Taco Maintenance

Well I have a 02 v6 Tacoma and I’d like to do some maintenance on it. I know the timing belt was done at 130,000 miles (currently at 227,000) so it’s something that needs to be done. I’d love some input on a kit to replace it and all belts maybe. Anything else I need to look at doing.

Truck runs great and doesn’t have any leaks but want to keep it running good

 

You can't beat OEM parts.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/95-04-OEM-...?fits=Year:2002|Model:Tacoma&epid=17033656665

 

Lower ball joints.

Fluids including diff if you've been in water, transmission, coolant even especially if it's been "mixed" with top offs.

Bet the fuel filter is OEM.

Bushings associated with your suspension, tie rod ends as well.

 

Haven’t been in water or off road. I knew about the lower ball joints, what bushing exactly? Transmission fluid was done at 180k

 

It’s a must to check and clean the rear dif vent valve.

If its dirty or gets stuck or plugged you will blow out your axle seals, that equals to 600 per side,
1200.00

This happened to me and one seal blew out, wish I have just replaced it for 12.00 That would have prevented it from happening

 

Upper and lower control arm bushings, steering rack bushings, sway bar end links.

 

$600 for a seal?

 

Yup per side to have it replaced and usually the brakes have to be done too because they are soaked in oil.

Axle has to be taken apart

 

hmmm, i may need to rethink the future plans i had in mind for the rear axle housing then, (was looking to powdercoat Harley Davidson black) along with potentially new driveshaft if that is wearing out
but need to change that dif vent valve definitely
thank you for traveling the road before us

 

Where can you buy that vent

 

I got mine at the dealership I think it was 12 or $15

Diff vent

 

Thanks!!

 

good reason to relocate the breather

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-differential-breather-mod-photos.111954/

 

X2

https://adventuretaco.com/rear-diff-breather-mod-why-didnt-i-do-this-sooner/

 

I agree. There are many parts that I only replace with OEM and this is one of them.
OEM Part: 90930-03031

Tylerls1 I noticed your location is Macon, GA. My wife's parents live in Lizella.

 

Do I just unscrew the old and replace with the new?

 

Yup,

Clean around the OEM breather so nothing falls in

 

IDK, it's a plastic stub with a loosely fitting metal cap on it. There isn't a lot of materials science or engineering required to make one that works. The part is not going to somehow fail and cost you $1,200, it's going to be dirt and mud that costs you money. I think this is definitely one part you can skip worrying about whether a Toyota engineer made it.

 

i'll ask one of those questions naggin' me

is it standard practice during Toyota scheduled maintenance of 4wd/diff service to inspect, clean, advise for replacement on this vent valve
in a 1/4 century i have never had to question the services rendered by local Toyota service departments until very recently...

like the most recent radiator coolant exchange
about 7k miles later it started leaking! glad i caught it before i went out of town
why would they not take the hose off and clean it underneath
i coulda done major engine damage with loss of coolant and overheating
the mechanic told me everything looking good, no contaminants in the old coolant that came out

 

Some techs, and this is a general statement, would overlook something like your diff breather.

They will perform the work you're paying for (hopefully) and if they see anything stand out such as worn/cupped tires, leaks, etc. they'll mention it.

The service advisor will try to upsell you on some maintenance as well if they see that you haven't done said work with them in the past.

Have to remember, our diff breather's are probably older than some of these techs working on your truck. It's just best to do your own maintenance.