1996 V6 timing belt change interval

[jdave5917]

I've had this car since new and it has 155,000 miles and I never changed the timing belt. The owners manual lists the timing belt as part of the 60K and 120K service, but only if the car is used in extreme service such as taxi, trailer towing, or constant short trips. None of that applies to my use of the vehicle. The dealer thought I was crazy when I mentioned this to him but I showed the manual to him and he said he's never heard of that.

Am I taking too big a chance with this even though I'm technically following what the manual says? I'm going to be giving this car to my son and don't want to set him up for big problems.

[new echo owner]

Toyota did recommend 60k and 12k back then, but the newer models went up to 90k. Because the V6 use a hydraulic timing belt tensioner, the longevity of the timing belt is very good. At 155k, it would be a good idea to have that replace, and check the cam seals, crank seal and water pump for leak. If not for leak, replace them for your own peace of mind at that mileage.

N.E.O.

[Mike Gerber]

"I'm going to be giving this car to my son and don't want to set him up for big problems."

With what you are saying I would have it changed, just for peace of mind. I have always changed the timing belt at 60,000 miles on the generation 3 I own, although the generation 4 belt change interval was 90,000 miles and I believe they use the same belt. With that in mind you should be safe to go 90,000 miles between changes. I did have a timing belt break on my generation 1 Camry at 58,000 miles. I would assume the belts are made a bit better today, hence the longer change intervals.

"but only if the car is used in extreme service such as taxi, trailer towing, or constant short trips."

Constant short trips could apply to just about anybody who lives in or near a major city.

Mike

[Gibson99]

wow 155k that's amazing. longest i've ever heard of one going was 131k on our old gen2 4-cyl. it broke while mom was driving. She was dropping someone off at the airport. She'd just pulled up to the terminal, and asked her friend, "is this far enough?" and then the engine stalled. wouldn't restart... "Well, i hope it's far enough!" thankfully the 3sfe isn't an interference engine, so no damage done except to dad's wallet. tow bill and timing belt labor.

i agree with the others - do it before it just breaks, leaving you or someone else stranded somewhere. Do the cam seals, front crank seal and water pump at the same time to save on labor costs. My old 95 v6 coupe has something like 240-245k on it now, and if you take care of yours like i did mine (regular maintenance as suggested in the manual) you should see 1/4 million miles too.

[islandboy57]

Definitely change the timing belt. Consider yourself fortunate it lasted this long, change it, and enjoy the car for many more years to come . I think my mom changed the timing belt on her '95 V6 at 70K miles in 2004. Along with the water pump and everything else.