Easier way for timing belt inspection?

[shanzhu1]

I have a 96 Camry V6 and it got 68K miles on it.

I am thinking of inspecting the timing belt. Do you guys know
if there is a easy way to do it? Do I have to take off the
engine mount (dogbone) etc as required for changing timing
belt? I just want to check it first.

Thanks,

[greggf]

Timing belt inspection is generally only done when belts that are well under their life-expectancy are being re-used.

There is really no point inspecting a belt with 68K on it. While there are always exceptions - belts that last way longer than they are supposed to - you need to change the belt. Most belt failures are not from the belt snapping. Usually the structural integrity of the teeth give out to the point that the belt no longer engages the various teethed pulleys. Most 60-70K old belts look perfectly fine. It's what you can't see that can get you.