Seeking opinions on timing belt replacement.

[DwightJ]

I have a 2000 Land Cruiser with 68k on it, I bought it in 2004 with 60k and haven't driven it much. The drive belts were replaced a couple of years ago when the alternator was replaced. Can I wait until 90 or 100k? Thanks, Dwight

 

[Sandroad]

If the info in your post is correct, you definitely should not wait. The T belt will be way too old before it gets to 90k at only 500 miles per year.

 

[aging fleet]

Sure, you can wait, but the odds of a failure gradually creep up over time. How much? I'm not sure any of us can answer that.

If it were me, I'd change it sooner rather than waiting until 90 or 100k. I don't like to be stressed out about timing belts.

 

[DFXR]

That's some very low mileage. But I'd do it soon based on the age. That belt's been on there for 17 years.

Search here for some "while you're in there" things to do as well. Water pump, tensioner pulley, crank shaft seal, etc. Not much extra labor for the pulley and seal. Get it done and then you can stop thinking about it.

 

[Ramathorn15]

Toyota recommends 90k miles or 7 years, whichever comes first. I would say the 7 year thing could probably be pushed to maybe 10 years, but 16 years is a bit much.

 

[2001LC]

Can't wait to see condition of belt. Please take pictures and post when it is done.

 

[TravOC]

My mechanic just told me that I don't need to do the timing belt on my '99 with 105,000 miles. He's a pretty meticulous Toyota guy so I don't know what to think.

 

[TexasCrane]

My mechanic just told me that I don't need to do the timing belt on my '99 with 105,000 miles. He's a pretty meticulous Toyota guy so I don't know what to think.

Ask him if he's going to cover the tow and any repairs if the timing belt breaks.

 

[TravOC]

Ask him if he's going to cover the tow and any repairs if the timing belt breaks.

I doubt he would cover non-work, but I usually weigh the odds on expensive service like this. Based on some of the other threads here, there seem to be very few breakages under 200,000 miles, especially in dry areas where there is less likelihood of water intrusion.

 

[philthyphil]

I'm pretty sure the engine is done if the belt goes during operation. I would read up on that and then re-weigh the options.

 

[TravOC]

I'm pretty sure the engine is done if the belt goes during operation. I would read up on that and then re-weigh the options.

There are a lot of threads on the subject. I can't find any evidence of anyone suffering engine damage from valve interference on a timing chain failure. One guy blew out his head gaskets, which could be expected.