You must comprehend the distinction between a timing belt and chain in order to comprehend why Toyota switched the engines of the third-generation Toyota Venzas from employing an overhead camshaft with rocker arms to Toyota variable valve timing (VVT-i).
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Timing Belt
When a timing belt is spinning while being timed up against another object, it uses tiny grooves to keep on track. If the groove isn’t ideal, however, it may be off track, which can cause your car to function improperly.
Timing belts are known to stretch over time, thus depending on the make and model of the automobile you drive, they need to be replaced every 6090k miles.
It will cost extra to replace a Toyota Venza timing belt since you need a special tool to remove it, but timing belts typically last longer than timing chains.
Timing Chain
Since all that is required to make the Toyota Venza timing chain function properly is an adjustment, it is significantly stronger and lasts far longer than the Toyota Venza timing belt.
Timing chains on Toyota Venzas are not made to be changed by the owner, thus a mechanic will need to mend the chain if it breaks.
Due to the additional parts and noise generated by this method, Toyota vehicles that employ timing chains generate more noise than those that use timing belts.
Toyota Venza Timing Chain
Toyota employs a timing chain rather than a belt to keep your car operating properly in the Toyota Venza since it has a Toyota variable valve timing (VVT-i) system.
Because of the additional parts required, the Toyota variable valve timing (VVT-i) system ensures that it takes longer for the automobile to wear out and require maintenance.
When should a Toyota Venza’s timing belt be changed?
Although they can last up to 100,000 miles, it’s always a good idea to change them before that. The valves, pistons, and other internal engine components can sustain significant damage in the event of a belt failure.
Timing belt on a Toyota Venza?
A beautiful, roomy 5-seat crossover with big wheels is the Toyota Venza. The Venza has a front- or all-wheel drive and a 4- or V6 engine.
The terms “venture” and “Monza,” a city in Northern Italy renowned for its racetrack, Autodromo Nazionale Monza, are combined to form the name Venza, claims Toyota.
The Venza was introduced in 2009, revised in 2013, and discontinued in the United States in 2015. (after 2016 in Canada). Is it wise to purchase a secondhand car? What are the benefits and drawbacks?
A failing air/fuel ratio sensor (oxygen sensor) can result in codes P0057, P0161, P0138, among others, according to some of the reported issues. A defective sensor will require replacement.
When changing directions at faster speeds, a faulty wheel bearing may result in a louder humming sound. One wheel bearing replacement may cost between $270 and $420.
At greater mileage, struts may need to be changed. Costs for both front strut replacements range from $680 to $820.
The ABS warning light could illuminate due to a malfunctioning wheel speed sensor. To determine which sensor has failed or if there is another issue, the car will need to be diagnosed. The cost of a wheel speed sensor is not particularly high.
Corroded battery terminals might lead to a no-start among other electrical issues.
EVAP codes may result from a faulty gas cap (e.g. P0441). Most of these issues are prevalent in all automobiles.
In order to prolong coverage for a leaking engine oil cooler pipe in the 20092011 Venza, Toyota has released the ZE2 Warranty Enhancement Program. These films describing the repair were discovered.
The 1AR 2.7L 4-cylinder engine may make a brief (approximately 1 sec.) banging or rattling noise at startup if the Camshaft Timing (VVT) Gear Assembly is malfunctioning, according to the Toyota Service Bulletin TSB-0041-13. According to the bulletin, replacing it with an updated part should solve the issue. If not covered by a warranty, this repair can cost between $380 and $590.
A leaking water pump may be the source of a low coolant level and pinkish-white residue close to the water pump. A malfunctioning water pump, which is positioned on the passenger side of the engine, might also be the source of an occasional grinding sound coming from the water pump region. In a 4-cylinder engine, replacing a water pump can run you anything from $320 to $580 to more than $1,000.
Some Venza owners claimed that in order to repair a water pump, the V6 engine must be removed, although YouTube videos demonstrate how to do the task without doing so.
When turning or traveling on bumpy roads, the steering column of the 20092011 Venza makes a rattle noise that is described in the Toyota service bulletin TSB000511. The column assembly needs to be changed in order to solve the issue. Even if the part alone costs over $1,000, the expense of this repair is high compared to the very low number of power steering-related complaints.
We are aware of several instances in which dealers fixed pricey safety-related issues long after the warranty had run out. Consult the dealer first if you have an expensive and safety-related issue. Check the NHTSA website for recall information.
