T-belt Change on Low Mileage '99

[edge10]

I have a '99 with about 23K miles with the original timing belt and time-wise it is past due for a change. There are no fluid leaks that can be seen externally. On my previous mileage based t-belt jobs I have changed out all the wear parts on the front of the engine : idler/tensioner bearings, crank/cam seals, tensioner, water pump, accessory belts and t-belt. For those of you with experience with this engine what would you recommend be changed out at this mileage? So for instance, would you recommend just the t-belt be changed if no leaks or wear is found on other parts. Thx.

[fourwheeler]

Edge, with only 23K miles on, you probably have 67K to go before a timing belt change. By posting your question in this forum, I suspect you meant to write 123K or 223K. Toyota recommends changing it at 90K. The nice thing about these engines is they are non-interfaced so if it breaks it is just a tow home and change the belt. There was a thread a few weeks ago about a reseller of auto parts on E-bay selling factory OEM parts in a kit for $250 which included the timing belt, seals, tensioner, and water pump. I can look for the link if you can't find it.

Hope it helps. I have to do mine as well soon.

[edge10]

Edge, with only 23K miles on, you probably have 67K to go before a timing belt change. By posting your question in this forum, I suspect you meant to write 123K or 223K. Toyota recommends changing it at 90K.

Actually 23K miles is correct, this is a car this gets driven mostly short trips by a retired person. I found in the Toyota online maintenance they recommend 90K miles or 72 months which ever comes first. This is not in the printed manual in the car, though. Online I also recall they stated to inspect the belt at the 72 month interval and decide to change the belt if worn, but I also found that with some belts (EPDM?) you can't tell wear by typical inspection.

[fourwheeler]

Sorry Edge for the assumption. You know what that leads to.... As an average backyard mechanic and only experience for training, if it were my car, I'd probably just inspect the belt and leave it alone. As I said in my previous post, if the belt should snap, it will not screw up the engine and would only require a tow home.

However, if reliability and dependability are an issue, for a couple of bucks, you can change the belt and check for leaking seals and you would not have to worry about this issue again for several years. I would not think you would have to change the water pump or timing belt tensioner with that low of mileage.

[Param]

Originally Posted by edge10

Actually 23K miles is correct, this is a car this gets driven mostly short trips by a retired person. I found in the Toyota online maintenance they recommend 90K miles or 72 months which ever comes first. This is not in the printed manual in the car, though. Online I also recall they stated to inspect the belt at the 72 month interval and decide to change the belt if worn, but I also found that with some belts (EPDM?) you can't tell wear by typical inspection.

I will say shove the Toyota recommendation. Toyota has a Non-interference engine. If it breaks, then change it. However, findout where to get parts & what make to use. Belt was Mitsuboshi, Idlers were Koyo & , Water pump was Aisin. These are the names I found on the Original parts.

I changed my 1999 only last year after 140K miles.

[edge10]

Originally Posted by Param

I will say shove the Toyota recommendation. Toyota has a Non-interference engine. If it breaks, then change it. However, findout where to get parts & what make to use. Belt was Mitsuboshi, Idlers were Koyo & , Water pump was Aisin. These are the names I found on the Original parts.

I changed my 1999 only last year after 140K miles.

Thanks for the info on the parts.

I have done several t-belts myself on other makes. Is there anything out of the special with the Avalon t-belt replacement? For instance I have heard to replace the water pump the mounting need to studs be removed and the engine needs to be jacked up. Were your cam and crank seals leaking and did you replace them?