Timing chains are rarely used in new cars; instead, timing belts are. Timing chains create a lot of noise, even though they are more resilient than belts and can cause engine damage if they break.
Additionally, oil pressure provides tension force to the tensioners on engines with timing belts. Low pressure will cause the chain to break. Timing belts, on the other hand, operate more quietly and efficiently.
The range of their service lives is 60,000 to 100,000 miles. The tensioner and the pulley for the water pump must also be replaced when the belt is. The overall cost is increased by this additional replacement.
Timing chains are more resilient and can outlast the engine. They ought to be oiled frequently to lengthen their lifespan and lower noise and friction.
Instead of a cambelt, newer Toyota 4Runner models are fitted with a timing chain. This is as a result of their enduring toughness.
In This Article...
Is there a belt or chain on a Toyota 4Runner?
All Toyota 4Runner vehicles will use an interference engine and timing chain from 2010 until 2021. The 4.7L 4Runner has a timing belt and interference engine, while the 4.0L 4Runner vehicles from 2003 to 2009 have timing chains and interference engines.
Timing chains and interference engines are standard on all 4-cylinder 4Runners from 1984 to 2002, whereas timing belts and non-interference engines are available on V6 versions.
In contrast to the 2009 Toyota 4Runner 4.7L V6 268 horsepower (2UZ-FE) option, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner 4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE) option includes a timing chain.
For thorough details on your specific Toyota 4Runner, scroll down or quickly jump to it.
Has the fourth-generation 4Runner a timing belt or chain?
Timing chains were employed in the 4.0 V6 in 2008. Since 2003, when the v6 4.0 replaced the previous 3.4 v6, which did utilize a timing belt, the v6 has been powered by a chain. Since 2003, when a v8 was a 4runner option, the 4.7 V8 in such vehicles used a timing BELT. Because there is no advised replacement interval and chains often last the lifetime of the automobile or several hundred thousand miles, having one is preferable. Now, regular maintenance calls for replacing the timing belt. I’m not sure what they advise for that specific year, but generally the timing belt needs to be serviced every 100K miles, which will cost you at least $1000. I own two v6 4runners, one with 203K miles and the other with 281K miles.
Is there a timing belt or chain on the 2007 Toyota 4Runner?
sized engine? The three chains on the 4.0L 6 cylinder should endure the duration of the engine. At intervals of 90,000 miles, the timing belt on a 4.7L 8 cylinder should be changed together with any other parts.
Which Toyota engines are equipped with timing chains?
So, that is how the timing chain and belt operate. Which one, though, does your Toyota use? Here is a quick list of the components used in the engines of various Toyota vehicles:
Sedan And Hatchback Models
- All Avalon models from 1995 to 2004 feature timing belts. Timing chains are used in the vehicles from 2005 through 2020, including the 4-cylinder Avalon Hybrid.
- Toyota Camry: The timing belt is used in all models from 1990 to 2001 as well as the V6 model from 2004 to 2006. The timing chain is utilized by the 20022020 4-cylinder and 20072020 V6 vehicles.
- Toyota’s well-known Corolla compact vehicle has a timing belt from 1990 to 1997. Timing chains, however, were introduced in models starting in 1998. The Corolla Hybrid and Corolla iM/Scion iM models are included in this.
- Cressida: The straight-six engine of the Toyota Cressida from 1990 to 1992 had timing belts.
- This subcompact’s timing chain-powered 4-cylinder engine was sold from 2000 to 2005.
- Timing chain for all models, 20032013, shown as a matrix.
- Timing belt for all Paseo models from 1992 to 1997.
- Prius: From 2001 to the most recent models, all Prius models share the same timing chain. The Prius C, Prius V, Prius Prime, and Prius Plug-in are all included in this.
- All Tercel models produced between 1990 and 1998 had engines with timing chains.
- Timing chains are used in all Yaris vehicles produced from 2007 through 2020, including the Scion iA and Hatchback variants.
