Galen

The dealer told me that I need to replace the belt inside the engine (sorry I do not know the specific name) as it is recommended at 60K miles. However, he said that it is more preventative than needed but that, theoretically, it could go at any time.

Not entirely sure if this is bulls**t or what so I wanted to know if other people did this or not?

Thanks.

Elton

first off its 3rd gen 4runner lol i think he's talking about the timing belt i would do it at 90k

MTL_4runner

No, they aren't BS'ing you, the timing belt should be replaced every 90k miles (I change mine about every 100k). It's not a big deal if it breaks, but it will leave you stranded on the side of the road (often in rush hour traffic ) and cost you a tow to get it to a shop that can change the belt for you.

mt_goat

The old pre-95.5 engines (3VZ) had a recommended change interval of 60K miles for the timing belt. The newer 3.4L V6 (5VZ) has a recommended change interval of 90K miles for the timing belt. So it appears your dealer was at least partly BSing you or is misinformed. Look in the maintenance section of your owners manual and inform your service guy that you're now "in the know" and aren't going to fall for that "banana up the tailpipe" BS any more.

MTL_4runner

Well, the dealer isn't toally BS'ing on the interval since the early 3.4L motors did in fact have a timing belt change interval of 60k miles (this interval was later extended to 90k sometime in 98-99 I believe). The issue is that dealers today, even though the interval is now 90k for all 5VZ-FE timing belts, still uses the 60k number because it is obviously in their best interest to do so.

mt_goat

Oh, yeah I forgot about that. Thanks

Galen

Ah! Thank you very much, I was curious about that. Yes, the timing belt.

And sorry if my reference to 3G 4R = 3rd Gen, 4Runner.

I will do it at 90. I appreciate the info.

gpcollen1

Ditto - when inquiring as to the price at my local dealer, he said book was 90k but they 'recommend' every 60k.

mt_goat

The only reason I can see they would say 60K is to get your money sooner. Now if you had to tear it down anyway for some other reason (like the water pump going bad for example) then yeah go ahead and do it then. I'm trying to think of some type of abuse that would prematurely wear the timing belt and the only thing that comes to mind would be submerging the engine in muddy water such that the mud got past the timing belt cover.

MTL_4runner

Bingo!!!

gpcollen1

Did my belt at 127k and the belt was in incredible condition. In the my avatarhpic you can see the remains of the antifreeze crust/buildup that I had from teh water pump leak. It was all gunked and crusted everywhere but that was about it as far as any issues noticed.

TheDarkKnight

I would also recomend getting it done by around 100k. (Friend worked for a belt maker. His suggestion was 100k.)
I am at 190k now, so I will prob do my 2nd timing belt, water pump change later this summer. Since I need to take all the other belts off too, might as well replace them all with new ones.
good luck.
tdk.

bluechip932

Anyone have an idea how much it costs to get the timing belt changed?

MTL_4runner

Just a belt change will run you about $250-350.
Start adding water pump, idler, tensioner or seal changes and the price goes up from there.

aowRS

I'm at 124,000 miles on the original timing and accessory belts. This is my next project - hopefully in the Spring.

Andreas

TheDarkKnight

Last time around (its been over 3yrs), it cost me about $500-550 at a shop.
But I got an awsome deal. All belts (incl timing belt), water pump, and fluids were included in price.

Most other shops quoted something in the $700s... think the dealer was just under $1k.

This time, think i will do it myself, and go to a electric fan at the same time.

tdk.