2000 Avalon Timing Belt Question

[azsimonsez]

I just purchased a 2000 with 73,000 miles. The recommended timing belt replacement is 90,000 or 72 months. The belt is now 9 years old, so I'm considering replacing it and I'll do it myself.

The procedure I've seen has camshaft pulleys removed as part of the replacement. I've done other timing belt replacements (Honda) and didn't have to remove the pulleys.

Is it necessary to remove the pulleys, and if so, why? Is it to inspect the seals?

Any help or tips on replacing the belt would be appreciated.

[DOT3]

This forum does not have much traffic.

Try the Camry Gen 3-4 forum on Toyota Nation and specify that you have a V6. Or even better, try a search on the Camry forum.

On my 4runner, camshaft pulley removal was optional and only necessary to pull if you wanted to replace the seals.

[azsimonsez]

Thanks DOT3. I'll check out the Camry section. It makes sense, there are a lot more Camrys on the road.

[joebob452]

You only need to take them off to replace the water pump or the cam seals. If you are going to take it off, you need a special hold down tool for the left camshaft.