timing belt

[max_cyber]

Hi All,

It's time for me to change the timing belt on this '98 camry (4cyl).
Has 77,000 miles on it.

Questions If you have changed it in this car or similar one:

(1) how long did it take you?
(2) should I use dealer belt or aftermarket HNBR type (that's Hydrogenated Nitrile rubber for those who want to know) info on technology here: http://www.azom.com/details.asp?ArticleID=537
Also, the nitrile type belts have a lifetime warranty and can handle higher heat and resist oil damage. Aftermarket cost is $33.
Dealer belt costs the same but they couldnt tell me at dealer whether it was Nitrile type or not so I doubt it is.

(3) Recommendations for other things I should do while in there - like is it necessary to change ALL of the following or just some of the following: Idler, Tensioner, cam seal, crank seal, waterpump.

Note - my waterpump was changed by the Dealer back when it had 26,000 miles since it was leaking and under warranty (there was a known problem with the orig. pumps in the '98 camry's).

(4) ANY other parts or things people suggest doing while changing camry Timing belt?

Cheers,
Kim

[I4 to V6 Swap]

You may need to take off the battery terminal, and you will need a pulley puller. I used a belt from Napa auto parts, but I don't remember what the name of the brand was. I just remember it was a hell of a time. I changed the water pump when I was there.

If the other belts are old, I would change them too cause I am there.

Good luck.

[88 LE]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by max_cyber

(1) how long did it take you?
(2) should I use dealer belt or aftermarket HNBR type
(3) Recommendations for other things I should do while in there - like is it necessary to change ALL of the following or just some of the following: Idler, Tensioner, cam seal, crank seal, waterpump.
(4) ANY other parts or things people suggest doing while changing camry Timing belt?

1. 15 - 20 minutes if even that, but the engine was out of the car and on a hoist.

2. Up to you.

3. Replace the tensioner spring ($3 from Toyota). Check the bearing on the tensioner and make sure its okay, if not replace it.

You can leave the waterpump alone for now since you said it was changed at 26,000 miles.

4. Replace the 2 accessory belts.

[csaxon]

Toyota changed the composition of the timing belts in 1999 so they are stronger and last longer. They increased the service interval to 90000 miles from 60000 miles

[csaxon]

If you can locate a good-quality replacement belt that fits well and runs quietly, great! If you favor an OE belt, be aware that Toyota finally issued a revised timing belt for the 2.2 that cures most of the new belt whining noise . This new belt has the same part number as the old one! Toyota’s serial number will tell you if it’s the updated t-belt.
Here’s how:
Look for the set of white serial numbers on the belt. For example, the white printing on the belt I have in my hand right now says 10 R0 127 MADE IN USA 382. You’re interested in the characters on the extreme left and extreme right of this serial number:
.•10 indicates the day, so this belt was made on the 10th of the month.
.•R indicates the month, so the belt was made in October
January V
February U
March L
April C
May A
June N
July I
August Z
September E
October R
November M
December B

•0 indicates the year (9 means1999, 0 means 2000).
.•382 on the extreme right is thebuild number.

Any belt manufactured on 01 B 9 (Dec. 1, 1999) with a build number greater than 316 is the revised belt. Any belt made after Dec. 1, 1999 is okay, too.
The replacement interval on this t-belt was originally 60,000 miles, eventually upgraded to 90,000.
While you have a 2.2 apart for a belt job, recommend a new water pump as preventive maintenance. Also check the idler bearings for smoothness and watch for signs of oil seal seepage.