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.
In This Article...
How frequently does Toyota need to repair the timing belt?
The typical timing belt will typically last between 60k and 90k miles. If your car has more than 90,000 miles on it and the timing belt hasn’t been replaced, you might want to arrange an inspection to make sure it runs safely.
When should timing belts be replaced?
You understand the significance of routine scheduled maintenance for your car as a car owner. The inner workings of your car must therefore be understood, as must the frequency of replacement for each component, such as the timing belt in your car.
What is a timing belt?
You may want to start by wondering what a timing belt is and what it does. The timing belt in your car regulates the crankshaft and camshaft rotation of the engine as well as the opening and closing of the engine valves that let gasoline and air in and out. In essence, the timing belt synchronizes the engine’s operations, igniting the fuel in the combustion chamber.
When to replace your vehicle’s timing belt
It’s critical to get the timing belt updated on a regular basis because it performs such a crucial function. Most of the time, there are no warning signs that a timing belt is being worn. It frequently just breaks. Because of this, the majority of manufacturers advise replacing your vehicle’s timing belt every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. To find out what is advised for your particular model, consult your owner’s manual.
Instead of waiting until your automobile breaks, it is more cost-effective and secure to replace the timing belt. In fact, replacing your timing belt after it breaks can cost more than twice as much. It goes without saying that it’s preferable to prevent problems with your vehicle.
How many miles is the lifespan of a Toyota timing chain?
The timing chain should be changed between 80,000 and 120,000 miles, barring a specific defect. Chain issues are common in vehicles with higher mileage. Watch for indications that the timing chain is failing if you have an older or high-mileage vehicle. It’s crucial to be able to identify the symptoms and get the timing chain serviced before it completely fails since the timing chain may break and need to be replaced.
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.
Timing belt durability of 20 years?
The maintenance and timing belt replacement on modern vehicles is one of the most misunderstood procedures. What exactly is a timing belt is typically the most frequent query we receive as a service facility. A timing belt is, by definition, a toothed belt that joins the camshaft or shafts to the crankshaft “timing the engine’s top and bottom. To synchronize the piston and valve movements, the camshafts rotate at a speed that is precisely half that of the crankshaft.
What does this mean exactly? It really is that easy; the valves must be opened or closed at the appropriate moment in time with the pistons’ motion in order to complete the combustion sequence. When that “When timing is off, catastrophic engine damage frequently results.
Surprisingly, the timing belt’s original purpose was to synchronize the needle and bobbin drives on Singer sewing machines. Timing belts were first created in 1945 by Singer in collaboration with Uniroyal, which is now Gates Inc., as a cheaper and quieter alternative to the original metal band with metal clips.
Now, for all of you from the 1950s and 1960s, a timing chain was normally present in every engine. The benefits of chains were their extended lifespan, but the drawbacks included their noise, the need for lubrication, and the cost of the materials used in their construction.
the timing belt comes in. Timing belts are light, require no lubrication to operate, are relatively cheaper to produce than chains and sprockets, and are silent. The drawback is that belts need to be replaced after a certain amount of time or miles. This is where all of the maintenance and replacement inconsistencies are found.
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. The majority of manufacturers advise against exceeding 80,000 to 90,000 miles on the original belt.
This appears to be extremely simple and understandable, however the producers are not telling you this. The best thing about timing belts is that they have self-tensioners, which are designed to maintain a consistent belt tension to minimize power loss or, worse, to prevent the engine from jumping time and breaking it. As the belts deteriorate and stretch, idler pulleys on them maintain the tension.
Imagine how many times these pulleys and tensioners have rotated over the course of 8 years or 80,000 miles. I’d guess in the millions. The timing belt can be used to drive the water pump, check camshaft timing, and provide data to the PCM, as the auto industry has come to understand.
It is my responsibility as a service provider to express this idea to you, the customer. When changing a timing belt, it can take up to 4 or 5 hours. If the task is not done correctly, replacing all the tensioners, idler pulleys, and water pump at once, you, the customer, are put in danger.
A Honda Accord’s timing belt was replaced; there were no tensioners or water pumps present. At around 75,000 miles, it was completed on time. After 5000 miles of faultless operation, the car stalled and wouldn’t start while being driven to see family on the motorway at highway speeds.
The new timing belt had all of its teeth sheared off when it was inspected after being towed to a repair. The water pump bearing had seized, which was quickly determined. As a result, the head’s valves all needed to be repaired, costing $1500.00. The true question is: Did the service provider advise changing all of the essential components, and did the customer refuse? Or was it a matter of finances or ignorance? This was stolen from the internet.
I get phone calls frequently wondering how much it costs to change a timing belt. As I’ve hopefully shown, there’s more to maintaining a vehicle properly than just changing the belt. I will never give a price over the phone without having the opportunity to check all of these things, so I will always ask the caller to come in so that I can look at the vehicle and see if the serpentine belts had ever been replaced, whether the hoses and coolant are original, whether there are oil leaks from the cam or crank seals that frequently cause the belts to deteriorate prematurely, and more. While some callers hang up, others come in for our FREE assessment and precise estimate.
Being preventive involves taking action rather than reacting. I’m to blame if a belt breaks down as a result of my failure to explain to you the significance of each component throughout the range of engine designs.
How much will a timing belt replacement cost?
The engine of your car cannot function without a timing belt. Timing belt preventative maintenance is far less expensive than waiting for it to break. O’Leary’s Automotive provides skilled mechanics who can assist if you need high-quality timing belt repair in Wilmington, North Carolina.
The camshaft and the crankshaft are two different types of shafts found in your engine. These shafts are made to start the engine cycle and deliver torque while controlling the pistons in the engines. The camshaft and crankshaft are controlled by grooves or teeth on the timing belt. This makes it possible for the engine valves to open and close precisely when necessary for efficient operation.
Timing belts comprised of chains and gears are used in some automobiles. Although these timing belts are more resilient, they need lubrication to function. The timing belts in many modern automobiles are comprised of a rubber composition. These timing belts tend to wear out more quickly but are quieter and more energy-efficient.
Warning Signs a Timing Belt Replacement is Needed
The majority of timing belts require replacement every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Because it is crucial to the engine’s functionality, the timing belt acts inside the engine. Don’t put off changing the belt until it breaks. Your engine won’t start if your timing belt breaks.
You might observe one or more of the following if your timing belt is broken or worn out:
- Rumbling or rough idling coming from the engine
- engine stalls
- the engine’s smoke
- lower oil pressure
- damaged pistons or valves
Timing Belt Repair & Quality Auto Repair in Wilmington, NC
It is best to have a qualified, quality auto repair technician evaluate your car as soon as possible if you have encountered one or more of the aforementioned symptoms. Expect to pay between $300 and $500 for the service if your timing belt needs to be replaced. Many automobiles’ timing belts require some disassembly and reassembly since they are not always easily accessible. Smaller engines in economy cars result in less work. However, larger trucks, SUVs, or premium cars can take a lot longer.