Timing belt before 90k?

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patrickfinley

patrickfinley

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Anyone change their timing belt before 90k? I've got an 04 at 7 years old and 68k. I probably will be at 9 years before I hit 90k. I've heard 9 years is the upper limit on when you should change the belt.

My past vehicle was a 4runner, if the belt goes on that the engine is fine. I believe if the belt goes on an LC you're in some trouble.

Would you guys wait till 9 years or get it done a bit sooner?
 
I would wait. I had my 99' done at 125,000 and the belt was fine. My water pump was starting to leak though. Look underneath and if the water pump is not leaking I would think you're good for another year at least. However depending on your climate in New Mexico that could make a difference. Is it dry air?
Dry air rots out timing belts. My 84 supra's snapped when I lived in Salt Lake and the belt was all dried out. Living in the midwest it's not near as bad. Also, if you're going to keep it you might as well do it.

Sorry for the mixed answer but it depends on your climate and your funds.
 
It's bone dry here in New Mexico. My tires are starting to show signs of dry rot, they are about 5 years old, so it's feasible that the belt is going as well.
 
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Just wait. 90k is already the safe limit (assuming a normal amount of miles per year avg). I know several LC guys with over a 100k and have not had a timing belt done. One of that group has put every mile on the truck and at 170k he's considering doing the timing belt finally, at my persistence.

I don't preach negligence but certainly doing the timing belt early is of lil value.
 
I've been reading the rest of the "Timing belt" threads. Sounds like many dealerships like to recommend the timing belt after 60k. I'll probably hold off until I get closer to the 9 year mark.
 
I have a 2000 with 85k (bought at 80k) that has the original timing belt. Way over the 6 year rule. No problems so far. Wondering if I should wait until 90k or just do it now? I'm doing the ATF, T-case fluid, and Diff fluids now. Thinking I need to do t-belt, water pump and spark plugs later this year.
 
to the fortunate owners of low mileage older 100s, you can take a cover off one side and inspect the timing belt. maybe that info would help you decide path forward? someone posted at one time the preferred (easier) side. if you do this, please report back on ease of operation and some photos that show the actual view/access :cheers:
 
patrickfinley said:
Would you guys wait till 9 years or get it done a bit sooner?
Click to expand...

You should probably just drive it more!

I'd wait. Mine at 10 + years and 150k miles looked good after a whole life in New Mexico and Colorado.

New Mexico is hard on anything exposed to the sun but the T-belt gets no UV rays.
 
I'm in the same boat, wondering what to do. I had the timing belt and wp done 9 years, and 63,000 miles ago. I've been thinking about the time vs mileage issue as well.

I like the idea of removing a cover to inspect.
 
My water pump busted at 50k miles and was covered under warranty. I replaced the belt at that time. I waited on my 4 runner till 13 years and 125k miles and everything was in good shape. Knowing more now, I wouldn't wait this long again.

This is something you should change if you are close or feel uncomfortable, IMHO. You don't want it to give, you want to replace. If you think the cost to replace is bad just wait till you get the repair bill if it breaks while doing 70 down the road.

A logic conditions can change the life I would think. Do you store it outside? Does your city use salt on the roads, or do you live by the ocean? Just some things to think about.
 
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