Timing Belt Questions...

[Droopynut]

Hi,

I was wondering how long toyota pickup trucks generally run until the timing belt needs to be replaced. In particular, the 3VZ-E V6. Mine has 156K miles and I have no idea if it was ever done.

Are there any warning signs to look for that would lead me to believe that the timing belt is on it's way out?

How often does it need to be replaced?

Do I need to replace my water pump when I change the timing belt?

Thanks, Dan

 

[toyminator]

I think The Toyota service interval is at 80k but as a general rule most say to do it every 100k. You should also replace water pump, belt tensioners and belts because it all has to come off to replace the timing belt and these parts rarely make it to 200k.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

What he said...

You might be able to pull part of the upper timing cover and pry it back (You can't take it off without draining the coolant...) and check if the belt is cracked of starting to fall apart...

 

[KLF]

I'm relatively sure the recommended replacement interval is only 60K miles. At least that is when I did them in my '92 4Runner. I know it's 90K on the 1MZ in my car, and the 5MZ in my Highlander.

There's really no reliable way to tell if the belt is wearing out. You'll know when it breaks. Then you'll be stranded on the road with a dead engine. Fortunately this is not an inteference engine, so no damage, but it's still a huge pain.

As for the water pump, if it's original, then I would replace it. OEM Toyota.

 

[4x4CPOSEADOG]

Originally posted by KLF
I'm relatively sure the recommended replacement interval is only 60K miles.

That is correct specially on the 3VZ-E V6 slow engine. Mr T recommended to change the timing belt at 60K miles.

Originally posted by Droopynut
How often does it need to be replaced?

Do I need to replace my water pump when I change the timing belt?

If you are going to replace the timing belt and since you do not know the maintenance history of your rig, it is highly recommended to replace the water pump, idler pulleys, thermostat, and maybe the tensioner. All these items are located around the timing belt area. I did replaced all these items when I saw my water pump leaking. Just want to do it right the first time, so I do not have to go back there again until after another 60K miles.

 

[vipergrhd]

60k intervals

according to my service manual and a friend that works for toyota they all rec. to replace timing belt around 60k.my friend told me that it could last till 120k under normal driving conditions,it's rare that they just break on there own under 100k.i do have a 93 hilux 4x4 w/3vze and i replaced the first timing belt around 80k and all i did was the timing belt and the hydraulic tensioner.when it reach 162k i did replaced timing belt,water pump, hyd.tensioner and idler pulley also inspected the cam seals and crank seal at this point.
the advantage of doing all this work at the same time is saving time and also some money in the long run,it also helps if you got friends on the inside to help w/ the discount.i'm pushing 208k at this time and still going strong.my suggestion is if you got the money and time do it all at once it will save you some grief down the road. john

 

[4x4CPOSEADOG]

Droopynut, here's something to help you out if you decided to tackle the job. 1993 Toyota Pickup Service Manual

Let me know if you need help.

 

[HOGWILD]

I suspect you should hear the idler bearings if it is a high mileage engine and if you do not it is possible that it has been changed. My OSLOW just had the belt done not too long ago and idlers were making a bad squealing constant type noise. Everyone says look for a sticker on the TB cover but the techs never use them and if so they blow off 2 days later anyway, i would suggest a History report from local Dealership, might be surprised how well it was maintained. I could not find anything on mine and changed it cause i got it with 140K on it and at about 235K i changed it and did not wanta take chance of damadge/ engine change! Did seals x2, idler bearings x2 belt, water pump, thermostat, coolant, drive belts and did the Power steering pump while i was in it cause of shaft seal leaking!! Toyota did the work and i did not get one spec of dirt on myself but did pay for them doing it!! warranty with the repair is what i was concerned with and to date no comeback for anything they changed!! Tech i use is very good! rbuilt engine for V^ runs around 3K and i would not take the chance myself , the belt was glazed over but could not tell how many milkes were on it but it did not have 235K on it i can promise you that because it had a few white cords showing !