3rd & 4th Generation (1992–1996 & 1997–2001)Toyota Camry Discussion for years: 1992-1996 & 1997-2001
Topics of discussion range from fuel economy, safety, modifications, performance all involving America's favorite family car, the Toyota Camry.
I just bought a 96 Camry and the previous owner said he had never gotten the timing belt serviced. The car just crossed over 148,000 miles. Am I in deep shit? My dad told me that the timing belt needs to be changed before I can drive it or I'm at a big risk.
How much does it cost anyway?
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1996 Toyota Camry | 4 Cyl. 2.2L | Black Paint with Tan Interior | All Stock | DEAD at 155k. Broken Crankshaft/Main Bearing
It's not going to destroy your car but it should be done. I just had my belt replaced on my 98 camry with 111,000 miles on it and I'm getting better MPG.
Find a good mechanic.
I don't know what I paid because I had other things done at the same time.
Timing belt, replaced water pump, flushed the coolant, and an oil change cost me $372.73 with tax.
If it does go bad, you'll be stuck on the side of the road, or worse, in the middle of the road.
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Last edited by deezeejoey; 07-15-2009 at 12:42 PM.
in most cars you would be taking a big chance, but not in a 1996 camry - the engine is none interference. so a broken belt with just result in a stalled engine without any catestrophic consequences.
I just bought a 96 Camry and the previous owner said he had never gotten the timing belt serviced. The car just crossed over 148,000 miles. Am I in deep shit? My dad told me that the timing belt needs to be changed before I can drive it or I'm at a big risk.
How much does it cost anyway?
I'm a firm believer that T belts should be done every 50-60.000miles
or every 5 years.most Indy shops like myself would agree.
when you do it its always better to change the following.
Water pump, cam / crank seals, belt rollers, tensioner and maybe a minor tune up, like spark plugs and leads, valve cover gasket with spark plug hole seals and pcv valve.
coolant flush and change then your good for another 50k or so.
I talked to my uncle who finished some automotive school. He told me to screw it and drive until it snaps. I think that's what I'm going to have to do, I'm too low on cash to pay 1000 dollars for timing belt/water pump etc. God I hope it doesn't break...
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1996 Toyota Camry | 4 Cyl. 2.2L | Black Paint with Tan Interior | All Stock | DEAD at 155k. Broken Crankshaft/Main Bearing
Timing belt replacement at a Toyota dealership in our area will run you $300 on the 4 cylinder. I have seen dealer's advertise sale prices for the job in fliers for $200. This is a job that in my opinoin should be done at a dealership, if you are not going to do it yourself. They are usually more cost effective than an independent on this particular job. They do these so frequently, their techs can practically do it quickly with their eyes closed.
As far as when to do it, it used to be every 60,000 miles on the generation 3 (1992-1996) Camrys and then went to 90,000 miles on the generation 4's. Since the same belt is used on both generations, I would say you are safe with 90,000 miles on the generation 3's too, IMHO. As others have said, there will be no damage to the engine if the timing belt breaks. The 5SFE engine in your car is a non-interference fit engine; in other words; the valves won't hit the tops of the pistons. You will just be stranded and have to add the inconvience and the cost of a tow to the job. One monkey wrench to doing the timing belt is there is no telling if anything under the belt needs to be done when the belt is removed; water pump, seals, etc. Nobody can tell what the condition of parts are that are under the belt, until it is removed. Find someone you can trust for this job, when you do choose to have it done.
Timing belt replacement at a Toyota dealership in our area will run you $300 on the 4 cylinder. I have seen dealer's advertise sale prices for the job in fliers for $200. This is a job that in my opinoin should be done at a dealership, if you are not going to do it yourself. They are usually more cost effective than an independent on this particular job. They do these so frequently, their techs can practically do it quickly with their eyes closed.
