When should I change the timing belt on my truck? It's a 95 Tacoma, with 90,000 miles on it. Is there a standard mileage when I should change it or is there a better way to know when it needs to be changed? I obviously don't want to wait until it's too late but I don't want to change it before it's time either. Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

 

The belt on that year should be changed every 60k per the maintenance schedule.
I change mine every 90k because I have never seen one break before that.
Over 100k and I would begin to question when it will go.

 

Thanks Jamie. I just bought the truck. Is there any way for me to tell whether or not it's been replaced?

 

Thanks Jamie. I just bought the truck. Is there any way for me to tell whether or not it's been replaced?

 

They should have put a sticker on the timing cover stating the mileage it was replaced at if they did it.
If not, I would assume it was not done (you can't tell just by looking at the belt).

 

I agree. I change mine at 90K. It's not that expensive to have done. I could change it myself but it burns a whole day. I'd rather pay the $300 and be done with it.

 

Well actually, there are clues to look for when inspecting the belt. First, check the smooth side for fine hair-line cracks. Check for belt contamination from dirt, oil coolant, etc. Check the belt for cracked, rounded or stripped teeth. Check the belt for hardness. Timing belts are harder than the other belts on your truck by their nature. However, an old belt is noticably harder than a new belt. Check for glazing.

Basically, the same rules apply for checking the timing belt vs. any other belt. I'd stick with the manufacturers interval. When you do replace the belt, go with a GOOD quality belt. My 2 cents.

-Wrench

 

Toyota recommends replacing the timing belt at 60,000 miles for the 3.0L engine. When I had my '90, I replaced the timing belt every 90,000 miles. While it was torn down, I replaced the water pump too. Cheap insurance...