Timing belt replacement

Generally you'll be fine in that 100K mile range, assuming the belt isn't 20 years old and cracking. Do you have any idea when the last swap was? (it was early at 65K)

Also, these are non-interference engines, so a timing belt breaking isn't the end of the world, though it puts you out of commission for a tow and immediate fix, etc.

 

I do mine at 125k. I only use TOYOTA supplier Mitsuboshi belts. Nary a crack at 125k miles.

 

If its a V6 you can pull a few 10mm (I think) bolts out of the drivers side of the upper timing belt cover and get a peek at the belt. Takes 5 minutes, if you are slow.

 

I have 196,000 miles on my 4Runner as of now, the belt was done in 2009 at 109,000 according to the sticker! I've inspected it and couldn't find any cracks in it last year! I do have a bevy of oem parts to exchange including the belt, has anyone actually seen a belt come apart? Not discounting anyone's theory on replacing it before it leaves us stranded, I've just been putting the job off.

 

I've seen threads or vids with near 300k TOYOTA belts that were being replaced for the first time. They looked hella cracked but were still holding solid. Never heard of a TOYOTA belt breaking. This does not apply to cheap non-OEM belts.

 

Unfortunately, I think my belt was last changed about 20 years ago. maybe more. I will have to check... I bought my 4runner in 93/94 and I never did a belt change. I will have to check the label or receipt again... I do know it's been about 95,000 miles ago, but I forgot about the years.

 

How did you buy your 97 4Runner in 93/94?

 

"Magnets"

 

Sorry for the confusion. I am the second owner. My brother-in-law bought it new in 97 and had the belt changed at 65,000 miles. Why so early? I don't know. Probably because the dealer told him to have it done. He does not do any work on anything.
I bought it December 21, 2003. I think it had 110,000 miles on the 4Runner back then.

I will get the exact numbers

 

It looks like the belt was changed at 65,800 miles on July 26, 200? I purchased it on December 21, 2003 with a bit more than 110,000 miles on it.

It now has 160,000 miles on it. So in the last 21 years, I only put 50,000 miles on it.

Those bolts might be difficult to remove, so I might let a professional do the work.

 

Ok, it's worse than I thought. I now have the answers. I pulled the receipt from way back.

The timing belt was replaced at 65,828 miles, because the water pump was seeping and was replaced. They installed belt number 13568-69095. This was back in July 27, 2000. So my current belt has about 95,000 on it and is 24.5 years old.

I was hoping to get 100,000 on the belt. Maybe 1 more year.

 

You must have bought it in 2003-2004 then, because magnets aren't strong enough to explain it

 

Correct... December 21, 2003. Thanks for spotting that.

 

I have been searching the web for more information. People are saying that the timing can last 150,000 miles or more and that the water pump will usually go first. That’s what happened to mine at 65,828 miles.

I think i will pull the upper cover and take a look at the belt this summer and watch for water pump problems. I figure i might have another 55,000 left on the belt before i hit 150,000 miles. And with only putting 5,000 a year on the vehicle, that’s 11 years. And i will be 84. It will be someone else’s problem by then.

 

Hopefully mine. Where do you live?