Changing the timing belt

[BAZPRADO Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BAZPRADO]

My car which I had recently purchased has 121,000 KMs on the clock, it is a 1997 model, in excellent condition, and was always maintained by the dealer. I have read somewhere that you can go up to 150,000 KM before replacing the timing belt.

Given that the car is 10 years old and that the high temps are brutal in this part of the world, would you agree that it would be highly recommended that I change the timing belt at the next service which is due now? I was thinking of doing this as a precautionary measure and changing the water pump in the process?

Your advice would be much appreciated!

[slug Member Find all posts View Profile Close slug]

This may not be of any help to you Baz, but i just had mine done last week, at 160,000km. It didnt cost much at all, for some reason i had it in my head it would cost a fortune, so its probabloy not a bad thing to have done as preventative maintainence.

[BAZPRADO Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BAZPRADO]

It does not cost much here either, the dealer quotes around $175.00 USD for the job. I will probably ask them to change the water pump too given that it is "standard procedure" whenever you change the timing.

Would you have any info on how much the water pump would cost? I can't imagine that it would be much given the "reasonableness" of the charge for the timing belt!

I asked how much the timing belt service would cost for a Mitsubishi Pajero when I was thinking about buying one, they quoted over $1,000 USD for the service. No wonder everyone loves their Toyotas!

[BAZPRADO Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BAZPRADO]

So I go for the 120,000 KM Service today, the service reps tells me that the car uses a timing chain that is permanent :roll: I vividly recall that I read somewhere that it should be changed at 150K Kilometers? Any clues?

[BAZPRADO Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BAZPRADO]

The customer service rep. was indeed an idiot! The service foreman said that for pre-200 model cars, they change the belt every 100,000 KM, beyond 2000, its every 150,000. I went ahead and OK's the service, so instead of the cost I was expecting, it came up to more than double :twisted: It did include the water pump, idler pulleys, etc.

It appears that also they filled her up with fully synthetic oil given that the next service is recommended at 10,000 KM. I am very scared that this may screw up the seals since I am not entirely sure that synthetic was used in the past! Given that the car has always been serviced by Toyota, I can only assume that they know what they are doing!

[SSbaby Member Find all posts View Profile Close SSbaby]

The customer service rep. was indeed an idiot! The service foreman said that for pre-200 model cars, they change the belt every 100,000 KM, beyond 2000, its every 150,000. I went ahead and OK's the service, so instead of the cost I was expecting, it came up to more than double :twisted: It did include the water pump, idler pulleys, etc.

So how much did it end up costing you Baz (if you don't mind me asking)?

It's really the main reason why I'm considering buying the V6 as the timing chain doesn't need replacing!

Btw, Baz the timing belts are like time-bombs. I'd do it sooner rather than later - to be safe!

[echo Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close echo]

I just had the 150k service done & the timing belt changed for less than $600

[watsea Member Find all posts View Profile Close watsea]

My owner's handbook states that the cam belt replacement is to be at 150,000km. My neighbour did mine. He has a mechanic workshop as his own business and also he is the engine mechanic for a local compact speedway (dirt circuit) team.

He did the belt replacement, with the water pump and pulley kit for less than $400. I know he did the labour for me below normal rates. Thanks.

Regarding the engine oil, I have been using Mobil 1, grade 5w-50 synthetic since I bought the vehicle in Feb 2002. I have been doing the oil & filter changes at every 10,000km. Before I owned the vehicle, it was an executive's company vehicle and was serviced by a Brisbane Toyota Dealership.

There was 73,000km on the clock when I got it and now there is 170,000km under its wheels. I don't have a problem with the synthetic oil.

[echo Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close echo]

I too use Penrite 5w-50 synthetic oil as it has had synthentic oil in it most of its life.

[BAZPRADO Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close BAZPRADO]

Sorry for being late, I was on vacation The timing belt replacement at 121,000 KM cost me aound $550 US. I guess it is not too bad given that they also change the water pump. Will be taking the two door out to the desrt soon, lets see how she does, it should be great, the only worry being the lack of protection under the center and rear diff. My 2002 Jeep Grand Cherokee had a nice factory bash plate that looked very sturdy, I still can't believe the Prado has NONE, can these be bought from a specialist?