Ask Dr. LJ: automotive category

[naiad1]

Somehow I made it this far in life without ever hearing of this thing called a timing belt, until now. Fortunately, I learned about it because wotw (of all people) suggested I might need one, not because mine broke. My 2000 Sienna minivan has about 93,400 miles on it. Toyota says I should have replaced the timing belt at 90K. I was planning on driving this van for several to many more years, but had not budgeted for a new timing belt, and spring tuition is due . . . On the other hand, this van will be making a nearly 800 mile round trip in a couple of weeks.

So tell me, auto-wonks, how important is it to replace the timing belt now?

Comments

[points.livejournal.com]

Agreed - you -do not- want your timing belt to fail. Now, there's a number of places that always tell you to change your belt. A lot of the 'quick oil stop' places try and do it as an upsell. However, I find that Toyota (and Honda) have their lifetimes fairly well figured out in terms of average wear. If the belt goes, and the engine is running, the car is as good as junked in most cases.

[sunspiral.livejournal.com]

What they said, plus avoid the "quick oil stop" places - they're often staffed by underqualified people who may be following incorrect information on fluid type and quantity for your vehicle. One of those places cost me a transmission years ago.

[jacflash.livejournal.com]

What they all said. With an interference engine, a broken timing belt is a four-figure repair bill, and the first digit probably won't be a "1". Have a competent shop (most dealer service departments count, for this purpose) do the job ASAP.

[naiad.livejournal.com]

Dealer has quoted me $575 for timing belt & water pump. My favorite independent guy quoted $650-700. This makes me suspicious the dealer is going to find a bunch of other stuff wrong that will cost another couple hundred, but I have to take it to the dealer for a recall repair anyway, so that's how I'm leaning.

[library-sexy.livejournal.com]

Dealers are trying to bring their prices back to more reasonable these days because they know how much work they are loosing to the independent guys.