Routine Maintenance - Timing Belt

Wish I had known of the forum sooner. I have a 99 PreRunner TRD. 158,000 miles currently. I've been calling around this week to have the timing belt replaced. Three different dealers quoted me 3 different prices, some wanted to change more parts than others. I called 2 different independent shops, one was equivalent to a dealer price, the 2nd independent shop was the most expensive, approx $900.00, but he wanted to replace the following parts b/c of the age and mileage of vehicle. Would love to get some feedback on what really makes sense replace for the mileage and age.

Timing Belt
Other misc belts
Upper idler bearing
Lower idler bearing
Water pump
(2) oil seals
Tensioner arm

Before anyone asks, yes, all belts are original and yes this work will be preformed ASAP.

Thanks in advance.

 

If the belts are indeed original, I would replace them all along with the water pump, since they have to take it out anyway to get to the timing belt. Not sure about the bearings and seals though., maybe someone will chime in on those for you.

 

belts and water pump definitely. do you have an oil leak?? you may not really need new seals....unless they are gonna be in that area when they do the water pump/timing belt, then id say it may be a good idea to change seals too. as far as the idler bearings and tensioner arm....if the bearings are making screeching/whining noises, it may be time for replacement, if not leave them alone for now. and if the tensioner arm has alot of slop/movement, have it changed, if not.....dont worry about it right now. hope this helps.

 

The belts and water pump alone where $700.00. The two bearings, seals and tensioner were the extra $E200.00 but that includes both parts and labor. So if I'm going spend $700.00 for the basic items plus the water pump, does it make sense to spend an extra $200.00 since they are there already since its really just the cost for parts.

 

is the $700 parts and labor, or just parts??(sounds a little high to me....but its pretty normal i guess) if its parts and labor, then i say go ahead and spend the extra $200 since they will be into your motor anyway. basically, i'd look at that as prevenative maintenance, especially if you can afford it.

 

They all seem reasonable to me. Think of it this way, say you get the belt replaced, but say screw the bearings. 3 weeks down the road, one of the bearings seize, your new belt starts screaming around a pulley that's not turning anymore, then poof, your belt breaks, your engine is fuct. That's a big if to have following you around. Just my opinion.

 

At 74k I had just the Timing Belt replaced at the dealer and I think it was around $260.

 

Toy4Life, that's what I have been thinking too. To Tacotoes's point, the dealer is asking for $250 for the belt only. Everything that I've had quoted is for parts and labor. I'm actually passing this truck down to my 17 year old daughter, it has served me well the past 9 years. I just hate to spend $900.00 on it but to this point I haven't had to invest in repairs, only a starter a few years back. I need to think of it as a $900.00 investment, maybe my daughter will get another 158,000 miles out of it. : )

Thanks for the input.

 

I just hit 75k on my 03 3.4L PreRunner. So I decided to go ahead do a preventive maintenance/ tune-up. I had all of the follwing done....

Replace Wires and Plugs (Bought parts)
Replace All Belts (Bought parts)
Replace Timing belt (Bought Parts)
Replace Water Pump (Bought Parts)
Replace bad O2 sensor (Bought Parts)
Replace Fuel Filter (Bought Parts)
Replace PCV Valve (Bought Parts)
Clean Mass Air Flow sensor
Clean throttle body
Fuel Injector Flush
Lube all points including driveshaft
AutomaticTransmission Drain and fill
Install K&N Air Intake

The parts I bought on my own ran me $550, not including the air intake.

I called Toyota, and they quoted me $1,200 bucks just in labor and the service charge for the drain and fill, and Injector flush. However, I found that to be ridiculous since about 60 percent of the services were able to be done during the water pump and timing belt replacements, so I called around to some local shops. I ended up paying only $560 in labor at a local shop. So in the end I paid less for parts and labor, than what Toyota wanted just for labor.

 

Don't take this the wrong way, but I'm surprised you got a 158,000 miles on the original parts, knowing that 90,000 miles is the neighborhood when the timing belts start going south. I think $900.00 is a pretty good price to get the truck squared away for your daughter, don't want to leave her stranded in the world we live in. I know it's a lot of money, but I think it's god money spent.

 

Ya im really impressed that thing made it this far lol
I did my timing belt and water pump about 6 months ago right at 90k miles Idk really know about the price because I did it my self but I will say that the timing belt is a very important part and you don't want it to break.

When I did mine I didn't replace the bearings or seals but I did do the water pump and the more I think about it I think that you mite as well because you will have pretty much the whole front end of of your taco pulled apart so yes I would suggest doing the belt, pump, and bearings idk bout the seals.

Because like someone said earlier in this forum you don't want to pay all that money then have a bearing seize up and u blow up the engine

 

Woops forgot bout the other belts

Yes I would also replace the alternator, power steering and ac belts while you are having your timing belt done
Because you have to take those belts off to put on the timing belt so go ahead and spent the extra $60 or so dollars.

 

I'll give an update once I have the work done on the wear and tear of the timing belt given the milesage.

Thanks for all the input, much appreciated.

 

I asked my local Toyota dealer about doing this all on my wifes 02 4runner and they quoted me $400for the timing belt, accessory belts are just the cost of parts I think another $100 maybe for oem. He told me worst case it would be $750 max for timing belt, all three drive belts and the water pump.

I dont think thats too bad. Not great but its the dealer not a local shop.

Can anyone tell me how hard it is to replace the power steering belt? That one is squeeking like a SOB on my wifes 4runner so I need to get it changed ASAP but I am not ready to pay the dealer for all that work since she is only at 94,000 right now. I want to wait till next summer.

 

http://www.lieblweb.com/tacoma/Mechanical/WaterPump/WaterPump.htm

 

Have you tried spraying it with belt dressing? I've used it before and it really quiets things down. It's been years so I don't remember a brand to recommend.

 

yeah I have used STP belt dressing on it and no good. Its getting worse now so I need to at least replace that power steering belt.

 

You need to tighten the belt.

Find a spot on the belt about 12" clear of any pulleys. Grab the edges of the belt with your fingers and twist it.... you shouldn't be able to twist it any more than perpendicular to it's original position.

I'm not sure how the 4Runners are - but most likely the accessory (power steering pump) will be the tensioner to tighten it.

 

It's not bad at all. I did all 3 of my belts in under an hour. I am not sure if the power steering is on the outside or not, but you might have to end up taking them all off to get to it. It is an easy project just make sure you get OEM belts from toyota. they are expensive, but worth the money. I haven't heard a whisper out of mine yet.

 

Okay, I have my update on replacing my timing belt. The truck officially had 159,210 miles on it. I will try to upload a pic of the belt with this posting. I replaced the following items: (yes, it took my most of my Saturday)

upper idler pulley
lower idler pulley
timing belt
water pump
crankshaft seal
thermostat
timing belt tensioner
(3) outside belts,

- all Genuine Toyota parts from the dealer, $575.00.

There was no apparent cracking or tearing of the timing belt itself. The outside (3) belts were all cracked and worn. I have more pics if anyone cares to view them.

Thanks for everyone's input, much appreciated.