Crossover Models
- Toyota’s C-HR is a brand-new compact crossover with a strong emphasis on lifestyle.
- Timing chains are used in all 4-cylinder engines in the Highlander from 2001 to 2007; timing belts are used in V6 vehicles. From 2008 through 2019, timing chains are used in all V6 vehicles. Except for the V6 hybrid, it employs timing belts from 2006 to 2010 and timing chains starting with the 2011 model year.
- RAV4: From 1996 to 2000, all 4-cylinder models of the RAV4 used timing belts; starting in 2001, timing chains were used. Timing chains are also used in the V6 version from 2006 to 2012. Timing chains are used in the hybrid cars from 2016 to 2020.
- Venza: The timing chain for the Venza ranges from 2009 to 2015.
Minivan Or MPV Models
- Timing chains were employed in the engines of this storied Toyota minivan from 1991 to 1997.
- The Sienna sports a V6 engine with timing belts and was manufactured from 1998 to 2006. The V6 vehicles from 2007 through 2020 then employ timing chains. Timing chains are used in the 4-cylinder variant from 20112012.
SUV And Trucks
- 4Runner: Timing chains are used in the four-cylinder 199020002010 4Runner. Timing belts are used on the 19902002 vehicles for the V6 variations. Timing chains are then used for the 4Runner’s V6 engines from 2003 to 2010. If your engine is a V8 model (20032009), a timing belt is used.
- FJ-Cruiser: This mid-size SUV with classic styling was sold from 2007 to 2014. They were all powered by V6 engines with timing chains.
- The Land Cruiser offers a wide range of engine configurations. The gear drive system is used with the 19901992 straight-six engine (the same function, but uses a set of gears rather than belts or chains). Timing chains are used in the 19931997 straight-six engine. The V8 models from 1998 to 2007 make use of timing belts. While the V8 versions from 20082011 and from 20132020 employ timing chains.
- 20012009 4.7L V8 Sequoia Timing belts are used in Sequoia. Timing chains are used in both the 20102012 4.6L V8 and the 20082020 5.7L V8 models.
- Toyota T100: Timing belt for the 19931998 V6 engines and timing chains for the 19951998 4-cylinder engines
- Toyota Tacoma: The Toyota Tacoma and the 4Runner share the same base, but the engines are different. Timing chains are used on all 4-cylinder vehicles from 1995 to 2020. Timing belts were used on V6 vehicles up until 2004, however starting with the 2005 model, they were replaced by timing belts.
- Toyota Truck: Timing belt for 19901995 V6 engines and timing chains for 19901995 4-cylinder engines.
Has the 4.0-liter Toyota V6 got a timing belt?
All four-cylinder Toyota Tacomas feature interference engines with a timing chain as standard equipment. Timing chains and interference engines are standard in V6 Toyota Tacomas from 2005 through 2021. Timing belts and non-interference engines are standard on V6 models from 1995 to 2004.
In contrast to the 2004 Toyota Tacoma 3.4L V6 190 hp (5VZ-FE) option, the 2021 Toyota Tacoma 2.7L 4 Cyl. 159 hp (2TR-FE) option has a timing chain.
For comprehensive details about your specific Toyota Tacoma, scroll down or quickly move to that section.
How frequently should a Toyota 4Runner timing belt be replaced?
Timing belts are important, but unless your Toyota owner’s handbook specifically advises it, they don’t need to be replaced on a regular basis. Between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, some automakers advise changing the timing belt, while others don’t. Many timing belts available now can last 100,000 miles or more before they need to be replaced.
How durable are 4th generation 4Runners?
This version of the 4Runner, which has model years from 2003 through 2009, is the greatest of the group for a variety of reasons, as Canadian Gearhead outlined. These models begin with the same dependability for which Toyota is renowned.
4th generation 4Runners can travel at least 500,000 miles with regular maintenance, which is really amazing.
Under the hood, this generation differs significantly from previous generations. The 4.7-liter V8 engine, which is also available in other Toyota models like the Sequoia and Tundra pickup, is unique to this generation of the 4Runner.
