tensioner
• Timing belt idler pully
• Timing belt tensioner pully
• Cam & crankshaft front seals
• Accessory belts (3)
• Water pump
• Thermostat
• Coolant

The timing belt was worn, but not cracked or anything. There was a slight leak in the water pump, so it's a good thing I had this replaced. The mechanic told me that the cam & crankshaft seals looked "alright, but not great".

The labor was about $450 - not the cheapest place but I trust these guys and they do really good work.

 

[ruinit3]

travisk --

what was the total cost with parts and labor? I ask because I am thinking of getting exactly the same things done to mine. Mine has about 93,500 miles on it.

Thanks!

 

[travisk]

I'm not sure about the total cost, since the previous owner gave me most of the parts.

Since you're dealing with engine components, I would definitely use official Toyota parts. They can get VERY expensive. Don't let your mechanic track down the parts for you - by the time that he marks them up from the dealer, you will probably be paying MSRP.

Look for deals from Toyota dealers online and have them shipped. There are plenty of dealers that operate online parts stores with significant discounts.

 

[YotaFun]

IIRC

Didn't the 96-98 3.4L in the Runners have to be changed at every 60k?

When I got my Runner I got it with 76K on it and the sticker on the plastic cover said that the Timing Belt was done at 60K and that Toyota Recommended that for my year.