frd1952

Just as a "you should replace it now" item, my dealer says I should replace the timing belt, since I have 73,000 miles on it. Has this been an issue with these belts breaking or wearing out? If it should be replaced, how hard is it to do myself, or what would you expect to pay either a dealer, or a regular repair shop to do this?

My dealer said $500, and I checked on the part at Auto Zone and it costs only about $30, and another $50 for the install kit with the tension wheel, etc.

Any advice welcomed.

Thanks...FRD

DonCorleone

iTrader: (6)

90k is the recommended change interval. I didn't do mine till ~115k but wouldn't recommend waiting too long, the 2jzge is an interference engine, if the belt snaps you're looking at a very very expensive repair.

The labor is the expensive side of the timing belt job. You have to pretty much take out everything in front of it. People also do the water pump, gaskets, thermostat, tensioner (I didn't do these last two) while they're in there. It's a pain to get back there so might as well tackle it now instead of having to go back in again if/when the water pump goes.

Crank pully bolt was a royal pain for me, as it was for others. And I had the "special service tool" to remove that thing too, still had to try every trick in the book. All depends on how handy and brave you are.

Once tallied up, all in all parts were around $300ish. Water pump and timing belt I wouldn't do a cheap autozone special on. OEM/Aisin for the pump and OEM or Gates for the belt and don't forget the gaskets. I did my spark plugs at the same time, those were overdue at ~115k. Replaced the serpentine belt too.

For the full job including parts, dealer price seems to be in the $1000-1200 range. Local independent mechanic might get you done under $1000, depending on labor rates/hours quoted and what they include.

frd1952

Understood....makes sense to me. Thanks for the input and advice....FRD