Cope

I have had my 98 for about a month. It has 139,000 miles. The belt was changed in 2005 at 92,000 miles. The car had been setting up for 4 years. Over the 4 year period total miles driven was 4,200 and change. The last thing I want is to lose the engine. Should I change the belt now? If so what is the cost? This is my main transportation.... Thanks

etex

Not being driven didn't harm the timing belt. Change it again at about 180,000 miles.

Cope

Thanks I apperciate the reply!!

deanshark

The belt itselt is rubber, rubber deterierates over time. Would you go bungi jumping with a 4 year old bungi cord without inspecting it? Not me. The least you should do is take off one of the timing covers and inspect the belt, see what it looks like. All the other parts should still be good for another 40K, those are good for mileage, not time. You can get the parts (good parts) for less then $500. If you have a dealer do it for you it's gonna cost between $15-1700. An independant shop would charge about $800-1000.
Here's the tutorial; http://www.flickr.com/photos/landar/...7622883357340/ If you can afford it you might as well do it, for piece of mind. That's what the T-belt job is for, preventative maintanence. It's a hard call, to do it or not. But at least look at it, you might see some cracks in the belt. It would really suck if you don't look at it and it ends up snapping and destroying the engine.

Cope

Thanks deanshark, Good advice! I did not know a cover could be removed to visually inspect the belt. I will look into this. I appreciate all input..

deanshark

Oh crap, it's not as easy as I thought, sorry. I was just looking at the link I posted and I didn't realize so much had to come off. I've never worked on the 98, I have a 93 and it's alot easier. But hey, it still might be worth it. Eh, take a look at it, see what ya think.

Skynet27

Technically the Toyota belts are rated for only 72months or 90k miles which ever comes first. your getting close to the 72 months so at least an inspect should be done, however I always figure if i'm going to pull the inspection cover and rotate the belt I might as well just replace it. It really won't degrade any faster by sitting then running as it's not an oiled component. the seals behind it and the water pump will though. Just replace it and inspect everything it will give you a lot of piece of mind on your next road trip.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

i've never seen a belt die due to age, but i have seen idler pulleys and water pumps seize up, shredding the belt. so checking the belt and keeping an ear out for squeaky/grindy noises is probably a good idea, tthen just change the belt 20k or so early for peace of mind.

Cope

Thanks Puredrifter. I am getting Magnaflow pipes put on today. I see they are listed on your 1999!!