Does timing belt really need changed?

I'm at 144k, not a leak anywhere, original belt. Soon though...

Well maybe a small rear seal leak. Need to investigate that.

 

Im sitting on 167k, all original. Though I do plan to replace soon. Debating on whether or not to change water pump (current one has NO issues). I drove my parents mid 90s corolla to and from CA bay area to the emerald triangle (Humboldt to be exact) and on the way back coming out of the hills the timing belt blew. Shitty place, at over 100 miles from home. Got it home and changed in several hours. wasn't fun, that's for sure. Better to do it before it does it for you! I was quoted 900 from a shop for my tacoma. Fu€k that, ill take a Saturday and do it me self.

 

I did the Timing belt, water pump, thermostat, actuator, and all of the belts. While I was at it I did the spark plugs, fuel filter and changed all the fluids too. Both Diffs & Transfer case. I did it at 215,000 for the 3rd time. This time it was just the water pump leaking but might as well go for it with as many miles as I have. And yes it is a pain! The gas out of the fuel filter looked like rusty water! LOL Awesome for the engine! If you have to ask just do it! You'll be glad you did in the long run

 

Yep.. I'm not sure on the condition of my timing belt when I did mine a few months back. Because I waited too long to change my water pump, bearings went bad and it locked up on me, shredding the belt in the process. Lol. So yeah. Both absolutely need done. And asap. I skipped the seals. As I heard don't mess with them if they aren't leaking. But I plan to tear the top end down before too long and replace all the gaskets and seals and anything else I can get my hands on. I've got a tiny leak somewheres and it's under the manifold, so yeah. That's my story bro

 

Why does the Timing belt need changed ??

Does it stretch to the point that the tensioner can no longer keep it tight ??

Granted like any other belt it can dry rot.

I have been meaning to get around to doing this job amazing how the mileage adds up 195,000 plus.

Since this is a non interference engine it seems to me why fix it before it fails unless one has another reason to p

 

Can it then be measured to know when it is close to breaking ??

It still looks like new how do you know ??

One should just change the belt when getting the vehicle ??

How can one tell it may have been done 5,000 miles ago ??

If this is the case I then have 4 that need done cause I have not changed them.

I wonder if I can get a group rate ??