fireteacher

read an a$$ ton of threads on this and have a few ?'s....

1. do dealers warranty this service? if so, how, long?

2. i have heard it makes things run better, almost like new again...myth?

3. i have 107k, when i change it, will it be worth it to do it again at 197k (be nice to see that # !!!)

4. i do not have a garage nor a buddy with a well equiped garage, so would you guys take it to a mom and pop shop to get it done?

5. and finally (for now), what was the average cost, belt, pump, flush radiator?

6. anyone in chicago (nothern suburb) want to help with it?

shaun

spacewrangler

drive it until it breaks. ...then get a new one. ...and it's not cheap either. between $600 and $800 for everything.

my truck has 98k miles on it and probably could stand to have it replaced. ..but i've heard people getting over 150k out of their stock one, so why spend the money until you have to.

fireteacher

can it cause damage if it brakes?

manofsteele2003

No, the 3.4L is a non-interference engine, so no damage will occur if the belt breaks.

MTL_4runner

Even though it is a non-interference motor and no damage will occur if the timing belt breaks, I think the main reason people don't drive it until then is that the belt often breaks at a most inconvienent time (ie on the way to work, in rush hour traffic, on vacation, etc). The timing belt rarely breaks before 100k so I usually do mine between 90-100k.

The price you have for that is way off, most dealers run specials every now and then and often you can get it done for $250-350 depending on the area and competitive prices (the Mom and Pop shops will be on the cheaper end but you need to be sure they know what they are doing......I prefer the dealer for that reason). If you decide to change the idler, tensioner and waterpump that will cost more money (I only change the belt when I do mine). At each timing belt change, if you decide not to change the waterpump, I would also suggets a coolant flush to prolong its life (use Toyota coolant only!).

bamachem

i have 154k and counting on the original belt...

WHORERUNNER

If I were you I'd change it, I just moved from chicago about a year ago to minnesota. I had my honDUH t-belt replaced at pep boys out in Countryside on Lagrange next to sams club. They did my t-belt there for $550 w/tensioner. They do have warranty on parts and I believe a limited warranty on labor. If you decide to get it down at a pep boys call around each store has diffrent pricing. A t-belt can go out at anytime regardless of miles. If this isn't your only ride and have a spare then you can gamble with it to put more miles. Just get aaa membership it's about $80.00 per year with 5 free tows up 100 mile range. It will save you a regular tow that go for $100-200 a pop. (thats if you gamble and your t-belt breaks)

littlerunner

$700 Tbelt,drive belts,water pump & tensioner,over 100k miles I would suggest water pump,engine is non-interference however we gdont have the choice of whre & when the belt may break,its like insurance,get it done & know what u have,it prolly wont run any better unless it was out of time to begine with

JGM

I paid less than $650 to get all that stuff done on my 3.4 at about 125K miles (I had some other stuff done at the same time). I did NOT got to a dealership, but a very reputable Toyota shop. I was told by the mechanic that none of it (radiator, timing belt, water pump) was in bad condition, just some scaling. I could have gone longer, but I would rather not have this stuff poop out on a remote AZ trail.

I did not notice any spectacular difference in performance after the fixes.

fireteacher

i have found a dealer to replace timing belt and drive belts for 319.95!!!
i didnt think it could be done!!! I was confused on the 800 was for belts, pump, rad flush, tranny flush, ect. I however, am not one to fix something unless it is broken. i am thinking of holding off on the waterpump until it goes on its own. UNLESS, you have to remove the timing belt to change it when it is time for that. thats thew only way i would do it. i will flush radiator on my own, cheaper at least!

TheDarkKnight

I had my timing belt changed at just under 100k, in the suburbs of Detroit, at a reputable mom&pop type shop.
I had the all the belts changed, rad flushed, and a new waterpump. The waterpump was the biggest cost driver ($300+ for the pump alone? its been a couple years...).
Total cost with tax $550.

I am now at 172k, and will prob change the belts and waterpump at around 200k.

I always change the waterpump and timing at the same time. If the waterpump goes, then you have to take all the belts off again to access it. Get it all done right the first time, and I dont have to spend the time taking everything out again.

My 2 bits worth.
tdk

MTL_4runner

Yes, you do have to remove the timing belt to replace the water pump.

midiwall

I made it to 145k, and then changed it 'cause I figured I was on borrowed time. When we pulled the old one out, it didn't look a day over 10k.

That's not to say that it's a good idea to push the recommended interval, but I do think that 90k is probably a bit short.

Like has been said, it's a GOOD piece of preventative maintenance. If it does break you're no going ANYWHERE until it's repaired. That can put you in a situation that you have to pay WAY high prices 'cause you need your truck NOW.

And, to again 2nd other folks, also change the water pump and the thermostat when you do this. It will take you 15 minutes of extra time to do both, and they're also in that "good piece of preventative maintenance" category.

bamachem

from what i've seen, the water pumps are fine out to 200k and even after that.

if you're going to change at 100k and want to save some money, then just change all the belts and wait until 200k to change the pump when you swap the belts for the second time.

MTL_4runner

I agree with both those statements, but the first should be prefaced with "you must keep your coolant in good condition".

bamachem

fireteacher

you guys are the best! i have read, read and read some more. i am going to have the timing belt done along with the drive belts and get the old ones to use as spares on the trail/road trips.

there just hasnt been much clarification on the topic if you ask me as far as cost and extra efforts and such. the dealer here even said he would give me a rental car!!! maybe a new FJ (cough..yeah right....cough) anyways, always nice to go to school on a touchy subject, especially when a good chunk of change is involved.

alotawatts

If someone else mentioned this I missed it..but depending on the engine it's always a good idea to replace crank and cam seals while things are torn apart for a new belt. Seals are inexpensive and are often the cause for oil spots in driveways.

spacewrangler

keep in mind, i live in atlanta, ga. ...and that price was for timing belt, water pump, drive belts, etc. ..the whole 9 yards , so to speak. the cheapest price i was quoted, interestingly enough, was from the dealer. the place i usually go wanted about $100 more but they said they do a few things the dealer doesn't ...not sure what they were since i decided to run it until it broke.

as with anything, your mileage may vary.

bamachem

$150 labor? the parts alone are more than $150...