Serpentine belt replacement interval?

I looked through the maintenance manual and did a search but could not find a replacement interval for the serpentine drive belt. Just inspect it every 18,000 mi. Next spring I plan to do a trip to Alaska and am making a to-do list. Currently my taco has 80,000 mi on it. Has any one come across some info on when the belt should be replaced??

 

With a trip that far, replace it. Easy peace of mind.
They “can” last 100k but it’s hugely impacted by environmental factors. I replace them every 30k personally because it’s a easy thing to do on 99% of vehicles at home.

 

Approx 100k miles. But if it doesn’t have any cracks, dry rot, or noise you may extend that interval. Had 130k on my 2nd gen on stock serp without any issues

 

Absolutely positively replace your serpentine belt before your trip. That’s what maintenance is all about, replace before something fails or breaks. 80000 to 100000 miles is definitely a good time to replace it.

 

Thanks for the replys. Not much belt documentation.

 

Typically the belt is replace as needed. There are too many factors that can affect the life span of it. I would definitely change it with a high quality one before making a trip to somewhere that parts stores are not easy to find.

 

If you do change it, I recall there being a TSB for an updated belt with new Part Number.

 

I've never done it before. Any special tools required? Should I replace any of the pulleys?

 

I haven’t done a 3rd gen yet. I’m sure someone has a good YouTube link. Usually just move a tensioner with a socket and pull off belt. Reverse and make sure you run it matching the diagram. You only replace pulleys if the bearings are going out.

I will say this though, don’t ever buy aftermarket belts. Just get a OEM one. Always.

 

Billy Mays means business.

 

New Accessory Belt TSB | Tacoma World

 

I put about 140k on my original belt and let me say that was too long. I just replaced it but wish I had done it 30k miles ago. My engine is much quieter and the truck feels smoother. It’s cheap enough that 100k seems like a reasonable interval.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/3rd-gen-tacoma-serpentine-belt-replacement.712582/

 

Ever since a belt broke on my Toyota pickup during a road trip with no spare belts or tools, I take this seriously. I was on the Interstate in Western Arizona towards the end of the day when the belt broke, and I had to get towed to a shop in Kingman where I stayed in a hotel while they charged me way too much to bail me out. And back then I didn't make much $ so I really should have been doing my own maintenance on the cheap. Can't remember how many miles were on that truck at the time, but seems like it was over 140k+ and those may have been original belts. As a side note, I loved that truck, but I love my newer 2002 Tacoma too and want to drive it forever. But I also love my 2005 5.9 Cummins and want to drive that forever too. I just like the older trucks.

Now I make sure the belts don't go over 100k. I think that's reasonable, but it depends on your climate and driving habits as far as what wears and dries them out. Inspect them yearly at least. I am about to do my 2002 Tacoma drive belts which have a little over 70k on them. It's fairly easy and cheap, so there are no excuses for a a DIYer. If you're going on a road trip and your current belts are pretty up there on miles, might as well do it.

EDIT: I just looked at my maintenance notes, and I noted after the last belt change, to change belts after 60K! 70k now so belts are getting ordered, even though I think they probably have at least another 25k or so on them. Not worth the chance.

 

A good rule is to keep the old one somewhere in your truck as a spare. Things happen fast.

 

I have always changed them at 80-100k
I’ve never had one fail on me

 

Rubber timing belts have a typical life of 90K. I would think that’s similar to the serpentine belt. I change mine when over 60K if messing with other stuff.

 

Dude it is stupid easy and quick to do. The thread for it is linked in post #13. I think it takes like a 17mm wrench and a 5mm allen or such. Very, very easy.

If you don't have any pulleys squealing, leave them be IMO.

I changed mine at 60k-70k and it was flawless, but I had bought an OEM one and changed it anyways. Threw the old one behind the seat for emergencies.

 

On my 2001 tundra, I got 100k easy on a serpentine belt....had it replaced every 100k miles along with the water pump, and timing belt.

 

Sweet necro-post.