How often should I get the timing built replaced?

Hi I am a new member and this is my first post. I have a 1999 Toyota 4Runner Limited with 301,500 miles. I’ve never changed the timing belt before. I know the manufacturer suggests something like every 80,000 miles. Does someone with experience know how long it will go for? The mechanic needs me to leave it in the shop for several days (closed weekends) and between my son’s school and my work it’s been something I keep putting off but worrisome in the back of my head. It’s also expensive at $1,400. But I don’t want to cause major damage either. Thoughts? Will it make it to 500,0000 miles if anyone has experienced this? Or at least 400,000? I’m in Los Angeles.

 

Welcome. On the 3rd gen V6, it should be done every 90,000 miles. If it’s a 4 cylinder, it has a timing chain. Most independent shops will be between $800-$2000, depending on your area and if you get other things changed. I wouldn’t wait because it is an interference motor.

 

I know it’s a belt and not chain. What is an interference motor? And in my city I haven’t had a quote under $1,200. The $1,400 is at a shop I’ve had work done at before so I can trust them, though with a grain of salt. They did a bait and switch quoting one price then increasing it quite a bit at pick up. But other places do the same or worse. I am always looking for a new shop. Only have a dependable Jiffy Lube for the oil and for everything else it’s stress supreme likely because I am female. So I just want to hear from someone the longest they’ve had the belt last on my model car. With a car seat age child in the car I’m scared if it ever breaks while I’m on the freeway.

 

Welcome to the forum.

Scroll down to the Regions section. There’s a California section. Ask in there for shop recommendations that are close to you. Everyone, man or woman, should feel comfortable with their repair shop and I bet someone will help. Good luck.

 

Don't wait on changing the timing belt, replace it as soon as possible, you are on borrowed time!!

What is meant by "interference engine/motor" is that if the timing belt breaks the valves and pistons will start hitting each other and thereby totally destroying the engine/motor and at that point the engine/motor will have to be replaced, or get another vehicle which will cost you many times the cost of just replacing the timing belt now!!

 

WHEN WAS IT LAST CHA GED

WHEN DID U BUY IT
HOW MAMY MIKES WERE ON THE ODOMETER WHEN U BOUGHT IT

if you dont know then change it next week
A blown engine for 7 grand is more expensive
asking 500 g miles since new is, its it has to have been changed more than once or even twice or three times

GET IT IN THE GARAGE NOW

and welcome buddy.

 

This is a female we are posting with.

 

I wouldn't wait any longer. Here's what the belt on my '03 looked like after ~230K miles. I don't think it would have lasted a lot longer.

 

I heard that the Toyota dealer did a botched timing belt swap on mine and they ended up replacing the top-end?

 

note: females can be a buddy as well


so OP did any of this help you on your journey to repair the belt

or do you just want to take a belt to us?