Just wondering if anyone knew if the new 2005+ Toyota Avalon with the 3.5L V6 is equipped with a Timing belt or a timing chain? Also, what is the mileage replacement interval (if applicable) Please advise......thanks!

 

No one has responded so I will take a crack. And this comes from no knowledge about the Avalon at all. I would be very surprised if there was a timing chain on the Avalon. Timing chains fell out of widespread favor a long time ago, mainly over noise issues. In the olden days, I don't remember recommended change intervals for the chains, I think you just waited for the chain, or mikely the nylon overmold on the cam gear that was supposed to reduce noise by quickly broke off, to break and replaced it. Chains really don't stretch, but belts do. Even with tensioners and other mechanical assistance, the belts have a life. And that is why the change interval is in the 60K mile range. As I said I have no knowledge of the Avalon but there's the generic answer.

 

Personally I love timing chains. You don't have to worry about them.

 

And on certain engines they make a wonderful sound. But I guess soccer mom's don't like em.

 

The 2GR-FE in the Avalon utlizes a Timing Chain...as with many newer/later Toyota/Lexus engines.

 

There you go, there's the answer. Even a brief search seems to indicate that it looks for the latest iteration of VVT, they are varying the valve timing by hydraulically altering a drive gear. I guess any slop in a belt would be impossible to do this trick. Interesting that both the V6 and the V8 in the new Mustang also have gone back to chains. I never did quite buy that quieter issue. And chains rarely wear out. I have broken the nylon overmold that the general used on drive gears and had the engine promptly stop but I couldn't tell any difference in noise by replacing with solid metal gears that never broke again.

 

Yes and no.

Well-made chains, with good quality metal and adequate lubrication from clean oil and regular oil changes, can normally be expected to last the life of the engine. However, many of today's engines themselves last so long that they can....and sometimes do.....outlast the chains. Saturn, which used chains for the S-series four cylinder, used to recommend a 200,000 mile replacement interval...which, of course, was still 3-4 times as long as the average rubber belt interval was at the time......60,000 miles (and still is for some cars). Most people don't drive a car past that kind of miles anyway.....200,000......and by then it probably doesn't pay to replace the chain....you would be at or close to new-car-time anyway.

 

I have only had one chain fail. Now the GM mark of ignorance that put that dumb nylon overmolded powder metal timing gear made my life extra special. Even my 69 Z28 came with it. Fortunately, just like that equally as dumb two cent molded nylon collar that kept the distributor drive in the oil pump, I very quickly knew to tear the engine apart and get them out as fast as possible.

In order to use a belt you have to have a tensioner and I bet that the new VVT-i setup would not fare well with a belt. You need a much more positive drive mechanism so the minor change in the gear relation is quickly transmitted to the cam timing. Ain't this high tech wonderful,back to chains, whodathunk? Sure wish I had a chain, besides the price, I just don't like people getting into my engine because the mfr decided it was quieter and cheaper to use a belt that I can pay to replace every 60K miles.

 

I'm kinda wishing the ES had a timing chain too. Not happy with the future cost of replacing the TB & WP in about 30,000 miles.

 

I asked Toyota USA about this and here's this morning's response:


The 2005 Avalon has a timing chain. There is no recommended maintenance interval for the timing chain. It only needs to be replaced on an as needed basis.

You may wish to visit the ‘Does my vehicle have a timing belt or a timing chain?’ Frequently Asked Question (FAQ), http://www.toyota.com/help/faqs/serv...ing_chain.html, for confirmation.

 

Some people have complained about engine noise with the Toyota/Lexus 3.5 engine. Some of it is due to the chain belt. For me I'll take a little noise for the peace off mind you won't have to replace it down the road. The performance and fuel efficiency of this engine is nice too.

 

At this day and age I don't mind either a belt or chain. Sure, the chain last virtually forever, but in reality the belt also nearly last the life of ones ownership of the car. Most people will sell their car before 100K miles and before it needs replacing. That means the next owner will have to handle the replacement, but even so its good for another 100K miles, so in reality the belt needs to be replace about once in the cars lifetime for the average car. Anything beyond 200K miles is a non factor for most people.