Do I need to have the Timing Belt replaced?

Question

I have a 1999 Toyota RAV4 and the Toyota Dealer where I have my maintenance done has told me that I need to have the " Timing Belt " replaced because the RAV4 almost has 90,000 miles. Do I need to have the Timing Belt replaced? What could possibly happen if I don't have it replaced? What are the benifts of having it repaced, such as improved gas milage?

Answer 1

THE REAL REASON THEY WANT YOU TO CHANGE YOUR BELT IS BECAUSE ON CERTAIN ENGINES WHEN THE TIMING BELT BREAKS IT CAUSES THE PISTON TO HIT THE VALVES IN THE HEAD BECAUSE NOTHINGS "IN TIME ANYMORE"! YOU WONT NOTICE ANYTHING PERFORMANCE WISE BUT YOU'LL SAVE A LOT OF HEARTACHE BY FIXING IT NOW RATHER THAN WAITING UNTIL IT BREAKS ON ITS OWN.

Answer 2

Toyota Rav4 Timing Belt Replacement

Answer 3

When looking at repairs for broken timing belts, they added up all the mileage numbers and divided by the number of broken belts, and found they tended to fail just after a certain mileage. Actually though, you heard wrong. Honda recommends replacing the timing belt "On 1990 to 1996 models, replace at 90,000 mile intervals or every 72 months". It's a maintenance issue, not a weak link. Do consider a three year battery failing at 3 years a weak link? It's the concept of "useful life". Parts wear. The whole idea of preventive maintenance is to identify and check or replace the parts most likely to fail at a certain mileage.

Answer 4

Your timing belt is something that can go at anytime. If they told you that it needs replacing, it means that it is probably looking pretty worn out, and that they recommend that you get it replaced before you get stranded somewhere. Your car won't run without it, so you might be in quite a mess if it breaks at a bad time. I think that I would call around to some auto shops and ask average prices, otherwise, if you have had good experience, stick with the dealership. Good luck!

Answer 5

If your belt breaks it's possible that it could damage your engine seriously.At best it will leave you stranded,You won"t see any change in your engine after changing the belt.All timing belts have to be replaced at a certain mileage.Sounds like your way past time.

Answer 6

Alan
most of these timing belts are made of rubber and tempting
fate is a no-win if belt breaks the engine can be ruined
and replacing the engine is now a reality.
belt replacement is a small price to pay for service.that
keeps the Rav rolling
D Skinny for kenny

Answer 7

replacing the t belt is a preventive measure.it is not something you want to break and leave you stranded.
if that is a 5 sfe motor,they are bad about the belt stretching,all do that,but that engine has the belt tensioner bolted down.it can not take the slack out of it.with slack it is bound to strip teeth off.90k is just time to have it done.no improved mileage but they can look to see if all is well in the area while dooing it

Answer 8

If the timing belt breaks or slips you could be talking thousands of dollars. Thats why I only buy cars with timing chains. Toyota 22 re engines,or Matrix.

Answer 9

the manufacturer recommends replacing your timing belt every 90,000 miles. you wouldn't want your timing belt to snap when you are least prepared for it. The belt could start showing signs of cracking or wear and could snap if not replaced promptly

Answer 10

Absolutely you must have it replaced. When (not if) it breaks, you are immediately stuck. There is no difference to mileage, only to whether the vehicle runs or not. Don't be surprised if they want to change your water pump and cam seal at the same time.