Holy old thread alert... I'm ready for another timing belt change. 221k now.

 

Are you going to do timing belt tensioner this time around?

 

What about just age of T belt not miles ? I have a 2004 Tacoma w/t only 28780 miles SR 5 V6 4WD TRD. Getting ready to do all other belts & hoses coolant t stat rad cap. Thanks

 

222k+ on my 97 and I still havent changed the t-belt since the original owner at 60k. Runs like a champ

 

As someone mentioned it's a non interference motor so that's a huge relief! Regular maint. is good but make sure you do it sensibly so you aren't throwing money away. Good luck finding a good honest experienced mechanic. If you do I'd go with them unless you are knowledgeable yourself. Sometimes leaving certain things alone on an older car is the best bet unless they really need to be changed. I plan on inspecting my new car and doing things accordingly.

 

111db, do you change the tensioner and pullys everytime you change the belt?

 

I hate to admit I still haven't got to the second change yet... at 238k now. Yes I'll probably change the tensioner this time. If I recall correctly (and I may not) I didn't change the idler pulley, just the bearing. Yes I'll do that each time.

 

pretty good deal here... finally getting around to this second belt change soon. The '83 has been taking up my wrenching time.

 

New member here, proud new owner of 98 Supercharged Ltd. Need to do the timing belt and was considering this kit. Is it a good deal? I'm guessing I need a different length belt for the 1st gen SC, any links to where I can get one?

Thanks...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TIMING-BELT-...9UF0SF&vxp=mtr

 

Terribly sorry to hijack for a quick second, But I see you've obviously done this before and need your opinion so I can get my Runner back together!
I've searched for tutorial videos and threads for a step by step guide on swapping the timing belt with no luck. (Could be because I'm using my Iphone on the mobile site)

I've torn everything all the way down on my 97 4Runner 3.4 and I'm stuck at the A/C Compressor.
I've been told by some people that I needed to remove the A/C Compressor, without disconnecting the lines, to get the timing belt spring tensioner out.
Is this correct? I'm stuck and at a loss >
I was going to simply pull the A/C compressor but it looked near about impossible to get that last bolt under the exhaust manifold.

HALLLLLLP LOL

 

If you buy this tool you can compress the tensioner while it's still mounted.

 

That would've been great to know before I started the project but I'm at that point and I have no tool :facepalm

Any advice on a second best option?

 

i still haven't done it the second time, but I vaguely recall removing the tensioner from underneath the truck. I think I detailed it in a previous post... but I definitely did not remove the ac compressor, I can tell you that.

 

I can't remember if I undid the compressor or just the A/C bracket to give me enough room to get at the tensioner bolts.
Even then it was one flat at a time I think.

Some guys use a bunch of 1/4" extensions and and ujoint.

 

Dang... I don't often quote myself, but i think this answers your question?

 

Yes, to remove the tensioner without the amazing tool, unbolt the ac bracket. I would leave a bolt on furthest back so you can just swing it out of the way and makes reinstall a bit easier. But before that, you need to unbolt the ac compressor from the bracket. Just be sure to suspend the comp with some lines (rope,etc) so it doesn't bend the refrigerant lines.

There's an excellent write-up on this forum, hopefully that helps.

Sorry, but you'll need to use your wits and practice some arm contortioning. But it can be done. Try different combinations of tools and body angles until you find the sweet spot.

 

Thanks for all of the feedback guys!
My runner is unfortunately still torn apart and I haven't been able to touch it because I've had to pull doubles at work every day.
Hopefully, when I get some time off in the next day or two, I can practice my contortioning skills and try to get that to that tensioner bolt.
I don't mean to be one of "those guys" but I literally cannot figure out how in the bleep to get that A/C bracket out of the way. I've removed everything I can see and am at a loss.
I'm going to try @111db's recommendation and try to get a wiggler and socket up in there. I've never had a task on a Toyota fight me every step of the way until this one.

So, from what I've read, once I get it out, I should just be able to compress it (SLOWLY) with a vice?

 

I used to c-clamp on the tensioner. I think a hex key should fit in to hold the tension.

Maybe a box end wrench on the bracket bolt and a wack on the open end with a mallet. Or slide whatever size hex bit socket through the open end of the wrench and connect up to a breaker bar. Been awhile, sorry.

 

Yes, slowly with a vice and a hex key to hold it.

 

Where there's a will, there's a way ��
Couldnt help but share haha
A ratchet strap and a small Allen wrench Did the trick!
The runner is 99% put back together. I ran out of time and couldn't finish after breaking the tensioner bolt on the power steering pump.
I'll be making a run to napa a little later for a new bolt and we'll be good to go!
Thanks everyone for your help!