is there a way to check on when to change the timing belt?

[kongeee]

I got my car last year..its a 95 camry v6.

When i got it, it already had a swap engine in it.

I already drove 30,000 on it.


Is there a way to fine out if i need to change the timing belt?

[nikita]

I pull the upper plastic cover and physically inspect it for condition once a year.

[xtremeskier97]

Its supposed to be changed every 60,000 miles i believe. When the timing belt is changed..you are supposed to write the mileage of the engine on the sticker that goes on the outside of the upper timing belt cover. Check there to see if there is a sticker.

[Kep]

If you don't know how many miles are on the existing Tbelt and you absolutely can't break down in the middle of traffic or the middle of nowhere then it makes sense to go ahead and change it. You could probably pull the cover off and examine the belt for visual imperfections but, other than cracks and broken teeth, I'm not sure if you can tell visually when a belt is about to fail.

Kep

[nikita]

90,000 is the recommended interval, but the dealer told me even that is conservative.
Since it is a non-interference engine, dont worry too much. They do not suddenly break with no visible fraying or cracks.

[TRD_EarBanger]

90,0000 miles for V6, 600,000 for 4, depending on the model year they may have different times

[llcoolpass]

yep, that's usually the range for belts. seems to me it's because there's less wear on the belt because it's longer. but otherwise, if any belt gets all oily and messed up, the mileage is inconsequential

[EEngineer]

timing belt is one item i'd only change when it breaks and gets me stranded

it costs too much to replace ...cuz if i do it, i'll replace the water pump and the seals...dealer asks for like 800....so i rather not do that until I have to.

I can get it done for cheaper for sure but it's not a easy thing to do exactly..so i'll have to pay 3-4 bills at least.

[llcoolpass]

it is very easy to do, if that's all you're doing [replacing the belt as preventative maintenace]
probably takes 4 hrs start to finish

interference engine can still get pissed off with the valves and pistons, depends on the situation [like a 1% chance or less, but still]

if you want my opinion:
change your timing belt on the v6 at about 130K miles, based on what I've seen and others noticed too. you wont be doing it 'too' soon.

the water pump often is still in good condition. the pulley for it can be checked when doing the timing belt. if ok, then prob get away with not doing it, but it is certainly the best time to do it, preventatively.