Does timing belt really need changed?

Timing belts are not something to be neglected. Even in non-interference engines, a broken belt could still do lots of damage. In most motors a broken timing belt means that valves are going to smack into pistons - it usually means a top-end overhaul.

90k miles still seems like an awful long time (not arguing it) but most vehicles you are supposed to change the belt every 60k. And personally, the last couple of belt changes I did, the water pump wasn't leaking so I left it alone. I think the "change the water-pump" comes from shops wanting to get just a little extra out of you when doing this job.

Personally, I'd be more inclined to change the belt if the pump starts leaking and needs to be replaced. Water pumps don't fail all that often.

dp

 

Maybe.....

I bought my truck at 60K and I insisted the dealer change the timing belt as part of the sale agreement. They refused to do the water pump.

My water pump didn't fail but it started leaking at about 75K miles. I didn't really know where the leak was coming from until 85K miles. My husband and I changed the water pump ourselves.

You're far better off paying the mechanic (or doing it yourself) to take everything apart ONCE and changing everything ........and not having to pay him again in 2 years to take everything apart all over again.

The water pump will NOT last as long as the NEW timing belt that was just installed. So......if you don't do it now, you'll be doing it all over again soon.

It's a time/money thing.....

 

No, YOUR waterpump didn't last as long as the new timing belt. But you have no idea how the truck was treated before you bought it either.

I think it has more to do with making an informed decision. On my last truck, the waterpump lasted to almost 200,000 miles. Never leaked, never missed a beat. I actually sold the truck having changed the timing belt twice and never touching the water pump.

dp

 

I'd NEVER take that chance of assuming a water pump will last that long. You're putting your engine and coolant system in major jeapardy.

No Thanks!!

If you're assuming the current water pump will also last that long ....good Luck with that.

 

FWIW, when I changed my timing/water pump etc. at 90k the belt looked "ok", but my water pump had a pretty decent leak in it.

I have a feeling the Achilles heel in this discussion would be the water pump, not the belt. But wth, if you're gonna go in there might was well do everything

 

Timing Belt Replace

alldata calls for 2.8 hours

 

do the 2011's have a timing belt, or did they switch to chains? Wondering if this would be included in the Platinum warranty

 

11 shows to have chain and calls for 11.5 hours to replace

Secondary Chain13507AD010 $67.74 16
Timing Chain13506AD010 $228.79

 

toyota is making more and more engines interferance now.

 

11.5 hours! Holy shit!!! Thats 2 full days at the dealer and who knows how much $$

 

my water pump was leaking at 120k when i had the tbelt changed, i have a 97 with the v6

 

My water pump started weaping at around 85k. By 88k, it was needing some attention, and it was almost time for the timing belt. My local Toyota dealer quoated me $550 to do the water pump, timing belt and pulleys. For that price, i figured i'd just let them do it. I should be good up to 180,000 now. But as for timing belt replacement, I would never go over 100k. The timing belt maintaince on the 3.4 5VZ-FE is a pain in the ass....but it is one mother truckin badass bulletproof engine.

 

I just got all of my parts and am about to do my first 90k belt and pump change. I was wondering if there are any tricks or things I should watch for when I do it?

 

Crain, Yes you need Special Tools. Read here its a nice write up i think. Hope this helps you.

http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/maintenance/timing_belt/


EDIT** Here is some nice info also if you dont have it.

 

I have a 98 with severe power issues and low compression on ALL cylinders. A mechanic buddy of mine thought perhaps the timing belt had slipped a notch or two. She's got almost 270k and still original belt to my knowledge... can they fail in this manner or just snap?

 

if the timing belt slipped a tooth...
the engine would be running terrible and be quite noticeable
especially at idle.
if it slipped two teeth... probably wouldn't stay running.

I'd look into a leaking head gasket
with that many miles on 'er
A blown or worn head gasket is a common fault
of poor cylinder compression.

weak compression could be worn rings or something more involved...
Or it could be something fairly simple as well.

I did my timing belt at 100K
and will do it again at 200K

tho' after looking at my first timing belt once removed...
I'll bet it could have gone another 100K

But... there's no real reason to take that chance.

 

I'd change it ASAP. It seems like it's one of those things that never break in your driveway. My friends broke when he was on his way to a wedding with the Brides Mom and Dad in the car, (non Toyota) on one of the hotest days of the year.