Timing Belt Replacement

[Hydraulic]

Just happens that my $250 91 Camry needs a new timing belt. Last time that happened was 150,000 ago and now it has racked up 230,000.


Is there a way to determine if the belt has stretched too much or if it meeds replacing?


How intensive is a timing belt change? Can the belt be simply popped off (carefully not to turn the cam) and then replaced...timing adjusted and finito?

And finally is this an expenive fix for a DIY'r?

[drugal]

I just finished replacing the belt on my '87 i4 last week. If you have the tools, it's easy enough. The hardest part is getting the crank pulley off and on.

Once you're in there, the idler pulley can be loosened, and the belt just comes off. I'd suggest getting a Haynes manual, or something similar.

What kind of engine do you have?

[CamNub]

If your TB doesn't have much tread on it, It means you need a new one.
Sometimes, you will get a rattling sound.

Let me find my link for DIY TB.
http://autorepair.about.com/od/enginerelateddiyjobs/

[Hydraulic]

Well I havent takenthe cover off and looked at it yet. I dont recall hearing any rattling sounds but I will have to pull my mechanical stethescope out and give it a listen. Yes I have the tools......more tools than I know what to do with lol. Unfortunately i dont think I will be using my 1" Proto ratchet on this car anytime soon


Doent seem like that much of an intensive replacement, only thing i dont want to do i mess up the timing and have the valves get crushed on the pistons (is that even possible on this motor?) I have the 2.0......not sure which model though.

[drugal]

The 3S-FE (2.0L i4) is a non-interference engine, so hitting the vavles shouldn't be possible. Setting the timing marks with a new belt is really easy, and I highly suggest getting a manual before doing the belt. You will need the torque specifications.

I used a 1/2" breaker bar with a deep socket and the starter motor to loosen the crankshaft pulley bolt. To torque it back on, I used a bolt threaded into the pulley, and a pry bar jammed between the bolt and torque wrench socket. Also, use a jack with a piece of wood to hold up the engine while you remove the engine mount.

[Hydraulic]

Ahhh, actually sounds like fun! I will be changing the engine/trans moutns too since the whole thing wants to fly out of my car upon deceleration! its gonna be a project lol!

[95camguy]

while i am all for being cheap and doing everything i can by myself this is one issue i usually let the dealer handle. its only $189 at any dealer. (it might be more for a 6 cyl but i never had a TB done on a 6 yet.)

the reason i like to let the dealer handle this is because about 2 years ago when i had a timing belt replacement done on my 93 'rolla i looked at the work order and was surprised to see that the tech that worked on my car completed the job in less than 2 hours. to me this means dealers do these all day long and a good toyota guy could probably do one with one are tyed behind their back. i like a mechanic who knows what hes doing so well he has done it 20,30 maybe more times. these guys work on toyotas all day long and have good experience with them.

although you shouldnt miss out on a good learning experience(i replaced a TB on my 87 mr2, but i had another car so i could take as long as i needed) basically, if you dont want ur car out of commission for a while/or are even slightly hesistant about ur ability then have it done.

however, if u decided to do this then the parts should cost you no more than $20. unless you do a water pump at the same time.

just my $.02

[Yanahdi]

Originally Posted by 95camguy

while i am all for being cheap and doing everything i can by myself this is one issue i usually let the dealer handle. its only $189 at any dealer. (it might be more for a 6 cyl but i never had a TB done on a 6 yet.)

the reason i like to let the dealer handle this is because about 2 years ago when i had a replacement done on my 93 'rolla i looked at the work order and was surprised to see that the tech that worked on my car completed the job in less than 2 hours. to me this means dealers do these all day long and a good toyota guy could probably do one with one are tyed behind their back. i like a mechanic who knows what hes doing so well he has done it 20,30 maybe more times. these guys work on toyotas all day long and have good experience with them.

although you shouldnt miss out on a good learning experience(i replaced a TB on my 87 mr2, but i had another car so i could take as long as i needed) basically, if you dont want ur car out of commission for a while/or are even slightly hesistant about ur ability then have it done.

however, if u decided to do this then the parts should cost you no more than $20. unless you do a water pump at the same time.

just my $.02

I hear ya.
I love working on cars. But, if it means my car is gonna be up on a block for a good chunk of the day if I do it I'll pay someone to do it in less time without skipping a beat.

But, if its a buddy's car that's gonna be up on blocks/jackstands then hell yeah I'll get to work on that mutha. Just as long as I can drive my car around if something screws up or we spend too much time goofing off.