Timing belt schedule (years vs mileage)

[boobird]

I'm eying a used 2004 LX470 with 120k miles.

Timing belt was done in 2013 with 100k miles.
Fast forward 6 years, it now has 120k miles. So yes, the current belt only has 20k miles on it but is 6 years old.

When would you replace the belt? It was garage kept in Virginia.

 

[KFunk740]

From the best I could tell from the sticker under the hood, mine had around 15 years and 78K miles on it when I changed it. There were some surface cracks on it, but it still seemed quite strong. I posted a pic in the main timing belt thread.
I dont think I'd worry at all about 6 years.

 

[nissanh]

OEM toyota belt can last 10+ year I replaced 92 corolla oem belt at 177K miles/15 years. If it is non oem, then 5 years max. I have a gates belt installed in my corolla and at 50K and 5 years, that thing has cracks!

 

[SS100]

I bought my '03 in Sept 2015 with 88,000 miles. Timing belt had been charged at 62k miles in 2012 (I'm guessing due to age at 9 years)
I changed at 161 k miles in January 2019. (99,000 miles / 7 years) The old tb was in good condition, it would have lasted more miles and/or time without a problem. Definitely use it as a bargaining chip to try and lower the asking price and plan to change it in the near future, it might not be urgent, but is good peace of mind.
I'm talking about OEM parts, not sure about non-oem

 

[phatdragon]

My Toyota Tech said it should be done every 90k miles or 10 years.

 

[playdrv4me]

I believe the official Toyota stance on timing belts is 9 years 90k, but you have to assume that is heavily conservative. Outside limitations are probably more like 20 years+ and 250k. Even then, there's surprisingly few reports on mud of the belts ever actually breaking... and on pre 2006 models even the rare breaks don't seem to result in valve or piston damage despite Toyota's claim that these are interference motors.

 

[nothappening]

I'm in the area and can take a look for you. I saw that one on craigslist, it looks really nice!

 

[Spike555]

It’s not the belt that breaks, it’s the water pump seizing up, idler pulley seizing up or the tensioner failing that takes out the belt.
20yrs or 200k as long as you’re changing your engine coolant every 5yrs.
Engine coolant has a water pump lubricant in it, the lubricant wears out, the water pump bearings seize and takes out your timing belt. Everyone thinks it’s the belt that breaks, they are nylon belted just like tires, they do not break on their own.

 

[boobird]

The dealer offered $400 off or will replace the timing belt/water pump. What would you pick?

 

[nothappening]

The dealer offered $400 off or will replace the timing belt/water pump. What would you pick?

I would have them do it, that's just me.

 

[Bomar]

But only if they use OEM parts

 

[SS100]

The dealer offered $400 off or will replace the timing belt/water pump. What would you pick?

Toyota Dealer? I'd have them do it as you know the tech knows the engine and they will use OEM parts.
Non-Toyota Dealer? Take the $400 off and take care of it yourself. You can buy an AISIN kit (same manufacturer of Toyota OEM) from Amazon for $168.44 and either DIY or pay some trusted mechanic to do it (not the Toyota Dealership as their labor will be through the roof)

 

[boobird]

It is a toyota dealership. But now we're squabbling over whether the labor includes the entire TB kit. They only want to do the timing belt and water pump. No tensioner.

 

[Ming89FJ62]

Before Beno became Onur (again) he recommended this kit from Amazon.....it an Aisin kit so OEM for a 2007. Been running like a champ.

 

[Micheal Scott]

You should replace a 2000 and older Toyota every 60k. 2000 and up every 100k

 

[97 AZ LC]

You should replace a 2000 and older Toyota every 60k. 2000 and up every 100k

Where did you get that? My 1998 service interval manual says every 90k for timing belt.

 

[Micheal Scott]

From Toyota and MDT’s it’s for preventive maintenance.

 

[Micheal Scott]

Where did you get that? My 1998 service interval manual says every 90k for timing belt.

How many miles do you have on your car? that interval manual is almost 22 years old. I got my info from Toyota and Toyota master diagnostic technicians. It is strictly for preventative maintenance.

 

[KFunk740]

Replacing it every 60k miles is a great way to maintain the profit margins at the dealership.

 

[Micheal Scott]

Toyota isn’t the dealership