Good old timing belt question

This isn't about how much and how to do it myself. This is a question about if I should do it yet or not. I have a 02 Tacoma with 82XXX miles on the odometer. With tax return right around the corner and it is approaching 90K soon...I was wondering if I should wait till I hit 90k (which will be approx this time next year or later cause I don't drive my truck much) or just do it now because its been 10 years since I got my truck from the stealership lot when it new? I know everyone says 90k to 110k or even longer for some but I was wondering if time will deteriorate the belt too.

 

The thing about timing belts is that there is no warning before they fail. Pull the upper timing belt cover off and get a mirror under the idler pulley in between the camshaft pulleys. If you see any cracks between the teeth, definitely replace it. Or if you see any oil or antifreeze on it. Belt technology has come a long way. On mine truck and car, I replace them on or before the recommended mileage. But, I tend to be proactive instead of reactive on the things that will leave me on the side of road.

 

id do it. for the peace of mind, if not anything else. when my wifes 4runner hit 100k, i did the t belt, but mostly because i didnt know the last time it had been done.(she bought it at 70k.) Although the belt looked fine, the water pump turned out to be junk, so i trashed all of it and now i dont have to worry about it. i think its that ounce of prevention thing.

 

Replace both timing belt and water pump! It will be done as a previous post said Peace of Mind!

 

IMO If I had the money and the time for the vehicle to be down(half day-full day at dealership)I would do it because almost every 5VZ-FE (3.4 liter with 80-100K) I put a timing belt on the waterpump was leaking.

 

its pretty involved. I had a guy I work with do mine, and it took a couple hours. Not something to tackle if your not mechanically inclined.

 

99 tacoma with 150k+ still original timing belt and running strong

 

I also have a 02 3.4 with 84,000. I am changing the timing belt, water pump, and the idler pulley's next week. IMO not worth the risk of having it break and costing alot more in the long run...

 

I have a 96 with over 270.000 on the clock, and orignial timing belt. Started gathering parts today. Not having problems, but almost afraid to let it ride too much longer. Gotta get my other truck painted so I can tear down my daily driver Yota.

 

I believe Toyota also has a time interval in addition to the miles. At ten years, I am sure you are due by time alone.

 

(Sorry - got distracted and did not finish post)

Is there a DIY thread here somewhere on this that I can read (as well as FSM) so I get a better idea about what I need to do on this? Also, in addition to the water pump, what else is recommended to be done while I am doing this job?

Thank you.

 

With the mileage you have I would do the belt, water pump, idlers pullys, and the hydraulic tensioner if the 96 has one.

 

It is not a particularly difficult job to do one's self with some basic tools (and one special one). If you have the time and funds to do it now, get it out of the way. No telling what might come up in the next year.

 

I bought the gates timing belt component kit with belt, water pump and pulleys for $190. If you have a car parts warehouse near you I recomend buying from them, its where most parts stores and shops purchase parts from around here and the price is way cheaper.