New Owner for 2001 & 2003 Sequoia--His and Hers

[bbslider001]

Nice! I did the timing belt/water pump/pulleys on my 02'. Get the Aisin kit of Rockauto or Amazon. Not a bad job depending on your mechanical ability. I basically followed a Youtube video while I did it but I had a service manual for back up/torque specs.

Just curious how long it took you and were the instructions you found pretty clear? The one vid I watched mentioned not getting the cams lined up right and it being an issue. That was one thing that made me pause and not want to cause damage to the engine. Thanks!

 

[Farnsrocket]

Just curious how long it took you and were the instructions you found pretty clear? The one vid I watched mentioned not getting the cams lined up right and it being an issue. That was one thing that made me pause and not want to cause damage to the engine. Thanks!

Oh probably half a day taking my time.
I used those little metal binder clips to hold the belt to the cams when I installed it to keep it from slipping. You just have to make sure you get the right orientation when you’re lining up the cams when you turn the crank. Also, the cams will slightly move just a hair when you get the belt off. Just remember the amount of teeth the belt has in between the cans and understand the markings on your belt. Once it’s all installed, you turn the crank several times to get the engine to cycle through several cycles to make sure nothing is binding.

 

[bbslider001]

Oh probably half a day taking my time.
I used those little metal binder clips to hold the belt to the cams when I installed it to keep it from slipping. You just have to make sure you get the right orientation when you’re lining up the cams when you turn the crank. Also, the cams will slightly move just a hair when you get the belt off. Just remember the amount of teeth the belt has in between the cans and understand the markings on your belt. Once it’s all installed, you turn the crank several times to get the engine to cycle through several cycles to make sure nothing is binding.

Well after reading a bunch about others experiences and calling a "Toyota" tech who wanted $1400 for the job, I am going to do it myself. Heck if I can do clutches and trans and engine pulls, I would think I could do this job. I'll take my time and be very methodical. The "tech" that did mine at Toyota couldn't even put all the bolts back. I KNOW I can do better than that LOL...Stay tuned. I gotta order the parts.

 

[ozarkmud]

Here's an option for the rear hatch: Aireddown Adventures - https://aireddownadventures.com/

Haven't tried it yet, but seems promising.

As far as doing the front shocks without a whole strut assembly or spring compressor, this may be a good option:

Aisin's timing belt is probably pretty good, but from what I understand Aisin is not 100% the same as OEM. It's made on the same lines, but not necessarily the same quality of product. I only say this because I always assumed they were the same but for less money, but according to Joejoe this is not the case.

 

[bbslider001]

Here's an option for the rear hatch: Aireddown Adventures - https://aireddownadventures.com/

Haven't tried it yet, but seems promising.

As far as doing the front shocks without a whole strut assembly or spring compressor, this may be a good option:

Aisin's timing belt is probably pretty good, but from what I understand Aisin is not 100% the same as OEM. It's made on the same lines, but not necessarily the same quality of product. I only say this because I always assumed they were the same but for less money, but according to Joejoe this is not the case.

Yeah I am actually ordering the kit from him! He is a good dude. He did tell me that Aisin is using water pumps made in China and branded as Japanese. They are lasting about 40k miles. He said just get the Toyota OEM. I'll check out the vid for the hatch. I still don't like how mine operates after the full assembly replacement and all metal handle. My wife's is like butter. Mine is kinda rough. It works, but that's about it.

 

[Farnsrocket]

Aisin's timing belt is probably pretty good, but from what I understand Aisin is not 100% the same as OEM. It's made on the same lines, but not necessarily the same quality of product. I only say this because I always assumed they were the same but for less money, but according to Joejoe this is not the case.

Good to know, I always thought they were the same as well.

 

[bbslider001]

Good to know, I always thought they were the same as well.

What is odd is that I see "OEM Genuine Toyota" kits on eBay for $370 but the kit at Yota is $505. Something is amiss here. My guess is those Ebay are not OEM, but boxed as such. It would not be the first time.

 

[ozarkmud]

What is odd is that I see "OEM Genuine Toyota" kits on eBay for $370 but the kit at Yota is $505. Something is amiss here. My guess is those Ebay are not OEM, but boxed as such. It would not be the first time.

I'm sure there are some counterfits on Ebay, although I've had a very good experience with Ebay and sellers on there in general. If you go to different dealerships, you'll see a huge range in prices. I think the dealer markup is substantial, so it could be that, or maybe it's a knockoff.

 

[bbslider001]

I'm sure there are some counterfits on Ebay, although I've had a very good experience with Ebay and sellers on there in general. If you go to different dealerships, you'll see a huge range in prices. I think the dealer markup is substantial, so it could be that, or maybe it's a knockoff.

I agree. I'm just not sure. I could save $150 buying on Ebay, but is it worth the risk?

 

[joseywales]

The Aisin kits are as good as OEM. Aisin produces a huge portion of OEM parts for Toyota. You can also buy Beck Arnley parts, which are re-branded OEM. Don’t know if they are buying excess stock or how it works with BA, but they are apparently OEM parts.

 

[bbslider001]

The Aisin kits are as good as OEM. Aisin produces a huge portion of OEM parts for Toyota. You can also buy Beck Arnley parts, which are re-branded OEM. Don’t know if they are buying excess stock or how it works with BA, but they are apparently OEM parts.

I have heard this said, but a certified Toyota tech told me the water pump is the issue with the Aisin kit. That's pretty interesting about BA parts too.