Has my timing belt been replaced? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

skysi · 08-11-2009, 01:26 AM

Hi ALL!

I bought a used 2002 Camry XLE v6 just 3 weeks ago. It has 98K miles. I know Toyota recommends replacing the timing belt every 90000 miles, so I wonder if it was replaced when the car hit the 90K mark. I kind of hope it was since the car has been taken excellent care of both inside and outside. Not even a scratch on the body. So I think an owner like that would follow the maintainence guidelines strictly. Yet, I'm not 100% sure. And a Mitsubishi dealer I bought it from had no idea.
So is there a way to determine if the belt has been replaced?
Also, suppose the timing belt broke while driving, would this destroy my engine?
I heard there are interference and non-interference engines. Not sure which one my Camry has.

Thank you very much for any help.

fredk · 08-11-2009, 09:54 AM

take the cover off and ask the belt if its new

skysi · 08-11-2009, 10:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fredk

take the cover off and ask the belt if its new

Thanks, man, for your wise advice. Have you personally been successful with this type of diagnosis?
Hmmm, I naively thought a newbie would be welcome here.

fredk · 08-11-2009, 11:00 AM

We gotta rag the new guys somehow, it takes the edge off

, just get a timing belt component kit, pulleys and all and do it

ycartf · 08-11-2009, 11:04 AM

Apologizes for fredk's sarcasm,

Welcome skysi!

There is actually a little truth to what fredk said though. Although the belt cannot "literally" speak, there should be some telltale signs of whether or not the belt had been replaced if you access it by removing the cover. Knowing how most folks operate and it being just a few thousand past the recommended interval, my assumption would be that the belt probably has not been replaced. If you knew you were going to trade in a vehicle in a few months (or few thousand miles) you probably would not want to sink another few hundred dollars into it. As far as I know, your engine is non-interference. I am uncertain because I have not worked on a Gen5 before. This brings up a good point. You want to post in the Gen5 and 6 forum, as your car is the first year of the Gen5's. It is a common mistake to not notice which area your particular car is discussed in, but this one is for Camry's made from 1982-1991. Best wishes, and enjoy your Camry!

skysi · 08-11-2009, 07:08 PM

Thank you, Tracy. I'll re-post in that forum then.