How to know when to change timing belt

[OregonLC]

I've read on several occasions someone saying "just pull back the TB cover and check the condition". Can that be done? I would guess no, but never got an answer from the poster.

Yes and no. The DS cover can be removed but you don't get much of a view nor is there any visual pass/fail criteria for the belt. The only real usefulness to removing the cover is to see if something is leaking.

 

[lexi4darin]

He's kidding.

FWIW I changed my belt last month. It had 77k on it but was 12 years old. It showed no signs of cracking or wear on it but the weep hole on my pump was starting to leak. Not enough to drip on the floor but enough to show buildup of dried coolant at the weep hole. I'd say it was about the right time to do it.

Directions, instructions, guides, or write-ups on the TB replacement? Anyone able to provide a source other than FSM?

I've got 180k so i want to replace TB, w pump, serp belt, idle tensioner pulley (thingy that makes a racket on cold morning starts, clack-clack-clack?? God I hope it's just this part, tho, the ruckus goes away pretty quick). So any tips on write-ups or instructions, pls provide.

Lastly, for those that have done the above, how many ? I've done brakes f/r, repacked front bearings and hubs, and CV shaft replacements. Comparing the timing belt and Water pump and idle'r pulley, which is most difficult? Or is the TB better left to the pros?

 

[OregonLC]

Directions, instructions, guides, or write-ups on the TB replacement? Anyone able to provide a source other than FSM?

I've got 180k so i want to replace TB, w pump, serp belt, idle tensioner pulley (thingy that makes a racket on cold morning starts, clack-clack-clack?? God I hope it's just this part, tho, the ruckus goes away pretty quick). So any tips on write-ups or instructions, pls provide.

Lastly, for those that have done the above, how many ? I've done brakes f/r, repacked front bearings and hubs, and CV shaft replacements. Comparing the timing belt and Water pump and idle'r pulley, which is most difficult? Or is the TB better left to the pros?

Try searching for "timing belt for dummies". Scott did a fantastic write up. The only thing I would strongly urge to do different is to pull the radiator.

 

[2003lx470]

Directions, instructions, guides, or write-ups on the TB replacement? Anyone able to provide a source other than FSM?

I've got 180k so i want to replace TB, w pump, serp belt, idle tensioner pulley (thingy that makes a racket on cold morning starts, clack-clack-clack?? God I hope it's just this part, tho, the ruckus goes away pretty quick). So any tips on write-ups or instructions, pls provide.

Lastly, for those that have done the above, how many ? I've done brakes f/r, repacked front bearings and hubs, and CV shaft replacements. Comparing the timing belt and Water pump and idle'r pulley, which is most difficult? Or is the TB better left to the pros?

The link to replace the TB and Water Pump:


https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/431177-timing-belt-dummies-writeup.html

 

[Junglejack]

Hello,
I just dropped off my LX to have the timing belt, serpentine belt, spark plugs, and fuel filter replaced at a Toyota dealership.

The pricing was so much lower than at Lexus it is not even funny. While I too have never read about anyone having their T-Belt breaking and bending the valves, rubber does start to go bad and while the miles are quite low considering the year it is still a 13 year old truck.
Best,
J

I