Let me break it down..

[99camryCJ]

Ok, so Im posting this thread to help my dad. He has a 99 4cyl with 147,000 miles. He commutes some 60 miles one way to work 5 days a week. He used to have a thump from the passenger front tire, and very little play in the steering wheel. We took it to pep boys to get it checked out before inspection and they said that everything was ok, and it passed inspection fine. Recently ive noticed that the play if way worse, and i think that it might need new ball joints, or cv joint, ill have to get it checked out. But he told me the other day he doesnt think his car is running 100% right now, and i was just wondering if there is any normal maintence things that i should have checked out now that its nearing 150,000. I respect my father, and ofcourse his toyota, so i want to do everything in my power to help em out. just though i would ask what you guys though..thanks in advance to any help.

[bigbird]

aww thats so sweet

well when was the last time u changed out the timing belt and water pump? sparkplugs? injectors?

it would really help if u could provide more detail. just saying that it doesnt run 100% doesnt give us much to go on.

does it idle rough?
does it rev smoothly?
does it shift smoothly?
does it accelerate smoothly?
any hesitation on startup or durring acceleration?
does it start well?

things liek that will help us anwser ur question and help ur dad

[99camryCJ]

thanks for the quick reply

[99camryCJ]

oh ok, no problem, it doesnt idle rough, it revs smoothly to my knowledge, it shifts smoothly, maybe a slight pull in the transmission when under stress (pedle to the floor) it accelerates smoothly, no hesitation, and it starts up perfectly fine, my mom did say that when istarted it up the other day there was a little bit of dark smoke out the back, possibly burning oil, but idk, he just got the oil changed. he said he was worried about it breaking down, and i reassured him that its a toyota, and toyotas dont break down. i just want to make the necessary maintenance adjustments that are needed. if you need to know any other info just ask.thanks..and im not sure on the timing belt, water pump, or injectors..i dont think in a while. im sur ete timing belt at 90,000. it was driven across the country so im sure he did that.

[bigbird]

well a timing belt/ water pump is defiantly somthing u can do in a few thousand miles. that black smoke is a sign of a leaky gasket, prolly head gasket. ever change that out?

[99camryCJ]

no lol, most likely not..ill have to ask him, but i doubt it. just routine oil changes. are they difficult/expensive to change?

[Mike Gerber]

"well a timing belt/ water pump is defiantly somthing u can do in a few thousand miles"

The timing belt change interval for the generation 4 (1997-2001) Camry is 90,000 miles. He can wait at least another 30,000 miles before doing the belt, assuming he had it done around 90,000 miles the first time. For the generation 3 it was 60,000 miles.

Mike

[dc_98_cam]

Originally Posted by Mike Gerber

"well a timing belt/ water pump is defiantly somthing u can do in a few thousand miles"

The timing belt change interval for the generation 4 (1997-2001) Camry is 90,000 miles. He can wait at least another 30,000 miles before doing the belt, assuming he had it done around 90,000 miles the first time. For the generation 3 it was 60,000 miles.

Mike

What I recall is the timing belt interval for a Gen 4 5s-fe 2.2L is 60k mi.
The timing belt interval for a Gen 4 1mz-fe 6 cyl is 90k mi.

Also replace water pump when replace timing belt.

... Always a good idea to keep transmission fluid, power steering fluid, and differential fluid reasonably fresh ... reddish color ... use Dexron III or equivalent. .... Gen 4 has separate differential fluid compartment ... requires draining/refilling separate from transmission.

At 147k mi., you might also be sure to inspect idler pulleys for wear/leak/smoothness....
There is a pulley spring on no.1 idler pulley that should be replaced .... new specification, as I recall.

Examine spark plugs ... notice any oil on tips? A comparative cylinder compression check will tell you a lot about the engine condition.

[99camryCJ]

ok, ill check the spark plugs, out and yes the timing belt was changed at a routine 90k..thanks for the help

[wonger]

for the smoke.. 1st thing in the mornng you start the car up and floor it a few times.. have someone see if the smoke is white or black

if it is whitish blue. than you need valve seals

[99camryCJ]

oh ok, are those difficult to change? is there like a DIY? and if its black? then burning oil?