Been a while since I've been through this thread. My Taco just turned over 80K, so from what I'm seeing here I won't need to put a timing belt replacement on my "to do" list for a good while. As far as the record, read through the 12 pages and we'll take your word for it.

 

i just bought a 1998 sr5 4runner with a auto transmission it has 254k on it and no sign of a timing belt change. im going to take the cover off and look at the belt this weekend!!

 

Just bought my Tacoma with 166,000 on the OEM belt. Hopefully I will have it changed within the next 2 weeks.

 

Really a good read in this link and a lot of good info. I am sure glad I can do the work myself. Fortunately, mine had a new belt and water pump installed 3K before I bought it.

Chris

 

Update on mine: timing belt, water pump and thermostat was replaced at 166,000. I believe the belt would have kept on going, but upon tear down, the water pump was starting to leak.

 

Just bought a '98 tacoma last week with 152,000 Mi, the timing belt had never been replaced and mechanic said it was still in good shape, water pump however was not! All highway miles- maybe something to do with it?

 

GunnyCO, hope you replaced that belt.

Two things come to mind -- if you're far enough into things where you can inspect the belt, you might as well pop a new one in there.

And if the water pump needs replacing anyway, as cheap as those belts are (much less than a tow truck!) -- it would be silly not to slap a new one in there.

JMVHO

 

pizzabob, yeah sure did, had both water pump and belt done plus a crankshaft seal. 1,000 bucks worth of work on a freshly purchased vehicle Woof!

 

Ouch -- that's the kind of incentive that got me doing my own work wherever possible many years ago! Now a timing belt + OEM water pump runs about $140 or so. That labor cost adds up in a hurry.

 

I bought mine with 147k and the previous owner had never changed it... The shop said it was basically shredded.

 

Im sitting at 171k and replacing the radiator and oem coolant this weekend. Not really worried about the timing belt right now.
Funny thing is, Im more worried about the radiator than the timing belt. oh well. Its good for another 60k miles.


EDIT:

So I just got done installing a new Koyo Radiator,thermostat, and 2 gallons of toyota pink.
Ended up pulling t-belt cover off for inspection, and it looks beautiful. No fraying, cracks or rot. A closer look at the water pump, and there's a tad bit of corrosion built up on the left side. No biggie, I just scraped it all off and stuck a shop vac down there and its good to go. I wont be touching it for another 80k miles now instead of 60.

I love my truck. Pics below for reference.

 

Bought my '97 almost 2 yrs ago w/81K on it. Might not have needed it but, changed belt along with other items just so I had a good baseline going-forward. About 40k more on it now and, especially after everyone's posts, not even THINKING about replacing it anytime soon...

 

209K and still kickin! I will change it one of these days!

 

120k on the OEM belt, changing it before winter along with all the pulleys and water pump.

 

Got 70k on the odometer and on the original timing belt. Might have that changed soon while I'm at it since I have been taking care of a lot of maintenance stuff recently (spark plugs, diff, transfer oil, coolant change, lower balljoints, etc.)

 

ok so i dont know if the previous owner ever changed as i have no service records but im going on 250k and i dont think its ever been changed.

 

Replacing mine now for the first time...at 220,000 miles. The idler pulley fried right through the front cover...I had done the research and knew that this was non- interference engine. Replacing everything on the front of the engine, coolant and oil.
Ready for another 200,000 miles.

 

Was that the original WP, too? If so, that's even more impressive. If not, why didn't you change the belt when you did the WP? Just curious...

 

No, original water pump also...I'm replacing it now, along with the idler bearings, timing belt, seals, hoses, coolant, misc. belts, thermostat, coolant and oil. 2001 Tacoma. 3.4 . Ready for another 200,000 ! ok...maybe I'll change the belt at 300,000...if I still have the truck.

 

Hi Phil, SO....you're saying the engine quite when the pully fried through the front cover, and nothing happened to the engine...???

Please verify that your Tacoma has a 6cyl 5VZ-FE.....???

You did not mention that in your original post.....thanks.

My issue is somewhat different. My '00 Tacoma only has 24,500 miles in almost 12 years of use. My concern is the age (no the mileage) of the belt......