Just purchased a 2006 with 175k and have some questions

2006 V8 Limited 4th Gen 4Runner

My first concern is that it has 175,000 miles and the Timing Belt was replaced by previous owner at 90,000. How long can I go without replacing the Timing Belt? and is there a way to check condition of it without doing a full tear down?

2. I Hear a loud winding sound only at cold start. it does it for about 25 seconds then stops. It sounds like something is building pressure in the engine then stops. is this Normal?

Thank You and looking forward to learning from you guys

 

The timing belt upper covers can be removed to see the timing belt but you really don't want to wait until it looks bad, that's far too long. Even at 90k they look new. I would still recommend doing at a minimum just the belt at the recommended interval (so again at 180k). But also recommend doing the water pump if leaking (with OEM) as well as timing belt tensioner and idler pulley.

That loud vacuum cleaner is the secondary air injection pump. It's purpose is to inject air into the main catalysts to warm them up during rich cold start for emissions purposes. The system consists of some parts that are prone to failure and cause limp mode, as well as are located under the intake manifold for a pain and costly repair. Most people agree that a bypass system is the way to go. There are a few companies out there that make them, I run "slyfox" on my 4runner and tundra and never have to hear that cold start sound again.

 

Blackoutt, thanks for your response.

Went on RockAuto website and ordered the kit which includes, water pump, timing belt, pulleys and tensioner. Only concern that I have with this kit, is that it says some parts can come from China. The Brand name is Gates. Has anyone used this brand before and would you recommend installing it.

Thanks

 

I have used that exact kit before. Everything was fine except the water pump failed 10k miles later. Since everything had to come apart again I opted to install OEM water pump. Still running gates belt, pulley, and tensioner with no issues 75k miles on them now.

 

Did you try contacting gates after water pump failed only after 10k miles? Did they refund or do anything for you?

 

I have a 2007 with 101000 miles. Since day one always sounded loud when it starts. This car will last another 100K miles...no sweat. I just replaced original struts/shoks/front pads. Everything else original. Will not change fluids and belt for another 50K

 

Hey guys! Saw this post and I’m picking up an 05 tomorrow with the same issue, belt wasn’t replaced at 180k and it’s at 187k now, does anyone know of a how-to post on this subject with photos? Is this something that is difficult to accomplish at home or should I leave this to a stealership?

 

IF YOU DECIDE TO REPLACE BELT DON USE ANY CHINESE PARTS AMERICAN NAME ON THEM OR NOT. THEY ARE ABSOLUTELY TOTALLY JUNK. THEY WILL BREAK DOWN PRETTY QUICKLY AND THEN WHAT?

 

Rock Auto warrantied the whole kit but I replaced with OEM water pump anyway. Much higher quality. Gates doesn't make the pump in their kit its just random brands it seems.

 

Do the belt now.

Beware, i bought the gates kit for my SC430 which is the SAME kit and it was noisy. I ripped it back out and sourced genuine Toyota/Lexus parts. The water pump will likely be an Aisin which is what the vehicle came with (should be stamped) so that is okay but make sure you use a Toyota belt and pulleys or you “could” have issues like I did.