Change Crank/Cam Seals When Changing Timing Belt?
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 553
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
Change Crank/Cam Seals When Changing Timing Belt?
When I change the timing belt/water pump, I always change the front crankshaft and camshaft seals. I don't see those seals in timing belt component kits and people don't mention about changing them very often. What are your thoughts?
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 878
Likes: 232
From: Arizona
If they are not leaking don't replace them. The cam seals are not that easy. You must remove the valve covers, all of the cam bearing caps, then the cams themselves. Once out the cams that have the seals must be clamped in a vice and disassembled further to access the seals.
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 553
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
If they are not leaking don't replace them. The cam seals are not that easy. You must remove the valve covers, all of the cam bearing caps, then the cams themselves. Once out the cams that have the seals must be clamped in a vice and disassembled further to access the seals.
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Racer
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,361
Likes: 48
From: seattle,wa
I would change out the cam seals,crank shaft,valve cover gaskets,spark plugs every time a t-belt/water pump is replaced, there all inexpensive parts, total around 300$, its a one stop shop. I now have to change out the cam seals due to leak which also screwed up my alternator cause it was leaked on. I'm doing all this after the tbelt was changed 40k miles ago. So im just gonna do the whole shebang.
interestingly talked to a shop owner today who has been working on japanese cars 31 years
he said not to do the cam seals if it isn't leaking...didnt make sense to me..
also quoted 800-1200 for full 90K service, plus radiator. them supplying oem parts
he said not to do the cam seals if it isn't leaking...didnt make sense to me..
also quoted 800-1200 for full 90K service, plus radiator. them supplying oem parts
Thread Starter
Lead Lap
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 553
Likes: 3
From: SoCal
Thanks everyone for the inputs. I'll replace the crank seal on the next timing belt change since it will take 10-15 additional minutes to change. The cam seals are a different story - way too much work and the time saved from changing them during the timing belt change isn't large enough to be beneficial.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 878
Likes: 232
From: Arizona
The oil that drips onto the alternator and ruins it usually comes from the power steering pump. It sits right on top of the alternator and is quite a common leak on many Toyota's.