250k mile tacoma - negligence

Hi all,

I havea 2007 tacoma prerunner i bought new, and just rolled over 250k miles.

I have done all my maintence since it ran out of warranty, but have neglected a few things... Wondering if i should bother or "if it aint broke..."

Power steering fluid - never been changed, should i even bother?

Water pump - still original

Serpentine belt - original. Im just afraid the water pump or pullys will give up if they experience a slight change in belt tension should i replace it.

Going to drive cross country in a few weeks and debating doing these things now or later.

Other than that, mostly just performed preventative maintenance.

 

If it’s gone this long with no problems, let it ride with the fluids..... for the serpentine belt, that’s a very easy swap, just buy the belt, release the tension, and replace. Can do it in 15 minutes with the diagram.

 

1. I am amazed that the idler pulleys have made it that long. At 150k mine were grinding so when you put that new belt on spin them and see. If the belt self destructs it may mess a few things up under the hood.
2. As for 30 minute PS fluid flush it takes longer to jack up the front end than the flush turning the steering engine off (posts on how to do). This is a nice to do but not required as my fluid was dark crap at 150k vs the red.
3.If you did coolant a few times flushing at 2 block drains and maybe a new pressure cap, your water pump and thermostat are probably fine unless some noise or temp problem. Grab your rad hoses and make sure not soft near connections as a hot summer.

Always other things to do/change but these were your questioned ones.
Have a great trip.

 

Damn. I syphon the ps fluid every oil change.

 

CC trip? Stay on major interstates. Keep: phone charged, case of bottled water (for you and the truck). Is there air in the spare tire?

 

Items I recommend investing in are a portable air compressor, tire repair kit, and a better jack if your truck is lifted. I even carry a cordless impact for tire changes. If you have never dropped the spare, I highly recommend doing it along with checking the pressure and condition of it. I would also oil the mechanism once you have the spare lowered.

 

I have 205,000 on my 07. I think you're way overdue on the belt. That is a simple job and I think you're overthinking it.

I've done very little to mine. I have replaced the plugs twice, rear brake pads once and the fronts 3 times. Still have the original rotors and drums. I replace the belt every 100K. I had the transfer case and diff oil changed at 170,000. Still working with factory transmission fluid and won't change it until I have to rebuild in another 10 years. I sometimes worry about hoses, but they are still soft and pliable, and the coolant is still good when tested.

The only real parts I've had to replace were a U-Joint and the alternator.

 

The water pump I'm my v6 looked phenomenal with 238k on it. The impeller looked as good as the replacement. No worries there imo.

Power steering fluid is an easy change. The hardest part is the set up. Emptying the reservoir, rerouting the return line. Putting the truck on stands. Start with the wheel turned all the way in one direction before you drain the reservoir. When you do this move the wheel to the other stop then refill the reservoir. Repeat... Don't try and do 2 wheel movements before refilling; you'll empty the reservoir.

The serpintine belt should definitely be replaced. There are threads where the belt has torn and wrapped behind the crank pulley taking out the seal. Easy fix to prevent a potential headache down the road.

What's the condition of the antifreeze? If it's original, that and the tstat should be replaced as well.

Check the tranny fluid level. Maybe do a drain and fill or go so far and drop the pan and replace the screen filter.

And check out the front end. Upper and lower BJs, tie rods, sway bar links...

Imo, it comes down to doing what you can to minimize the possibility of breaking down somewhere.

Maintenance is cheaper than breakdowns.

 

I would change belt, hoses, brake fluid if that's never been done, and anti freeze.

 

Might want to review your policy to make sure your insurance covers towing.

 

Do the maintenance before the trip. Your luck is about up at that mileage.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/2nd-gen-diy-maintenance-quick-reference-guide.438945/

Read up. Make your shopping list and bang it all out over the weekend.

 

^ This.

Your on borrowed time with that kind of mileage.

 

This.

 

So have done coolant, transmission, brake fluid multiple times.

Replaced the brake master cylinder last year after a leaking brake booster.

Replaced the rear drums and shoes last year, shoes still had life at 235k...

Replaced LBJs 5 years back with moog, they are already getting a little slop. Im just going to order new lower arms from toyota.

Replaced ujoints three times now. The rear most ujoint was the only bad joint two of those times

Replaced driveshaft carrier bearing at prob 150k

 

OP: Asks truck guys if he should do things to truck
Truck guys: Do things to truck

You'll probably be fine if you can't do any of that stuff but you should if you have the time/funds.

 

Yea really just wondering about creating a PS leak by replacing the fluid.

 

I have over 220k on my '09. Power steering fluid has never been changed, not much of a reason to. Water pump is still the OG and (knock on wood), no signs of leaking yet. I've replaced my serpentine belt once. You'll be fine OP.

 

I did mine probably 50-60 k ago for the first time. No leaks before or after.

As for the water pump, there's a weep hole. You gotta crawl under and look into the back side of the pulley on the water pump. If you don't see any pink crusty stuff, the water pump is good.

Good luck.

 

At a minimum I'd buy a spare belt and keep it in the truck, but if it was me I'd replace the belt for sure. Changing PS and transmission fluids are good ideas, but not critical before your trip.