Jimmychee

Hi Everyone,
First time posting here. I have a new to me GX470 2007 with 120k on the clock. I was "told" there was a new timing belt on it. Checked with the dealer and an independent shop, but they did not have records. I did a visual check and recorded it. There are some green lines that indicate it's a Toyota belt but now I'm worried that it's the original.

Your thoughts?

cphang

Unless there's documentation of it being done, I always assume the timing belt hasn't been changed. I've seen 90k timing belts that come out looking brand new. Unless you know for sure, I wouldn't risk it.

chiph9

Right - No paperwork or sticker or writing on the cover is definitive that it hasn't been done.

Even if there is paperwork, you need to verify the work in some other way (tool marks on the bolts, etc) because there have been people who buy the parts and then later return them, just so they get the receipt to show a prospective buyer. "Oh, I did it myself"

I'd be more concerned why it took several tries to start (unless the OP was turning the key off just to bump the position of the belt). The GX doesn't require you to hold the key in the start position - just a firm turn and it'll self-start.

Chip H.

IanB2

X3, if you can't prove it's been done, assume it hasn't.

Kris9884

iTrader: (7)

A recent timing belt job is a huge selling bonus so if it were done, they'd be sure to mention that while buying it. I'd go ahead and do it along with the recommended 100-120k service and be at peace for another 100k.

LoganDon

For peace of mind, I changed my TB, water pump, and thermostat at 50,000 on my 2006 GX. Belt looked almost new but having been around machinery all my life, I felt 12 years on a belt is a long time. Still happy I spent the money to keep me going another 12 years. Toyota at Lake Havasau City, AZ did the work extremely well.

streborc

This is not in direct response to the posting, but is hopefully informative for others on this topic. I am the original owner of my 2008 GX that's now 10 years old with 82500 miles on it. Knowing that the belt change is supposed to be done at 7 years or 90K (whichever occurs first), I decided to have it done. An independent repair shop charged about $1400 to do the job, which included the full component renewal -- timing belt, water pump, radiator hoses, thermostat, pulleys, etc. I was provided the removed parts, and on inspecting them, it's difficult to tell they have the time and mileage on them. My understanding is that timing belt wear is influenced by driving style and habits, and being the original owner, I know the car has never been abused, so the condition of all the components is not surprising. However, when buying a used vehicle, you never know. BTW, the repair shop placed a sticker on the radiator fan guard with its contact information and noting the date and mileage of the timing belt replacement. I've placed the receipt with the owner's documentation as evidence of the new belt should I decide to sell the vehicle. In my opinion, anyone who has shelled out $1,000+ for a timing belt job would ensure there's proof that this was done if he/she expects to get asking price from a potential buyer. The GX is a great car in all respects -- the first vehicle I've ever kept for 10 years. It still drives like a dream year round in Colorado and I can't imagine selling it.

Jimmychee

Thanks everyone who chimed in. I did end of doing the job using yourmechanic.com. The belt was orginal and there was a component that had the 2007 date stamp on it. While it didn't look aweful, it would have given me trouble in the future. I didn't want to tank the engine. The cost of the kit was $179 on amazon and the mechanic was $465. Money well spent.

DiabloX22

How was your experience with yourmechanic? We're you able to research and see any credentials? Do they bring their own tools? How long did it take them to complete the job?

Jimmychee

I liked the person who did the labor. I supplied the parts/fuilds and saved about double the markup. He brought everything else, was knowledgeable and did everything in about 5 hours. He liked the fact I had everything ready to go. He only gets the share of the labor costs.

On month later and all is well. When you book the appointment you get the chance to see the techs feedback. They have a network of other techs to lean on if they need backup.