Timing Belt Question - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

Eyetechno · 05-29-2009, 02:20 AM

I have a 1989 Camry with just over 44,000 km on it. I just got the car from my grandfather and while looking through the maintenance records it looks like the timing belt has not been replaced. The infamous question though....Should I look at replacing it? Most sites that I've seen say to wait until about 80,000, but if the maintenance records are complete then I have a 20 year old timing belt as well.

Quite simply, is it a risk to run the car or am I just paranoid?

Jimnist · 05-29-2009, 03:36 AM

Umm....20 year old car with factory original timing belt? Definitely a risk.

Even if it hasn't done the k's, the belt is still subjected to the elements, which wear out and weaken the belt i.e. cracking from drying out.

I'd suggest new fluids and filters all round.

txturbo · 05-29-2009, 06:04 AM

definitely replace it. Unless you don't mind it breaking and leaving you stranded someplace.

Eyetechno · 05-29-2009, 11:12 PM

Ok, I guess I'll save a bit of cash for it then.

Overall the maintenance on the car is pretty good. The car has been well maintained and the fluids and filters have been changed on a regular basis.

I got the Serpentine and the A/C belts replaced last week, which got me thinking about the Timing belt.

Any idea how much I'm looking at for replacement, assuming I get the water pump replaced as well?

Jimnist · 05-30-2009, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eyetechno

Any idea how much I'm looking at for replacement, assuming I get the water pump replaced as well?

May as well replace the waterpump and the thermostat while you're there. Not sure, i think i saw them for >$50 for a timing belt kit (comes with belts, a few seals and a new ilder pulley as opposed to just a belt) which is what you want.

txturbo · 05-30-2009, 06:09 AM

I have no idea what it will cost in your area. All depends on who does it and how much thier hourly rate is. If you do it yourself, its only about $50-$75 in parts. I can do it in a couple of hours so I would charge about $200 parts & labor and I'm usually cheaper than the other local shops. If you have a dealer do the work it could be $400-$500. Just depends.