The 4.7L and 4.0L engines of the 2009 Toyota Tundra feature timing belts, whereas the 5.7L and 4.7L engines have chains. Both engines are interference types. Check out the information in the table below.
In This Article...
Is there a timing belt on the 5.7 Toyota engine?
The Toyota Tundra has had engines with either timing belts or chains throughout its lifetime. Timing belts are used in the 4.7L and 3.4L engines whereas timing chains are used in the 5.7L, 4.6L, and 4.0L engines. All Tundra enginesaside from the 3.4L modelare interference engines.
In contrast to the 2009 Toyota Tundra 4.7L V8 276 horsepower (2UZ-FE) option, the 2021 Toyota Tundra 5.7L V8 381 hp (3UR-FE) option includes a timing chain.
For comprehensive details about your specific Toyota Tundra, scroll down or click here to jump to it.
Does the Toyota Tundra have a timing belt?
Timing belt replacement for a Toyota Tundra typically costs between $726 and $1,064. While parts range in price from $342 to $580, labor costs are predicted to be between $384 and $484. Taxes and other fees are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or geographic area taken into account.
Timing belt on Toyota V8?
The Lexus LS series began using the contemporary Toyota V8 that we are all familiar with in 1989. Despite numerous redesigns and upgrades, this engine series (UZ) is still produced in large quantities.
Starting in 1998, the Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 470 were equipped with the second series 2UZ-FE, a 4.7L engine with a cast-iron block. Since the 2000 model year, different Toyota truck lines have had access to it. This variant became the default engine for Toyota V8 trucks up to 2010 with the addition of VVT-i technology (variable valve timing with intelligence) (2011 in the Land Cruiser).
The 3UZ-FE (4.3L and all aluminum) is the other engine in the UZ series; it was only offered in Lexus cars and for racing-specific variants. The UR series, which drives the camshafts using a chain, has supplanted the UZ engine throughout the Toyota and Lexus product lines.
SERVICE CAUTIONS
To access the timing belt and make room to remove the accessories, belt drives, and timing covers, particular parts must be removed from each of the many V8 engine versions. For some models, reported repair timeframes may be slightly deceptive.
The repair time can increase if the valve covers and camshafts need to be taken off if there are any signs of oil leakage at the front of the engine and it may be necessary to replace seals (cam seals) (VVT-i engines).
Markings for tooth count and timing alignment are crucial, particularly on VVT-i engines. The tooth count between the alignment lines on the replacement belt should be compared carefully to the original, as even a half tooth could require you to start over.
Damage to the crankshaft position sensor reluctor wheel, which must be removed in order to replace the belt, is another cause of codes and driveability issues following belt replacement. The wheel should be handled with extreme caution to avoid any scratches or other damage. P0011, P0021, P0016, or P0018 are common codes that are connected to timing belt misalignment or potential sensor wheel damage.
TIMING BELT REPLACEMENT
Particularly on the smaller 4Runner, clearances for the timing belt maintenance are extremely limited due to the size of this engine (see Photo 1). Although there is greater space in the Tundra, Sequoia, Land Cruiser, and Lexus automobile and truck models, it is still difficult to remove some of the extras.
To remove the crankshaft bolt, you will need a tool to keep the crankshaft pulley in place, and you might also require a puller to get the pulley to come free from the crankshaft. The remainder of the work is rather simple. Do not rely on this page in place of the correct repair manual for the vehicle you are working on. This article isn’t a how-to guide; rather, it’s meant to alert you to some things to watch out for.
Because you will be removing certain cooling system components and because these automobiles’ water pumps are driven by the timing belt, make sure to factor in the cost of replacing the coolant as part of the work estimate.
1. Take out the ignition key first. Once the timing belt is removed, every touch of the key could cause issues.
2. Carefully handle the plastic parts when you remove the upper engine covers. It is possible to work around the lower engine shields, although doing so would take longer. It’s considerably simpler to remove the radiator (after removing the shroud) due to a crankshaft pulley bolt that can occasionally be challenging to remove, especially if you intend to perform cooling system work.
