Timing belt age?

[anhizer]

I did some searching and it looks like toyota recommends replacing the Timing belt after 9 years regardless of mileage. I have around 75k miles on my current belt, but its 14 years old. I did a visual on the belt and it looks okay- no cracking and still soft feeling. I see some discoloration that correspond with the ribs. Think I'm okay to wait until 90k to replace?

Untitled by Neil Sasaki, on Flickr

 

[re_guderian]

it wouldn't bother me a bit to run it to that mileage-ish, or maybe a tad bit (10K) more and do the WP at the same time. There is literally no evidence to suggest that the timing belt's failure point is anywhere near the 90K mark. For reference, I bought an '04 that had never had it changed when I did it at 180K. No sign of impending doom. Some folks sleep better at night by needlessly throwing money at their rigs in PM, and Lord knows, I LOVE buying their rigs. I'm just a little more pragmatic with my PM dollars...

 

[TXLX100]

I did some searching and it looks like toyota recommends replacing the Timing belt after 9 years regardless of mileage. I have around 75k miles on my current belt, but its 14 years old. I did a visual on the belt and it looks okay- no cracking and still soft feeling. I see some discoloration that correspond with the ribs. Think I'm okay to wait until 90k to replace?

I'd worry more about when tensioner and water pump replaced last.

 

[anhizer]

The sticker on the engine indicates it was done at the dealer; i assume it was done at that time, though I cant be sure. I don't hear any bearing noise in the engine; Im not sure if the WP/tensioner typically just let go or if its a more gradual failure.

 

[cwmoser]

I haven't turned 40K yet on my 16 year old 2002 LX470.
Always garaged so doesn't see as much cold weather.
I'm thinking about putting off the Timing Belt till 90K miles because
I'm worried that doing the job that something might get F*cked up.
She runs so good now so why "fix it"

 

[mmaakk]

I usually do 110k miles and do everything else that comes with it such as water pump thermostat, idlers, whatever needs done.
Belt looks in good shape each time. Peace of mind is why I don’t extend running it further.

 

[2000LC]

FWIW, when I got mine it was 15 years old and had 223k miles on the original TB and water pump. There were small cracks in the belt, but nothing significant. That belt certainly looks a lot fresher than mine did.

 

[LBridges]

FWIW, when I got mine it was 15 years old and had 223k miles on the original TB and water pump. There were small cracks in the belt, but nothing significant. That belt certainly looks a lot fresher than mine did.

The condition sounds like a twin of mine - down to the appearance too. In my case a 2000 LX w/219K miles, purchased in 2015.

 

[Spike555]

I'd just keep driving it.
Change the engine coolant and the water pump will last a long time, coolant is what lubricates the water pump bearings. (Engine coolant has a lubricant in it)
The water pump will start to leak before it fails, I wouldn't worry about anything until then.

 

[2000LC]

I keep the old belt around for good luck. The wear is all really consistent. Just got rid of the water pump, but it had just a very small bit of red residue at the weep hole.

 

[vipergrhd]

@anhizer I got you beat when it comes to timing belt, mine is 15 years old and 96k miles since last replaced. This is on my 93 Truck w/ a 3.0l running on a Toyota belt and water pump, don't worry about the backside of the belt I would check the belt cogs if starting to peel off and signs of rubber inside timing cover also check water pump for coolant weeping on pulleys which could cause failure. Good luck on finding out how long your belt would last, I would replace it if you drive your rig regularly.