I just took my 01 4Runner with just over 100K miles in for my 90K tuneup, and the mechanic reminded me that I need to get my timing belt done. I asked him if I NEED to do it (esp since I just dropped over $500 for the 90K) and he had seen people go 110 or 120K before replacement, and that nothing disastrous would happen if it broke. I spoke with a couple friends with Runners over 150K miles and they say they never have done the timing belt. So...what's the reality here?

 

i would change it at 115

 

Could save you being stranded! When "not if" that thing breaks, thats it! Roll backs are expencive to. Could put that money toward the belt.

 

I suggest getting it replaced along with the water pump too.

 

Dittos. Just cause your friends neglect their vehicles doesn't mean you have to as well.

 

You sure about a non interference setup where if the T/Belt lets go the pistons wont hit open valves while it rolls to a dying stop? be one pricy repair. This raises another question...valve adjustments? The dealer dosent even have any advice on this when we asked. When do you do it,when it starts missing and hopefully before it burns a valve?

 

yea might as well do the water pump when you are in their

 

If I were in the same spot, I would do it aSAP for two reason.

1. To minimize the chance to get stranded in the middle of road.
2. To check/refresh the cooling system (water pump, hoses) is good.

If belt broke, disastrous thing may not happen for "the car" itself. But being stranded in the middle of road can result in "disastrous" situation for the driver or any family member.

If cooling system (water pump) suddenly fails, either car could get toasted or again the driver could get stranded in the middle of road.

It may or may not happen even for another 100k miles or so, but it is all about statistic... I would try to minimize the chance at reasonable interval...

 

the proper way to do the timing job is a oem belt waterpump, tensioner, tensioner pulley, idler pulley, cam and crank seals. Do it right the first time so you wont need to go back 30,000 later to relplace those other parts but because the leaky seals got oil on your belt and the leaky pump got coolant on it, you'll need to replace the belt again. While he's goin in there might as well check replace the accesory belts, a/c, alt, pwr str.

 

I did my '99 at 120K and could have gone longer--belt was in great shape. I then did all wear parts plus hoses so I can go another 120k (except seals, will do next time at 240k). If there is no leak, there is no need to do TB at 90k. Problem is, there might be one and then belt might be compromised. I found the risk of 120k acceptable. It's your choice.

YAMAGIRL: Yes it IS non-interference. No doubt on this.

 

mines got 117k on the 2nd one it should be changed but i cant afford it

 

what did your $500 tune up include? Im almost afraid to ask.

 

Thermostat also, I mean it's right there....I also did drive belts, since they had to come off anyway.

 

I just had this done (timing belt, water pump, and other recommended 90k service items) a few months ago. I paid for the belt and pump - I think they were about $200 combined from Northrend toyota (they give a discount to yotatech members and free shipping - search here you can find the contact info). The labor was about $400.

 

Just check your timing belt if you're going to go over 90k miles. If the water pump starts leaking, that will deteriorate the belt very quick.

I'm currently sitting at around 128k miles and the belt looks great. Probably won't change it till 150k or if the water pump goes before then.