3. The pulley bolt is turned counterclockwise with a socket on top of it to remove the serpentine belt tensioner (the pulley bolt is left-hand threaded). You can unbolt the various attachments once the drive belt has been removed, but do not take them out (alternator, compressor, power steering pump). Toyota does a wonderful job of giving the connecting parts just the right amount of give so that they can be moved out of the way so that the covers can be removed.
4. A bracket and bearing assembly that supports the fan must be taken apart. Keep track of the sources for the different length bolts.
5. To make the timing marks on the cover and crankshaft pulley (see Photo 2) easier to read, mark them before removing the covers for the timing belt. Read and pay attention to the warning sticker on VVT-i models regarding the timing adjustment sprockets (see Photo 3). It will be very difficult to change the camshaft seals from the outside, and removing the incorrect bolts will be quite frustrating.
6. After removing the timing covers, line up the timing marks sequentially. This time, paint marks on the pulleys and rear covers will help with alignment. The crankshaft pulley bolt and pulley must now be removed. It’s simple if the radiator is out, but might be challenging at times if the radiator is in.
7. After removing the pulley and pulley bolt, double-check the marks’ alignment. Turn the engine over manually for one rotation and check again if they aren’t lined up (within 1/2 tooth). To release the stress in the camshaft timing gears, rotate the crankshaft about 50 degrees counterclockwise, then backward to TDC. At this point, the timing markings ought to be lined up (see Photo 4). In the event that it doesn’t, identify the cause (jumped timing, a broken tensioner, or worn idler pulley bearings) and make sure the problem is fixed during the repair.
8. Loosen the nuts in turn to remove the hydraulic tensioner. Remove the dust cover and tensioner, then pin and reset the tensioner. Look for any visible weaknesses or leaks. To release strain from the belt between the crankshaft and right cam, you might need to slightly twist the right-side (passenger-side) camshaft.
9. A timing belt that is OE or OE-equivalent should have three alignment marks and arrows pointing forward. The left and right cam and crankshaft should be clearly marked. If the original belt still has markings, compare the markings on the two belts to make sure they match.
10. Look for leaks coming from the water pump, seals, or front engine cover region before beginning reassembly. Examine the idlers for smooth bearings and the belt sprockets for any wear or scuffs. The cupped side of the crankshaft belt guide/reluctor wheel should face the outside, and the guide should be treated as a VIP (very important part).
11. To make installing the timing belt easier, turn the cam sprockets just a little bit using the painted marks you established earlier. Turn the sprockets on the right side in the clockwise direction one tooth and on the left half a tooth. Install the belt with the printed marks aligned on each shaft, making sure the crankshaft is still properly aligned. Start with the crankshaft, move on to the idler and camshaft on the left side, travel around the water pump, and finish with the sprocket and tensioner pulley on the right side.
12. Attach the hydraulic tensioner device, tighten to specifications, and take out the retaining pin. After giving the tensioner a few minutes to finish tensioning the belt, return the crankshaft to TDC by turning it back two full revolutions clockwise, and check the alignment of all timing markings. Restart the belt installation if they are incorrect. To avoid pulling or harming threads in the aluminum housings, reassemble in reverse order and use a torque wrench on all fasteners.
13. To avoid air pockets, refill the cooling system using a vacuum type filler system.
FINISHING UP
There isn’t anything about this work that stands out as unusual. You will find this job to be a piece of cake if you have experience working on the hundreds of Toyota V6s that the majority of professional mechanics own. Just be aware that before you start disassembling anything using VVT-i technology, you need to research some procedures and warnings.
Remember that there is no timing belt because the vast majority (7090%) of Tundra and Sequoia models use the 5.7L engine. There are jobs available because the remaining 2030% will also require a timing belt for repair.
Toyota switched to timing chains from timing belts at what point?
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.
What Toyota engines are causing interference?
Toyota
- 4.7 liters of obstruction.
- 3.4 liters without interruption.
- V6 non-interference, 3.3 litter.
- V6 non-interference 3.0 litter.
- Non-interference 2.0 liter.
- 1.8 liter DOHC gasoline interruption.
- interfering 1.6 liter SOHC engine.
- Non-interference 1.6 liter DOHC (4A-GZE and 4A-GE).
When should a Toyota Tundra’s timing belt be changed?
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.
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?
Timing belt or chain: 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.