The V8’s specs changed according on the model year. 235 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque are available in the 20032004 models, while 270 horsepower and 330 lbft of torque are available in cars manufactured after 2005.
The fourth-generation 4Runner’s standard 4.0-liter V6 engine is also quite capable. It is found in the Toyota Land Cruiser, Tundra, FJ Cruiser, and Tacoma, and delivers 245 horsepower and 283 pound-feet of torque.
The V6 is ultimately more dependable and offers higher fuel efficiency, but being less powerful and refined than the V8.
Which is superior, timing belts or chains?
Prior to making a purchase decision, you may be examining the specifications of various cars. What is the displacement of the engine? What type of brakes is it equipped with? How is the transmission handled? Exists a long-range AEB with it? Before making a decision, there are several factors you can compare between each car. We’ll be discussing timing chains and belts today.
The camshaft and crankshaft rotations are synchronized using timing chains or belts. As a result of the Overhead Cam (OHC) arrangement used by the majority of modern engines, the crankshaft and camshaft must be connected by a belt or chain. Timing belts or timing chains are also necessary for engines with push rod configurations (although shorter in length).
Some contend that the greater lifespan of timing chains makes them superior. Some contend that the cheaper replacement costs and quieter operation of timing belts make them superior. The problem is that when buying a car, you cannot select whether it will have a timing chain or belt. If you liked one timing system over the other, you’d have to purchase a new vehicle.
Consider a Perodua Myvi and a Proton Iriz as examples. An Iriz has a timing belt, whereas a Myvi has a timing chain. Does that mean that one car is better than the other? Does one require less upkeep than the other?
A: Timing chains outperform timing belts in strength. Timing links are also more durable. Timing belts are more affordable, simpler to replace, and quieter than timing chains.
A: Yes. usually only slightly. Since the gear teeth are worn out as well, fixing the timing chain also necessitates changing certain gears. Timing chains, however, do not require as frequent replacement as timing belts.
A: Yes. The engine oil must lubricate the timing chains. As a result, they live in a more contained structure. Consequently, it will take more effort to reach the timing chain. Timing belts are easier to service because they often only have a plastic cover to protect them.
A: Yes. The sprockets and gear teeth mesh. Over time, the chain stretch lengthens and the gear teeth begin to wear out. They eventually need to be replaced. A timing chain replacement does not, however, have a set replacement interval.
When the timing chain stretch could potentially harm the engine, the engine warning light will typically on. If that happens, turn off the engine. Chain strain could result in the chain jumping a gear tooth, throwing off the timing of the pistons and valves and resulting in some rough idling.
A: Yes. They must be replaced as a result around every 100,000 kilometers. Timing belts that aren’t maintained could rupture and seriously harm the engine (especially interference engines). Teeth that are worn down could potentially cause timing belts to slip.
What is the worst thing that could happen if the timing chain or belt breaks?
This is true for interference engines, which are smaller and more effective in their design. Timing belts tend to snap more frequently, although in most cases, if you change them on schedule, this issue shouldn’t arise.
A combination. A timing belt is used by an earlier RB26DETT. A timing chain is used by more recent VR38DETTs.
Timing belts and chains aren’t even used in some vehicles, like the Ferrari Enzo. Instead, they synchronize the valves with the engine rotation using a number of timing gears. Compared to timing chains, timing gears are louder.
To sum up:
- Timing chains are more expensive than timing belts but have a longer lifespan.
- Using one over the other has no impact on performance or fuel economy.
- Timing belts were mostly used in autos due to their lower cost. They function just as well.
- Timing chains may sag over time, resulting in gear teeth that “jump.”
- Teeth on timing belts can wear out and move. Timing belts are also more susceptible to breaking.
- Timing belt or timing chain failure can have disastrous effects on the engine.
- The lower operating noise of timing belts is an additional advantage.
No matter what type of timing system your car has, you should undertake routine maintenance to keep an eye on the condition of your timing belt or chain.