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.
In This Article...
What drives the timing on a Toyota Highlandera belt or a chain?
The Toyota Highlander has a variety of engines with either a timing belt or a timing chain from the model years 2001 to 2021. Both interference and non-interference engines are also present.
Timing belts for Toyota cars last how long?
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.
Is there a timing chain in the Highlander?
The check engine light is usually a pain, but happily you appear to have gotten away with a quick and inexpensive remedy! Depending on the model year, the Toyota Highlander may have a timing chain or belt.
Depending on which model you own, your Highlander either features a timing chain or a timing belt, which accomplishes the same task. Your engine works smoothly and efficiently thanks to the connection made between the belt or chain and the gears on your crankshaft and camshaft.
How long is Highlander going to run?
How many miles can a Toyota Highlander travel on average? When you inquire with a Toyota dealer, they will give you the high-end estimate, which is approximately 300,000 miles.
This figure is approximately 50100,000 miles higher than you would generally anticipate in this price range and size class.
Although 300,000 miles is certainly not unheard of, if you take care of your Highlander, you shouldn’t be surprised to see it go far beyond that number.
However, this is the best-case situation and presupposes that you are most likely the first owner and haven’t been putting off any oil or fluid changes.
A typical used Highlander will likely travel at least 250,000 miles with its original engine and transmission if you’re the third or fourth owner. From then, everything will depend on you.
According to Kelley Blue Book, the typical American logs 14,000 miles a year on their vehicles. Therefore, if you can keep it clear of rust and prevent collisions, your Highlander might live over 20 years, assuming ordinary mileage.
The majority of Highlanders are built on the same Toyota K platform as the Avalon, which has been known to travel more than 500,000 kilometers.
All things considered, driving a Highlander into Guinness World Record zone is possible if you really know how to maintain an SUV.
How can I tell if I need to replace my timing chain?
Timing chains do not require routine replacement, but timing belts do. The timing chain shouldn’t need to be changed unless it has been harmed, overworked, or otherwise compromised. Your car will most likely experience one or more faults if there is a timing chain issue.
A broken timing chain will show the symptoms listed below:
- Misfiring engines and sluggishness
- The timing chain has noise.
- Starting the car is challenging.
- The vehicle won’t start
- The check engine light is on.
- The engine shakes or rattles while it is idling.
You might hear noise coming from the area where the timing chain cover resides. This noise is frequently the result of a loose timing chain, which may be brought on by a broken timing chain tensioner, guide, or other issues. More serious issues will arise if you ignore the early warning signs, so be sure to check the timing chain as soon as you hear a noise coming from where it is mounted.
What signs or symptoms point to a timing chain failure?
symptoms of a defective timing chain
- When the engine is running or idles, there is a rattle. Unusual rattling noises when the engine is started or when the brakes are applied are a common sign that a timing chain in a car is damaged.
- Engine Misfire.
- Engine oil with contamination.
- Check Engine indicator.
- not being able to start the engine.
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, to put it simply. 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.
A timing belt’s lifespan is 200 000 miles.
That concludes our examination of the timing belt’s nature, operation, and significance. Can a timing belt travel more than 200 000 miles? Not at all. And to be honest, unless you have a junker that you don’t mind giving up, you really shouldn’t try this out in person. Expect severe engine damage if you continue to drive your automobile with a timing belt that is worn out, installed incorrectly, or otherwise flawed.
The cost of replacing your timing belt is by no means a cheap one. You’ll have to pay several hundred dollars, or in some cases nearly or more than a thousand. But this is little compared to the $2,000, $3,000, or even higher needed to rebuild a broken timing belt-related engine that has failed. Who would have thought that this tiny piece of rubber could fail and give you such heartache?
How long does a timing belt last?
According to various schedules, including data provided by the manufacturers, a timing belt typically has to be replaced after 7 to 10 years, or between 60,000 and 105,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Toyota stopped using timing belts in what year?
Therefore, the timing belt or chain is in charge of synchronizing the crankshaft and camshaft of the engine. This enables smooth engine operation and prevents engine damage by enabling the pistons and valves to move at the proper timing. The engine cannot function properly and may possibly sustain significant internal engine damage if the timing belt or chain fails.
Over the years, Toyota has used both timing belts and chains in their vehicles. However, since 2005, Toyota has primarily used timing chains in their automobiles. Even though they can be noisier and require adequate maintenance, timing chains can survive for a very long time, so owners won’t need to replace them regularly. Timing belts, on the other hand, don’t need as much upkeep, but drivers must replace them more frequently after around 65,000 miles. Before 2005, Toyota mostly used the timing belt in its vehicles.
We hope the list above has made it easier for you to determine whether your Toyota has a timing chain or belt.
How much does a timing chain replacement for a 2008 Toyota Highlander run?
Timing chain tensioner replacement for a Toyota Highlander typically costs between $2,536 and $3,097. Between $2,114 to $2,666 is the projected range for labor costs, while $422 to $431 is the estimated range for parts.
A timing belt is present on a 2017 Toyota Highlander, right?
For robustness and long life, more recent models use timing belts consisting of polyurethane and Kevlar. 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.