How do I know if it's time to change timing belt.

[NewRacer]

My 2000 Camry V6 is still on the original belt. It got 75k miles so far. The manual says every 90k miles, should I wait till 90k?

If the belt breaks, will I need a new engine?

[Tom 2000]

Wait till 90k. If the belt breaks, you won't need a new engine. Most Toyota engines are non-intereference type design including the IMZ-FE in your Camry.

[leasaunce]

change them every 100,000km.

[marc780]

Originally Posted by Tom 2000

Wait till 90k. If the belt breaks, you won't need a new engine. Most Toyota engines are non-intereference type design including the IMZ-FE in your Camry.

i'm with tom on this. My 2002 has 80,000 miles and i've thought about doing this prematurely too. But am holding off, cause i know i'm driving a toyota and not a Ford or Hyundai.

Here's my thinking on changing parts early, a lot can happen in 10 or 20,000 miles (and this is the longest over i'd probably go on this chore). I've over maintained every car i ever owned (10 of them, of al makes) and for the most part been rewarded by trouble free service, reliability and knowing your car is going to start on the night you are taking your date home.

But in the time frame of worrying about your TB and changing it prematurely, the car can get hit, stolen, or something else could go out unrelated. Its always the thing i least expected that killed the car, usually failing a smog check but once or twice of my own mistakes like driving an overheated car or something else dumb.

So do your TB at 90,000 or so, give or take 10,000 probably doesnt matter. And at the same time do the water pump and the idlers too while you are sweating and working on this shit and you'll be fine.

[Forced Induxion]

take a look at the belt...how is it holding up

[Ken4]

Gates recommends 60k miles or 6 years whichever is sooner. I say change it.

[Hajoca]

If you look at the average kms or miles driven in a month... I would change it out when it is not winter.