Engines: The standard 4-cylinder, 2.7L model 1AR-FE engine is a member of the renowned Toyota AR engine family. Among 4-cylinder engines, the smaller AR engine found in the Toyota Camry and RAV4 is frequently regarded as one of the most dependable. A double-overhead cam (DOHC) engine with dual variable valve timing, it is lightweight.
The 3.5L V6 2GR-FE motor’s 268 horsepower is well known for its strength and smoothness. The engine has an aluminum block, 24 advanced DOHC valves, and variable valve timing on both cams.
Both of the naturally aspirated (non-turbo), traditional fuel-injected engines are capable of lasting a long time with proper maintenance. Any engine uses some oil between oil changes at increased mileage. It’s crucial to monitor the oil level between oil changes and top it off as necessary because of this. Learn how to check the oil level in more detail.
EPA Fuel Economy for the Toyota Venza:
Fuel efficiency: The 4-cylinder, front-wheel-drive Venza from 2009 and 2010 achieves 21/29 mpg city/highway, which translates to a lengthy highway travel range of up to 478 miles (769 km) per tank of gas. The popular Venza AWD V6 is rated as 21 mpg combined or 18/25 mpg city/highway. See the table for the EPA ratings.
Timing chain or belt? Toyota claims that the 3.5L V6 and the 2.7L 4-cylinder both have a timing chain.
If the timing chain is functioning properly, there is no need to replace it. Since replacing the timing belt would have been expensive, there is one less thing to worry about.
What is the mechanism of the Venza AWD system? Both engines have an all-wheel drive system available.
It is a straightforward on-demand front-biased AWD system in which the front wheels are always given power. An electric clutch contacts the back axle as necessary. The Venza AWD system has a transfer unit and a rear differential for maintenance. Both devices require the fluid (gear oil) to be replaced on a regular basis; neither service is extremely expensive. Every time the oil is changed, the transfer case and rear differential must also be checked for leaks.
Mechanically, the Venza is built on a front-wheel drive Camry chassis and has dual-link MacPherson struts for the rear suspension in addition to MacPherson struts up front. There is electronic assistance with the steering. All variants come standard with rear disc brakes. The Venza has 20-inch rims on V6 vehicles and 19-inch rims on four-cylinder models.
How durable are Toyota Venzas?
If properly maintained and driven, a Toyota Venza Hybrid should endure for at least 200,000 miles and possibly even over 300,000. If you travel 15,000 miles per year, you can anticipate having it for 20 years before it needs expensive maintenance.
How long does the timing chain on a Toyota last?
Unless there is a specific issue, the timing chain typically needs to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. In automobiles with higher mileage, chain problems are frequent.
What Toyota Venza issue is prevalent?
From November 2020, when it was originally unveiled, complaints concerning the 2021 Toyota Venza began to pour in to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) of the United States Department of Transportation. They never stopped coming. 44 complaints had been received as of this date, with 9 of them coming in the first 24 days of January 2022.
The first five complaints were filed under the NHTSA category 2021 Toyota Venza Hybrid, which accurately describes the vehicle, whereas the following 39 complaints were simply labeled as 2021 Toyota Venza. It is crucial to combine these for analysis.
The first few concerns centered on the newly introduced hybrid’s fuel propulsion system, seat belts, and external lighting issues. But it soon became clear that the major concern is bodywork problems, particularly cracked windshields. Visibility and wiper concerns remain top the list with 20 complaints to NHTSA.
The 2021 Toyota Venza is the subject of a total of 44 NHTSA complaints. They deal with a variety of concerns, such as faults with the engine, steering, lane departure, servicing brakes, and electrical systems. However, windshield cracking, outside illumination, and the fuel/propulsion system are the three most typical issues.
Is the Toyota Venza a trustworthy vehicle?
With a reliability rating of 4.0 out of 5, the Toyota Venza is ranked third among 26 midsize SUVs. It offers great ownership costs with an average annual repair cost of $444. Major repairs are uncommon for the Venza since the frequency of problems is ordinary and the severity of the repairs is below average.
The Toyota Venza was retired for what reason?
After the 2015 model year, Toyota stated that the first-generation Venza will no longer be produced. Toyota claims that this choice was made as a result of three factors: customer preference, segment competition, and declining sales.
Should Toyota timing chains be changed?