As far as when to do it, it used to be every 60,000 miles on the generation 3 (1992-1996) Camrys and then went to 90,000 miles on the generation 4's. Since the same belt is used on both generations, I would say you are safe with 90,000 miles on the generation 3's too, IMHO. As others have said, there will be no damage to the engine if the timing belt breaks. The 5SFE engine in your car is a non-interference fit engine; in other words; the valves won't hit the tops of the pistons. You will just be stranded and have to add the inconvience and the cost of a tow to the job. One monkey wrench to doing the timing belt is there is no telling if anything under the belt needs to be done when the belt is removed; water pump, seals, etc. Nobody can tell what the condition of parts are that are under the belt, until it is removed. Find someone you can trust for this job, when you do choose to have it done.
Mike
Wow, that was some great information.
I think for now I'm just going to drive on it. Once I get a more steady job I'll look into replacing the whole deal (Timing belt, Water pump, and whatever else the above poster stated). It's a great car, and I plan on driving it for many years to come.
Thanks a lot.
Edit: Just looked at my local dealerships website. They have "Vintage" Toyota deals. I can the timing belt done for 200 bucks and a 4 wheel allignment (which I also desperately need) for 70 bucks. Pretty good deal I'd say...
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1996 Toyota Camry | 4 Cyl. 2.2L | Black Paint with Tan Interior | All Stock | DEAD at 155k. Broken Crankshaft/Main Bearing
Last edited by Retrospekt; 07-15-2009 at 11:19 PM.
Hmm, I've got to dig out my last Toyota receipt...they wanted $600 for timing belt replacement and some related replacements around that area...needlesss to say I said no way.
There are some do it yourself threads for timing belt replacement, so you might want to take a look into that option. 148,000 miles is a long time for one belt. But as others have said, with Toyota's non-interference engines nothing will get damaged if the belt goes. If you search around I remember seeing someone took pictures of what happened to their timing belt when it died on them. Shredded the whole thing to pieces, but engine was fine.
"I have seen dealer's advertise sale prices for the job in fliers for $200."
"Edit: Just looked at my local dealerships website. They have "Vintage" Toyota deals. I can the timing belt done for 200 bucks and a 4 wheel allignment (which I also desperately need) for 70 bucks. Pretty good deal I'd say..."
Great deal. Which dealers in our area have those vintage Toyota deals?
I have seen dealer's advertise sale prices for the job in fliers for $200.
Quote:
Originally Posted by stefan27UF
I've got to dig out my last Toyota receipt...they wanted $600 for timing belt replacement and some related replacements around that area...needlesss to say I said no way.
I shopped around in greater Houston area for timing belt change, and one dealer stated that they have a "timing belt change special"for $200. BUT that was ONLY the BELT change. I continued to ask questions about "might as well" parts, like water pump and pullies. Then they quoted me around $600, if I remember correctly.
I shopped around in greater Houston area for timing belt change, and one dealer stated that they have a "timing belt change special"for $200. BUT that was ONLY the BELT change. I continued to ask questions about "might as well" parts, like water pump and pullies. Then they quoted me around $600, if I remember correctly.
This is the way to get customer in the shop, then they try to talk you in to changing the other parts which should be done at the same time.
most bite on the hook one's they have been lured in to the shop.
This is the way to get customer in the shop, then they try to talk you in to changing the other parts which should be done at the same time.
most bite on the hook one's they have been lured in to the shop.
True, but there is usually no way to tell the condition of the water pump and seals behind there until the belt is removed. Yes, when those part are really leaking you can see the residue coming out the timing belt cover, but not always.
I shopped around in greater Houston area for timing belt change, and one dealer stated that they have a "timing belt change special"for $200. BUT that was ONLY the BELT change. I continued to ask questions about "might as well" parts, like water pump and pullies. Then they quoted me around $600, if I remember correctly.
Same experience in Bay Area, about $200 for the timing belt alone special price, but adding the seals and waterpump raised the price to just under $800. I totally understand the business of get the customer in with a tease, but the dealer's representatives explanation about why the price when from $200 to $800, made me uneasy.
Changed the first belt at 90,000 and my mechanic said it really did not need to be done but he was in there and I requested it so he did it(for free). The second belt went to 149,000 so I really wouldn't sweat it. I did have to get it towed to garage to get it replaced but even that was no big deal just a 2 day lay up.
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Do they call our cars that already!!!
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