Does My Toyota Have A Timing Belt Or Chain

Toyota / By

Your Toyota’s timing belt is crucial to its proper operation. The valves can open and let air into the engine at the appropriate time because to its connection between the crankshaft and the two camshafts. The engine won’t start properly if the timing of the airflow in your engine is not exact.

Comparatively speaking to their timing chain cousins, timing belts are renowned to operate more softly. Although not as durable or strong as chains, belts are significantly less expensive and typically simpler to replace. On the other hand, if you delay in replacing your timing chain, it could seriously harm your engine.

Is there a timing chain or belt on your Toyota car? To determine which is in your car, look at this detailed chart:

Maintaining your timing belt

Timing belt inspections and replacements should take place at specific intervals during the life of your car as specified in your Warranty and Maintenance Guide, depending on your model.

Many drivers find that having the timing belt replaced rather than having it examined is more cost-effective because the inspection fee is frequently close to the cost of having the entire system replaced. For the majority of mechanics, this is a rather simple and inexpensive fix. Depending on how fast your car is moving, if the belt snaps while you’re driving, your engine can sustain serious harm. In general, the faster you go, the more harm your engine will take.

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.

Toyotas have timing belts, right?

Timing chains are more common in modern automobiles. Timing chains are more enduring and last a lot longer even if they are heavier than belts. The 2020 Toyota Corolla, 2020 Toyota RAV4, and even the 2020 Toyota Yaris all have timing chains rather than timing belts as standard equipment.

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.

Timing chains: how long do they last?

When should a timing chain be changed? 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.

Is there a timing belt or chain on a 2012 Toyota?

AutoTrader: The 2.5-liter inline 4-cylinder and 3.5-liter V6 engines in the 2012 Toyota Camry use timing chains rather than belts. This is critical since a rubber timing belt must typically be replaced every 75,000 to 90,000 miles, necessitating a high mechanic charge.

How much does a timing chain replacement cost?

Being proactive is a good thing because an engine that has a broken timing chain could suffer significant damage.

Timing chain replacement might cost between $600 and $800 to do it yourself or $1,600 to $1,800 to have a technician do it. Due to how difficult it is to replace this element, the price is exorbitant.

The parts for a DIY timing chain replacement will run you about $650. But this is a job that’s best left to mechanics with a lot of experience.

Fortunately, timing chains are built to endure the lifespan of the vehicle, unlike rubber timing belts, thus it is rare that you will need to have it changed. Watch out for these signs if you think your timing chain may be broken:

  • Noisy timing chain
  • Starting the car is challenging.
  • While idling, the engine shakes or vibrates
  • Engine has poor performance or is misfiring
  • The check engine light is on.

Bring your car to a repair as soon as you can if any of these symptoms persist. Quickly addressing the problem will stop further harm to your car.

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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.

How long is the lifespan of a Toyota timing belt?

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.

The timing belt or chain on a 2004 Toyota Corolla?

As your engine cycles through each phase, the timing belt aids in the coordinated opening and closing of various valves.

Your Toyota Corolla does not have a timing belt if it was manufactured in 1998 or later (it uses a chain instead). Timing belts are used in Corollas produced between 1990 and 1997.

Timing belts on Toyota Corollas should normally be changed every 60,000 miles.