While everyone is aware that a car’s timing belt needs to be replaced at suggested service intervals, what about the timing chain? What distinguishes a timing belt from a chain? A timing belt is a toothed belt that travels outside of the engine and is constructed of high-quality rubber. It is protected by a cover.
A bicycle chain-like timing chain is constructed of metal. Because it requires engine oil for lubrication, a timing chain operates inside the engine. Depending on the vehicle, a timing belt normally needs to be replaced between 40,000 and 100,000 kilometers. The fix costs a few hundred dollars. It is not necessary to replace a timing chain unless there is an issue with it.
Does the timing chain have a mechanical immunity? No, it is not, is the clear-cut response. Timing chain issues are prevalent, particularly in automobiles with heavy mileage.
A timing chain can wear out just like any other moving mechanical part within an engine. The engine oil lubricates a timing chain. The timing chain can wear down more quickly due to insufficient oil changes, low oil levels, or bad oil quality.
A chain tensioner maintains the correct tension on a timing chain. An oil pressure or spring-loaded device could be used to run a chain tensioner.
How can you tell whether an engine uses a timing chain or belt?
The first step is to examine your engine to determine whether your car has a timing belt or a timing chain. If you see a tinplate or plastic cover on the side of your engine, you have a timing belt. Your engine has a timing chain if it lacks one of those.
There are a few instances where this rule isn’t true, but thankfully they are uncommon. For instance, a dry belt is concealed under the engine of the Peugeot Pure Tech. Consult your car’s owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website if you have questions about your vehicle that you can’t figure out by looking at the engine. Alternately, schedule a visit with WhoCanFixMyCar at your neighborhood mechanic.
Which motors include timing chains?
The timing chain, which is found in the engine of the car, synchronizes the various components so they can operate together. It is constructed of metal links that function as a chain to transfer the crankshaft’s motions to the camshaft. This enables it to grasp onto the various wheels and gears.
Depending on the model of your car, the timing chain may be a single, double, or triple chain. A hydraulic tensioner is present to keep it tight.
Timing chain vs timing belt
As previously mentioned, the timing chain is utilized to coordinate the motion of some engine components. The timing belt and this are comparable. The timing belt’s ability to power the water pump on some automobile types may be the only distinction. Other than this, synchronizing the crankshaft, camshaft, pistons, and valves is essentially their shared responsibility.
Timing belt or chain: Which is better?
- The timing chain’s key strength is how durable it is. Due to its high strength, it should typically not need to be replaced and should last the whole life of the vehicle.
- A timing chain only needs to be checked every 125,000 miles of use. Otherwise, it requires no maintenance.
- The metal in the timing chain is resistant to temperature changes, in contrast to the rubber that makes up the timing belt.
- A timing chain weighs more than a belt, which increases fuel consumption (and the pollutants it causes), which over time reduces fuel efficiency. Additionally, its weight affects engine output.
- Timing belts are much quieter than running timing chains.
- It is typically only feasible to equip big cylinders due to its weight.
- It costs a lot more to buy than a timing belt would.
- Because the timing chain is constructed of metal links, engine oil must be used to lubricate it continually.
What cars have timing chains instead of belts?
Timing chains are being installed in more and more vehicles. The majority of Mercedes and BMW vehicles come with timing chains.
A non-exhaustive list of vehicles that can have timing chains installed is provided below:
- many BMWs
- a lot of Mercedes
- Every Cadillac
- 159 Alfa Romeo
- Corvette by Chevrolet
- Duster, Sandero, and Sandero Stepway from Dacia
- Jazz Honda
- Skyactiv-G engine in Mazda
- Every SAAB has a turbocharged engine.
You may physically inspect your car’s timing belt or chain by removing a cover at the end of the engine, consulting your owner’s manual, or asking your mechanic. The timing chain is easily identified by its metal links when the cover is removed with the proper tool, whereas the belt is comprised of rubber and is considerably more flexible.
Ask your mechanic: “How do I tell whether my automobile has a timing belt or chain? if you are still unclear.
You won’t typically need to replace your car’s timing chain. Poor lubrication is likely to have ruined a chain that has to be replaced.
If the timing chain is determined to be damaged, it’s critical that you hire a reputable expert to handle the repair. In extreme cases, the mechanic will even need to completely remove the engine to get to the timing chain. If the timing chain breaks, it may harm other engine components like the valves, making the repair more involved and pricey.