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.
In This Article...
How frequently should a Toyota Camry have its timing belt replaced?
- 60 to 90 thousand miles. Whether or not a problem is apparent, a timing belt that is installed in an engine must be replaced at the service interval dictated by the vehicle’s manufacturer, which is normally between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. The precise service interval should be stated in your vehicle’s owner manual.
- Engine unexpectedly shuts down or won’t start. Timing belts may occasionally skip or break while the engine is operating.
- erratic engine performance. The timing belt’s contoured, strengthened teeth engage the crankshaft and camshaft gears. The belt may stretch or the teeth may wear out after many tens of thousands of kilometers, which will cause the belt to shift positions on the crankshaft or camshaft gears. The engine will likely operate poorly or not at all if the belt jumps.
- engine noise that is clanging or banging. The pistons and valves may clash in some engines if the timing belt has jumped, causing noise and damage. Interference engines are the name given to these engine types. The likelihood that a timing belt failure will result in engine damage will be reduced if your automobile has an interference engine by replacing the belt in accordance with the maintenance plan.
How much does a Toyota Camry timing chain replacement cost?
Timing chain tensioner replacement for a Toyota Camry typically costs between $628 and $754. While materials are priced between $164 and $168, labor costs are predicted to range between $464 and $585. Taxes and other fees are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or geographic area taken into account.
How much does a Toyota timing belt replacement cost?
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).
Toyota stopped using timing belts in what year?
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.
How can you tell when your timing belt needs to be replaced?
At the recommended mileage intervals for your vehicle, it’s critical to change your timing belt. Although every manufacturer is unique, it should normally be changed every 60,000–100,000 miles. The owner’s manual for your car will list the suggested interval for your particular vehicle.
Since the timing belt is constructed of rubber, it will ultimately wear out and break. The engine will cease working or the parts will be out of sync, which will harm the engine, when it fails.
If you don’t change the timing belt when it needs to be, you risk having an entirely failed engine, broken or bent valves, damaged cylinder heads or camshafts, damaged pistons, and damaged cylinder walls. It is not safe to apply the maxim “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” in this instance. To prevent spending thousands of dollars on engine repair or replacement, replace the timing belt in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.
Signs That It’s Time to Replace the Timing Belt
Often, a timing belt will break without any prior notice. However, the following are some potential signs that it could be time to replace your belt:
- Overheating
- engine is making a ticking noise.
- trembling or vibrating
- Engine Check Light
- belts making rubbing or squealing noises
- lower engine power
- oil leaking
- Vehicle starting issues
We advise replacing the water pump at the same time as servicing your car. When the timing belt is removed, it is simple to reach the water pump, which typically has a comparable lifespan. You reduce your labor expenses in this way.
What signs or symptoms point to a timing chain failure?
symptoms of a defective timing chain
- When the engine is running or idles, there is a rattle. Unusual rattling noises when the engine is started or when the brakes are applied are a common sign that a timing chain in a car is damaged.
- Engine Misfire.
- Engine oil with contamination.
- Check Engine indicator.
- not being able to start the engine.
Which is superior, timing belts or chains?
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.
Am I able to replace the timing belt myself?
It does need some engine knowledge to replace a timing belt and water pump, so if you don’t have much expertise working under the hood, we advise leaving it to the experts. However, if you prefer making your own repairs and restorations, you can do it yourself and avoid paying hefty repair expenses in the process.
Starting with the tools you’ll need, we’ll walk you through the replacement of a timing belt and water pump step by step.
What You’ll Need to Replace the Water Pump and Timing Belt
- leather gloves
- a fresh timing belt
- new antifreeze/coolant
- tools for driving screws, such as Philips and slot drive
- jar or bucket (for collecting coolant)
- bags made of plastic and a permanent marker (for labelling nuts, bolts and parts you remove from the engine)
- Tip-Ex, white chalk, and white paint (for marking the cogs for simpler reassembly)
- Set of Allen keys
- Wrench socket set
- a fresh water pump
Step 1: Preparation
Get your car and work area ready first. Depending on your degree of experience, changing a timing belt and water pump can take anywhere from one to three hours, so make sure you have the time and space necessary. Before you begin, carry out the following:
- Since coolant will spill out when you remove the water pump, place a bucket underneath it. To find the pump, see your car’s manual.
- Before starting, make sure the engine is entirely cool.
- To reach the undercarriage beneath the engine, jack up the front of the automobile.
- Prepare all of your tools, and have bags and a pen on available to name and store the engine parts you remove.
- To stop the engine from spinning while you’re removing the timing belt, put the engine in drive and use the handbrake.
Step 2: Removing the Belts
You must first remove the fan belt and power steering belt because they are located next to the cover that protects the timing belt and water pump. To remove the belts, take the following actions:
- The fasteners holding the alternator in place should be loosened. The fan belt can then be removed by lightly tapping it.
- To access the timing case and crankshaft pulley, do the same with the power steering belt by moving it aside.
- Crankshaft pulley: Loosen. To access the engine and remove the bolt, you’ll need a long wrench arm.
What occurs if a car’s timing belt fails?
Some engine parts can malfunction without causing significant harm. Without any issues, you can drive to your mechanic and get the part replaced. But with a timing belt, this is not the case. The camshaft will stop turning when the timing belt snaps, but the crankshaft will continue to rotate at 1000 revolutions per minute. Because of this, the pistons will keep rising and falling in their cylinders and, occasionally, may hit the valves. The pistons, valves, and cylinder heads will sustain damage when this occurs, and because to how quickly it occurs, the damage will be almost immediate.
It is crucial to pay close attention to your engine and make sure it is operating smoothly. Take your car to a repair right away if you begin to notice any of the aforementioned symptoms. It can be nothing, only require a quick correction, or indicate more serious issues that could develop into the dreaded timing belt failure while driving. Come to Professional Auto Repair’s shop and let us examine your timing belt and other parts to ensure that your car is working properly.
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.
How much does it cost to repair a timing chain?
How much does it cost to replace a timing chain? Timing chains can be changed by a professional for $1,600 to $1,800 or you can do it yourself for $600 to $800. The cost is significant because it’s challenging to replace this component.