The engines of various Toyota 4Runners vary. Timing belts, commonly referred to as cambelts, are used in some engines while timing chains are used in others.
Timing belts or chains are used in the majority of 4runner engines. Since timing chains are more resilient, they are frequently left in place for the duration of an engine’s life. Timing belts need to be replaced as they deteriorate over time.
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.
Is there a timing belt or chain on a 2007 Toyota 4Runner?
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.
Timing belts or chains: which is superior?
Timing belts typically last less time than timing chains. Timing belts are made of rubber, which isn’t as strong as metal, but chains are made of metal, and this is the simple explanation for why this is the case. Timing belts are not weak, but they will probably need to be replaced at some point, whereas a chain can last the lifetime of the car.
Timing belts typically need to be replaced in the mileage range of 55,000 miles (about 90,000 km) and 90,000 miles (roughly 150,000 km). Therefore, a timing belt is still a very reliable and significant component of your car.
Whether your car has a timing chain or belt, it’s critical that you watch for any symptoms of wear and strain and take appropriate action. Depending on the sort of engine you have, a broken timing belt can have disastrous results. You could be better off searching to get a new vehicle if the repairs are too expensive to be practical.
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.
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.
What is the lifespan of a timing chain?
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.
Has a 2007 got a timing chain or belt?
You undoubtedly think about car maintenance occasionally, like the majority of car owners. The functioning of the numerous moving components in the engine of your car depends on precise timing. Because of this, the timing belt or chain in your Honda Accord has been installed. Over the course of your Honda’s life, you will eventually need to check and replace this component. Here are a few frequently asked questions and their respective responses regarding the timing chain or belt on your Honda!
Does my Honda Accord have a timing belt or a timing chain?
By looking at the model year and trim level of your Honda Accord, you can typically determine if it has a timing belt or a timing chain. There are typically two different engines available in the Honda Accord model years, each with its own corresponding engine system. Fortunately, there is a helpful guide. Your Honda Accord features a timing belt if it was manufactured between 1997 and 2002. Your engine has a timing belt if you have a 4-cylinder model from 20032007; if you have a V6 model from those years, it has a timing chain. A 4-cylinder Accord from 2008 to 2012 will use a timing chain, while vehicles with V6 engines have a timing belt. The V6 models have a timing belt from 2013 to 2017, while the 4-cylinder models continue to use a timing chain. All of the available engines come with a timing chain as of the 2018 model year.
What’s the difference between a timing belt and a timing chain?
Even while a timing belt and a timing chain primarily serve the same function in your engine system, there are a few variances between them. A timing chain functions with tensioners to keep the chain in place and resembles a bike chain in appearance. Engine oil pressure controls those tensioners. A timing belt, meanwhile, is a rubber belt that is secured in place by pulleys and tensioners that are managed by the engine’s water pump. Although they require more frequent replacement than timing chains, timing belts are typically quieter. Timing chains normally have a longer lifespan, but if they do break, they could potentially hurt your engine much more.
When should I change my timing belt on a Honda Accord?
A Honda Accord’s timing belt typically has to be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. Asking your mechanic to inspect the water pump, timing belt, and pulleys simultaneously when it’s time to replace your timing belt is an excellent idea. They frequently need to be replaced at the same time in order to guarantee that the system is operating properly. Your engine depends on timing belts and chains to perform vital tasks. They are both in charge of your engine’s mechanical timing. The crankshaft and camshaft, as well as the piston and valve movements within the engine, are all governed by the mechanical timing. Your engine won’t operate correctly, and it might not operate at all, if none of these components function at the appropriate moment.
What are the symptoms of a bad timing belt?
When it comes to your timing belt, there are a few things you may watch out for. The simplest course of action is to stay up with regularly scheduled maintenance and to be mindful of the lifespan of both your vehicle and the typical timing belt. Under your hood, there is a lot of stress, therefore it’s probable that you’ll need to replace it before 100,000 miles. Pay attention for typical symptoms like an engine misfire or a ticking sounds from the engine. If the timing belt breaks, your engine can also become inoperable. Since engines frequently begin to leak motor oil from the timing belt cover over time, oil leaks can also be a red flag. Watch out for these warning signals, and when they appear, take your Honda to a service center.
