Camry Vienta 1996 Sedan CSi

[96vienta]

I have to get my timing belt/s changed, but how many are there? Some have said one others have said two.. also, in your experience, roughly how much do timing belts for these models cost?

I can provide more info if needed. Thanks!

[Sanctuary]

Getting a timing belt kit from your toyota dealer would solve your problem, go in there tell them what model you have and they'll be able to help you out. The belts themselves dont cost much at all but you need specialised tools and alot of time+experience or detailed manual if you're planning to do it yourself. To get it done by a mechanic it'll probably cost you 300-450 depending where you go. Also it is recommended to change you water pump at the same time since it requires the same labour.

[Milgram]

When I did my timing belt, Toyota had a special on the belt kit and fitting of the new belt. All up, that component was $220 regardless of your vehicle (excluding grey imports). I also changed the water pump.

Off the top of my head, the 150,000km service, timing belt and water pump replacement ended up costing me close to $1000 at a Toyota dealership.

My other half recently had her timing belt and water pump replaced for about $700 by an independent mechanic. The cost difference is primarily due to labour as genuine parts were used.

[Martin_W]

I have to get my timing belt/s changed, but how many are there? Some have said one others have said two.. also, in your experience, roughly how much do timing belts for these models cost?

I can provide more info if needed. Thanks!

My '97 Vienta has a 3VZ-FE V6 engine and that has only one timing belt. If you want just the belt itself, it will cost you around $40. Installing it yourself requires some familiarity and all the associated tools.

Getting it changed at a workshop will cost you in the order of $200. As for getting the pump changed at the same time? Well if it's damaged or faulty naturally. If it's making noises or the engine is overheating then it's a suspect. It it 'aint broke, don't fix it. Just the unnecessary redistribution of wealth.

~M

Edited February 16, 2010 by Martin_W

[Whip Cracker]

Martin's got a point with the whole "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" type vibe...

But... with the water pump, you have to take the timing belt off and have the car in 100 bits anyway, so it's easier enough to just replace it while it's in all those bits. Pump prob costs the same amount... never go aftermarket on waterpumps... go OEM for sure.

Knowing most people's luck, you'd replace the timing belt and a week or two later the pump goes...

I'll be replacing mine in a few thousand k at 200k...

[DJKOR]

On the topic of timing belt changes, you may want to change your cam and crank shaft seals while you are at it. It's one of those things that is a wise thing to do at the same time. Otherwise if these start to leak later down the line, you would be wishing that you changed them when you did the belt.

[Milgram]

Knowing most people's luck, you'd replace the timing belt and a week or two later the pump goes...

Correct me if I am wrong, but the water pump is often driven by the timing belt and the difference in tension after the timing belt has been changed can sometimes cause the water pump to fail prematurely. Therefore, a new belt and a new pump ensures an "even playing field" so to speak.

As pointed out, sometimes it is just best to spend a little bit extra for peace of mind. If you are on a tight budget, it is understandable you might choose to only do the belt, but you could end up with a larger headache if a problem arises.

[Martin_W]

Agreed.

If you aren't doing it yourself then it could potentially save hassles later on.

Yes the water pump is driven by the timing belt, however given that the engine exerts 240NM of torque at 3Krpm, I doubt very much that a slight difference in belt tension is going to cause a spontaneous water pump failure. The tensioner only keeps the belt from slipping on the camshaft and crankshaft sprockets. The engine itself is exerting FAR more tension force on the belt than the tensioner.

~M

[Whip Cracker]

Knowing most people's luck, you'd replace the timing belt and a week or two later the pump goes...

Correct me if I am wrong, but the water pump is often driven by the timing belt and the difference in tension after the timing belt has been changed can sometimes cause the water pump to fail prematurely. Therefore, a new belt and a new pump ensures an "even playing field" so to speak.

As pointed out, sometimes it is just best to spend a little bit extra for peace of mind. If you are on a tight budget, it is understandable you might choose to only do the belt, but you could end up with a larger headache if a problem arises.

No problem...

So, on the chance that a mechanic does the job properly and correctly without causing any issues with the water pump, you'd suggest just to leave the current water pump on there? Hell, If my water pump's got 100k on it and I got the car apart, I'd may as well spend the moolah to replace it. Like everything, they only have a certain lifespan.

I spose I'm more safe than sorry.