1999 Limited 4Runner V6
215,000 miles

Timing belt is due for a change, water pump as well. It's not a job I can do on my own. Quoted around $900 to do both - price is as expected.

My question: Would you do the preventative maintenance on a high mileage truck or would you wait until the timing belt broke and then deal with the carnage?

I've read many threads on here where some people say having your timing belt go is no big deal, and then I've read others where they say having your timing belt go would create more damage ($$) than paying for the maintenance to replace before it goes.

Looking for your opinions --

Thanks.

 

PS - I plan on holding onto the truck as long as possible as I don't really have the funds to invest into a new/used old one ($20k)

 

I would be more concerned about the water pump going than the belt from a damage perspective to the engine i.e. overheating and head gasket repair. Yes, I would do it as preventative maintenance.

Since you cannot do the work yourself, buy this kit (as I and others have) and have your local mechanic install it. It contains all the same brands as what you would get in Toyota boxes a great price:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-TIMIN...item2a144a37e8

My 0.02.

 

That's close to the same price I was quoted on the parts (I get a discount as I know the owner). Not sure it would be worth me having it shipped to Canada. Thank you for your 2 cents.

 

Good on the parts...

$900-1100 is a going rate in my area to replace TB, WP, idlers, accessory belts and a bit higher if the tensioner, cam seals, or crank seals are replaced.

 

on the toyo V6 it wont bend the valves when it breaks

but if it happens in the wrong place it could get you killed

 

dustrider - meaning I could crash??

 

Check my darn motor swap thread. My water pump started to fail, then I blew my motor due to leaky water pump and not having enough coolant. Did a complete motor change out. Good luck!! Labor should only be 2 a 250. Parts 250. 500 total.

 

I got mine done at 200,000 miles.... (got everything changed) i also had to change all the fluids, coolant, o2 sensors, etc....no problems for 17,000 miles since then...
I would get it done if you plan on keeping it till 300.... especially if your water pump is starting to weep (mine was)....
I also changed all the tensioners/adjusters when i had it apart....

 

Parts are $450 (OEM) labour $550... (not through a shade-tree mechanic) so 1K total

 

Get it done! I just got mine done at the dealership, they changed the water pump and drive belts too. Cost me $670 (American).

Don't skimp on this! I know its a non-interference engine but I wouldn't take the risk.

 

Here's another timing belt deal..... $268!!!
Timing Belt Kit Toyota Tacoma 1995 to 2004 V6 3.4L w/oil cooler

The Runner should be the same application I would think


http://www.amazon.com/Timing-Belt-To...vglnk-c1021-20

 

do the timing belt now! it's not that hard, trust me; I'm no mechanic and did mine and was amazed at how easy it is. I won't lie, pretty nervous about it at first but she works perfect and it builds a lot of confidence in your ability to do your own work.

the first few (several vehicles) I took to a shop for TB and they did average work at best. I also made the mistake of using crap aftermarket WP, buy a good quality one. Also, timing belt from Toyota has very clear markings on it and is super easy with minimal tools and is quality. Also, use Toyota T-stat, much better quality, higher flow than aftermarket junk and not really any more expensive.

Average cost for a shop here to do the TB, T-stat, WP was $450 total parts/labor, 3 different vehicles.

One final piece of advice whether you or a shop does it, when you are at Toyota, buy a new crankshaft pulley bolt anytime the balancer pulley gets yoinked!!! it's only $6, and not replacing it new cost me $600 in parts and ALMOST destroyed my engine.

see my carnage as a result of the shop re-using the old bolt and probably not torqued to spec:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/c...es-off-223084/

Not trying to spread horror stories, just putting in my .02 as I would have loved to have known this prior to letting a shop touch my rigs. No matter how good a shop is, I love my vehicle more than anyone else and in many cases do a much better job because of that fatcor alone.

Good luck, hope you don't have to spend too much on this project but it should be done ASAP in my opinion.

 

Not bad but by the time shipping / taxes come in, it will be closer to 350-400. Still a decent deal.

Guys remember, stuff costs alot more up here in canada... it's cheaper buying from the states and getting it shipped, no matter what.

 

Thanks everyone. I will be getting everything changed first thing next week!

 

I became a mechanic because I was sick of getting taken every time I took my vehicle to a mechanic. Timing belt needs to be changed around 90k-130k give or take. When changing either water pump or timing belt, you might as well change the other too because you will be in this area. It is bad to not change a belt until it breaks because of the stretch factor which may lead to another mechanic that charges you to put something on "that didn't cause the problem".

When I did my timing belt and water pump on my '96, I thought it was going to be hard, but I was very surprised how easy it was. Get a Chilton or Hayes manual and borrow some tools if you don't have them and ask a friend to help. Don't get taken at a mechanic. It can be completed in a weekend and if you have any questions we are always here. Besides, you will learn a lot about your vehicle.

Good luck and Merry Christmas

 

I had my timing belt replaced along with water pump cam and crank seals and timing cover seal for just over $600 including all parts and antifreeze. The guy has a shop in Astoria Oregon and he does excellent work. Sean Friddle Mechanical 503 440 9874. He builds engines and trannys also.

 

well i didnt change my timing belt until it was 230k mile

 

I would do the WP myself and have the timing belt done.

 

since you have to take the belt off to get to the pump, how would you drive it to the shop to do your belt?

i'll echo an above response: "it's not that hard, trust me; I'm no mechanic and did mine and was amazed at how easy it is. I won't lie, pretty nervous about it at first but she works perfect and it builds a lot of confidence in your ability to do your own work."