Timing belt replacement - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

agent2099 · 09-27-2005, 10:49 PM

Just got my 2001 Avy and these forums have been a great source of info for a new Avalon owner. And I love my new Avalon

. Ok just had to get that out the way.

Well my car has 105k miles and is due for a timing belt replacement. Actually about 15,000 miles past due according to the maintenance schedule.

I have two questions about the replacing the belt. The dealer quoted me about $350 to replace the belt; however Firestone service center quoted about the same price so I assume this is a fair price to get the belt replaced...

On a similar note, I know it is very convenient to have the water pump replaced at the same time as the timing belt, since 90% of the labor is already done by accessing the timing belt. However the maintenance schedule makes no mention of the water pump so does it need to be replaced in an Avalon?

88 LE · 09-28-2005, 04:31 AM

Replacing the water pump is more so for preventive maintainence.

Having it replaced along with the timing belt is a good idea. Since its right there.

bB626 · 09-28-2005, 05:11 AM

i thought all VVT-i engines uses timing chains not belt. i could be wrong though...

jchiu · 10-01-2005, 10:38 AM

You can go to http://www.toyota.com , locate a near by dealer, and look for service specials. At Red McCombs in San Antonio, a timing belt replacement for a six cylinder is $219.95.

James

agent2099 · 10-01-2005, 10:57 AM

Thanks jchiu! I have used dealer coupons in the past but my local dealer only has the timing belt coupon for 4 cylinder vehicles. I will have to check with some non local dealers as if it saves me $150 it'll be worth a small trip.

As for the water pump replacement, I spoke to the service advisor and he told me that they inspect the water pump when they replace the timing belt, so if it needs to be replaced you'll find out then.

fj40supraman · 10-06-2005, 05:59 AM

From what I've read if you have a Toy with VVT-I you want to change your belt on interval as they are interferance engines and top ends (cams, valves, etc..) aren't cheap. I think these models also have chains. I think this would be 2000 and up models or 1999 for the Lexus ES300 which got variable valve timing a year earlier. Don't hold me to this but that is what I seem to remember.

johnstrr · 04-07-2006, 10:55 AM

So in order to save some cash on the parts I'm shopping online, ebay... toyotaparts.com, etc.

Anybody have brand recommendations for water pump, timing belt kits. Why buy OEM when you can get OEM plus ;-).

keno40509 · 05-28-2006, 06:03 PM

I just got a timing belt, idler and tensioner bearings and a water pump from folks on ebay. Water pump was $45.00....can't recall the price of the belt and bearings...but they were reasonable! I will be glad to share names of sellers.

whilst · 05-29-2006, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fj40supraman

From what I've read if you have a Toy with VVT-I you want to change your belt on interval as they are interferance engines and top ends (cams, valves, etc..) aren't cheap. I think these models also have chains. I think this would be 2000 and up models or 1999 for the Lexus ES300 which got variable valve timing a year earlier. Don't hold me to this but that is what I seem to remember.

whilst · 05-29-2006, 06:03 PM

Hi. I was told by a couple of Toyo dealers;that all Toyo engines since '98 are NON- interference.
If anyone knows definitively,please respond.
Cheers,Jeff

BadChicken · 05-29-2006, 07:08 PM

All the timing belt engines are non interference other then the 4.7L
However, they are interference motors if they use a timing chain