Timing Belt change detection??? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

bnb1023 · 06-15-2005, 08:43 AM

Is there an easy way to determine if the timing belt has been changed? I bought my '98 4 cyl. used and it now has 122K miles. Also, what is the REAL internal needed for the change? Finally, the "Gates" book says the timing belt does NOT drive the water pump. Should I replace it anyway, as it it behind the timing belt? Any infor would help.

95camguy · 06-15-2005, 09:50 AM

unfortunatly there is no way to know if its been changed other than a sticker the tech will put on ur motor. if you aint got not sticker saying it was changed i would say that urs is in need of a change. the need for the timing belt is a critical one. although it is true that if your timing belt snaps no harm will be done to your motor, you will still have to go through the trouble of getting your car towed.

as far as the water pump goes its generally a good idea to replace it every other timing belt. the reason for this is that while changing the timing belt its really easy to change the water pump at the same time. thereby saving you $$$ on labor in the future.

some people may argue that changing the water pump is a waste of money but if your wallet permits i would definetly do it.

CamNub · 06-15-2005, 11:30 AM

Can't you just take off the lid and check if the teeth are still good...

If they are about dead, you need a change.

88 LE · 06-15-2005, 02:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnb1023

Also, what is the REAL internal needed for the change?

Belts wear out overtime.

Quote:

Finally, the "Gates" book says the timing belt does NOT drive the water pump. Should I replace it anyway, as it it behind the timing belt? Any infor would help.

The book is wrong.

Water pump bolts to the left side of the engine. The timing belt needs to be removed to get to it.

bnb1023 · 06-15-2005, 02:54 PM

I've made an appointment to get them replaced. $325 plus tax. What I meant to ask was What is the real INTERVAL for replacement. In other words, how long have you gone without it breaking/causing problems?

skewe · 06-15-2005, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnb1023

I've made an appointment to get them replaced. $325 plus tax. What I meant to ask was What is the real INTERVAL for replacement. In other words, how long have you gone without it breaking/causing problems?

recomended in the manual is 90k miles before changing.

when u say $325, what are you changing out?
Who is doing the job?

bnb1023 · 06-15-2005, 07:43 PM

getting belt and water pump. Local garage, not dealer

500KCamry · 06-15-2005, 10:32 PM

Belt about $40 CDN, water pump $125 CDN, labor about 3 hours for a DIY.

Could do the oil pump gear set for another $60 CDN, crank seal $7.5 and cam seal $7.5, not much more labor. Get US prices by multiplying by 3/4.

90K miles for normal driving, if it gets very cold in the winter and very hot in the summer, change it every 60K miles.

95camguy · 06-16-2005, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bnb1023

I've made an appointment to get them replaced. $325 plus tax. What I meant to ask was What is the real INTERVAL for replacement. In other words, how long have you gone without it breaking/causing problems?

just a thought but toyota does timing belts on 4cyl's for $189. not sure how much more it would be for the waterpump but it may be worth looking in to.