Learn More About Honda Timing Belts and Chains
You may discover more frequently asked questions and their answers here on our blog if you have any more queries or would want to learn more about other Honda models.
Is there a timing belt or chain on the 2009 Toyota Highlander?
While the Highlander Hybrid has a timing belt and a non-interference engine, all regular 2010 Toyota Highlander models have timing chains and interference engines. Check out the information in the table below.
When did timing belts stop being used?
It’s crucial to know whether your car has a timing chain, belt, or gears when thinking about engine maintenance. By transferring and half the crankshaft’s rotary motion and delivering it to one or more of the motor’s camshafts, one may control the ballet of the engine’s pistons and valve timing. Engineers employ timing gears, timing chains, or timing belts to accomplish this.
Timing Chain Vs. Timing Belt Basics
Overhead valve (OHV) engines have relied on timing gears or chains to turn the camshaft for many years. Many overhead cam (OHC) engines were powered by timing chains during the 1980s. Timing belts were particularly popular from the middle of the 1980s until the early 2000s, although timing chains are once again becoming more frequent.
It can be challenging to determine what kind of timing components exist in the engine of your car without disassembly. Timing chains and gears are typically inaccessible and covered in sealed metal for lubrication. Timing belts typically hidden behind open plastic coverings require protection rather than lubrication. Although this is a solid generalization, the easiest way to identify the timing components for your car is to look them up. Timing belt vs. chain can depend on the year, make, model, engine, transmission, and drive type. What makes that so?
Why Some Cars Use a Timing Chain Vs. a Timing Belt
Why use a timing chain in some engines instead of a timing belt or timing gear? Automakers and engine builders balance each’s advantages and disadvantages.
- Timing belts are lightweight and quiet, but they have a short lifespan. Since they are made of rubber, they deteriorate with time and need to be changed. Leaks in the coolant and oil hasten this degeneration. The majority of automakers advise timing belt replacement every 60,000 to 105,000 miles.
- Timing chains are more complicated and heavier than timing belts, but they last a lot longer. Actually, timing chains don’t need to be replaced very often unless there is an issue. Premature wear, stretching, and failure are avoided with routine oil changes.
- The heaviest and noisiest gears are the timing gears; some have compared the whining to that of a supercharger. Timing gears are durable, precise, and powerful, much like timing chains.
Because they were the only options at initially, automakers used timing chains and gears. Timing belts were introduced later and were discovered to be less noisy but troublesome. Numerous interference engines have been harmed by broken timing belts as a result of valve crash.
Interference designs enhance engine performance, power, fuel efficiency, and emissions to help engines breathe easier. To avoid early failure and valve crash, automakers have recently switched back to stronger, longer-lasting timing chains.
Timing Chain vs. Timing BeltIs One Better?
Due to their perfect timing and durability, timing gears are frequently used in high-compression engines, such as diesel engines. However, because of the way they sound, newer EFI systems can be fooled by vibrations from knock sensors. The shock-absorption capabilities of timing belts reduce high-revving engine harmonics, as in, say, NASCAR engines. Practically anyplace strength and quietness are sought, timing chains are used.
“It depends on what the engine is anticipated to do. Timing gears and chains were state-of-the-art for many years, but noisy and hefty. Timing belts met the desire for a quieter vehicle from drivers. Timing chains satisfy the needs of modern drivers who desire lifespan and the requirements of legislation who want efficiency. Engine builders balance an engine’s needs in applications that are specifically designed for them, like repair or racing.
Check out the complete selection of belts and hoses on NAPA Online or rely on one of our 17,000 NAPA AutoCare stores for regular servicing and repairs. Talk to a trained specialist at your nearby NAPA AUTO PARTS shop for further details on replacing your timing belt or chain.