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.
In This Article...
When should a Toyota Highlander have its timing belt replaced?
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.
What drives the timing on a 2012 Toyota Highlandera chain or a belt?
Timing chains and interference engines are standard on every 4-cylinder Toyota Highlanders built from 2001 through 2021.
Timing belts and non-interference engines are standard on every V6 Toyota Highlanders manufactured in 2007 and earlier.
Timing chains and interference engines are standard on all V6 Toyota Highlanders from 2008 through 2021.
In contrast to the 2010 Toyota Highlander 3.3L V6 Hybrid, 270 horsepower (3MZ-FE) option, the 2021 Toyota Highlander 3.5L V6, 295 hp (2GR-FKS) option includes a timing chain.
For comprehensive details about your specific Toyota Highlander model year, scroll down or quick-jump.
Timing Belt Basics
Maintaining the timing (synchronization) between the crankshaft and the camshaft is the major goal of the timing belt or timing chain (s).
While a timing chain resembles a bicycle chain, a timing belt is comprised of a rubber composite.
Timing belts deteriorate over time, thus they need to be replaced at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer. Serious engine damage may ensue from a failing timing belt.
Even though a timing chain will inevitably deteriorate with time, it should nonetheless undergo regular checks.
What drives the timing on a 2008 Toyota Highlandera chain or a belt?
The timing chain in your Toyota Highlander should never need to be replaced because it typically lasts the entire engine’s lifetime. After 200K miles, they might get noisy, but that would be from the tensioner’s wear. Even then, timing failure or a leap wouldn’t worry me. Timing belt-equipped autos are the ones you should avoid buying. A broken belt will put an interference engine out of commission.
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.
Timing belt on a 2010 Toyota Highlander?
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.
Timing belts or chains: which is superior?
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.
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.
How much does a timing belt replacement for a 2008 Toyota Highlander run?
Belts don’t cost a much by themselves. Since many pieces must be removed in order to reach the belt, labor is where the true expense lies. Your best chance is to shop about and compare prices, but be prepared to pay anything between $409 and $919. (including parts and labor).