Your 2006 Avalon's engine (3.5L 2GR) uses a timing chain, rather than a belt. The engine does have a serpentine belt, visible from the engine bay (unlike a timing belt), which drives the power steering and air conditioning. Can you confirm for us whether you're talking about the timing chain, or the serpentine belt?

Timing chains normally don't just break on their own, usually there's some other problem like oil starvation.

 

When I had it in for the radiator, I talked to them about the clicking noise that happened on start-up that would go away after a couple seconds.

They stated that it was the timing chain and they put some STP treatment in it at that time.

When the shopped looked at it they did determine it was the timing chain that broke not a belt.


Nate

 

I can't say I've ever heard of a chain for a 2GR or any car engine breaking. The rivets can wear which lengthens the chain, but this really only happens on complex engines with low-grade steel like Audi/VW. As this happens, the chain eventually becomes too slack for the tensioner, so there will be a gradual decline in engine performance and codes tripped along the way. Neither does a broken chain necessitate a new transmission. What on Earth happened for that shop to tell you that?

 

I wanted a transmission replacement bc of how rare this is and I am concerned that to might go too. I thought that for $500 I could replace that too.

 

My 2006 3rd generation Avalon with 169k (touring edition) broke its timing belt this weekend is in the shop.

I'm told it will take 20hrs to replace the engine and transmission at $120 an hour with a used engine and transmission with under 100k.

Trying to determine my next steps as I've only had the vehicle for 1 yr and a half. I've replaced my radiator and done brakes thus far. I think it will cost 3750 - 4000 altogether for the repair. I paid 4500 for the vehicle in 2023.

May need some front end work too but I'm told this normally these engines are bullet proof and normally doesn't happen. I love the power and smoothness of the Avalon and also own a 2010 Highlander hybrid.

Any thoughts on how to proceed?

If the shop’s service advisor told you to replace the tranny because of a broken timing belt, I think it’s time for a new shop.

 

good practice to make sure tranny is good if you pull an engine

 

find another repair shop. something seems wrong with the diagnosis. if you truly need an engine and transmission it's time to say goodbye....you can find a good used Avalon for less without unknowns of used parts

 

The engines are great but the belts only last so long since they are a maintenance item. Make sure they put an oem belt on the new replacement and throw a set of spark plugs and coils along with a PCV valve while the engine is out.

 

If multiple previous posts say that it doesn't have a timing belt, why did you post this???

 

you should look up the time to replace the engine or ask a shop to give you the allData shop time, like how many hours it should pay and you can ask what time in hours it should pay. If both engine and transmission are replaced at the same get the allData time for it. if the used engine come with the harness then it should be less time. . note when replacing the engine the transmission they will need to be separated them any way make sure they are not double charging you as a lot of shops will. good luck remember look up the times in hours.

 

Let the car go. It is a clunker. No Avalon has that kind of issue I have ever heard of. Buy another used Avalon. Get it checked over by mechanic before buying.

 

I too have never heard of a timing chain breaking. Please keep us updated.

 

My 2006 3rd generation Avalon with 169k (touring edition) broke its timing belt this weekend is in the shop.

I'm told it will take 20hrs to replace the engine and transmission at $120 an hour with a used engine and transmission with under 100k.

Trying to determine my next steps as I've only had the vehicle for 1 yr and a half. I've replaced my radiator and done brakes thus far. I think it will cost 3750 - 4000 altogether for the repair. I paid 4500 for the vehicle in 2023.

May need some front end work too but I'm told this normally these engines are bullet proof and normally doesn't happen. I love the power and smoothness of the Avalon and also own a 2010 Highlander hybrid.

Any thoughts on how to proceed?

Hold the phone. Did they tell you the timing "belt" (did they say belt?) broke while in their shop? Interesting. As far as a "clicking" on start-up that goes away in seconds; that sounds more like a VVT solenoid. Possibly gummed up oil passages, sludge, or the solenoid is failing. Toyota timing chains rarely fail, especially at 169K. The engine/Trans should be dropped out the bottom and it is a huge job but I am suspect on all of this. My 2006 XLS needed valve cover gaskets and tube seals when I got it at 124K. When I pulled the covers they were clean (good oil maintenance indicator). I change oil every 4000 miles, Mobil 1 High Mileage, Toyota OE filter element. But VVT solenoids can fail and tick when they do.

 

Does the engine still run? Was it towed in?

Please start from the beginning. You're driving along and what happened? Noises, bangs, warning lights, stranded on road?

2GR is an interference engine, meaning if the timing chain breaks (never heard of it), the moving pistons will contact an open valve and kaboom, bent valve and/or damaged piston causing internal engine damage and probably engine destroyed or too costly to fix.

 

I am skeptical, if they said belt they don't know what they are doing. At $120 / hr I assume you are not using a dealer, how familiar are you with this repair shop?