Toyota has used both timing chains and belts in its cars. Due to their improved overall performance, Toyota switched to timing chains for most of their cars in 2005. However, over the years some cars like Toyota Solara and Tundra have used timing belts in their V6 and V8 engines.
So Toyota timing belt or chain, which one does your car have? Let’s check it out.
Do All Toyota Have Timing Belt Or Chain?
No, not all Toyotas have a timing belt or chain. Timing belt or chain is exclusive to Toyotas with internal combustion engines. Thus, a Toyota with an electric motor, like the Mirai, does not have a timing belt or chain.
Which One Does Your Toyota Have: Timing Belt Or Timing Chain
Here’s a list of which Toyota car uses the timing belt or the timing chain:
Toyota Sedans and Hatchbacks: Timing Belt or Chain?
Toyota has been producing sedans and hatchbacks for a long time. From these two models, a wide range of car series was created, and the majority of them featured timing belts. But they switched to timing chains on later models.
Model | Year | Engine Type | Timing Belt or Chain |
Avalon | 1995-2004 2005-2021 | V6 V6 | Belt Chain |
Camry | 1990-2001 2002-2021 1990-2006 2007-2021 | All 4-Cylinder V6 V6 | Belt Chain Belt Chain |
Corolla | 1990-1997 1998-2020 | 4-Cylinder 4-Cylinder | Belt Chain |
Cressida | 1990-1992 (Discontinued) | L6 | Belt |
Echo | 2000-2005 (Discontinued) | 4-Cylinder | Chain |
Matrix | 2003-2013(Discontinued) | 4-Cylinder | Chain |
Paseo | 1992-1997(Discontinued) | 4-Cylinder | Belt |
Prius | 2001-2020 | 4-Cylinder | Chain |
Prius C | 2012-2019 | 4-Cylinder | Chain |
Prius V | 2012-2019 | 4-Cylinder | Chain |
Prius Plug-in | 2012-2015 | 4-Cylinder | Chain |
Prius Prime | 2019-2020 | 4-Cylinder | Chain |
Tercel | 1990-1998 (Discontinued) | 4-Cylinder | Belt |
Yaris | 2007-2020 | 4-Cylinder | Chain |
Toyota SUVs AND Trucks: Timing Belt or Chain?
SUVs and trucks both have truck-based frameworks. But the SUVs are smaller than trucks and have a smaller wheelbase.
Model | Year | Engine Type | Timing Belt/Chain/Gear |
4Runner | 1990-2000, 2010 1990-2002 2003-2020 2003-2009 | 4-Cylinder V6 V6 V8 | Chain Belt Chain Belt |
FJ-Cruiser | 2007-2014 | V6 | Chain |
Land Cruiser | 1990-1992 1993-1997 1998-2007 2008-2011, 2013-2020 | L6 L6 V8 V8 | Gear Chain Belt Chain |
Sequoia | 2001-2009 2010-2012 2008-2020 | 4.7 V8 4.6 V8 5.7 V8 | Belt Chain Chain |
Toyota T100 | 1995-1998 1993-1998 | 4-Cylinder V6 | Chain Belt |
Tacoma | 1995-2020 1995-2004 2005-2020 | 4-Cylinder V6 V6 | Chain Belt Chain |
Toyota Truck | 1990-1995 1990-1995 | 4-Cylinder V6 | Chain Belt |
Tundra | 2000-2004 2000-2009 2005-2014 2007-2020 2010-2019 | V6 4.7 V8 V6 5.7 V8 4.6 V8 | Belt Belt Chain Chain Chain |
Toyota Crossovers: Timing Belt or Chain?
Toyota has the following crossover models available.
Model | Year | Engine Type | Timing Belt/ Chain |
C-HR | 2018-2020 | 4-Cylinder | Chain |
Highlander | 2001-2007, 2009-2014 2001-2007 2008-2019 | 4-Cylinder V6 V6 | Chain Belt Chain |
Highlander Hybrid | 2006-2010 2011-2019 | V6 V6 | Belt Chain |
RAV4 | 1996-2000 2001-2019 2006-2012 | 4-Cylinder 4-Cylinder V6 | Belt Chain Chain |
RAV4 EV | 1998-2003, 2012-2014 | Electric motor | Neither timing belt nor timing chain |
RAV4 Hybrid | 2016-2020 | 4-Cylinder | Chain |
Venza | 2009-2015 | All | Chain |
In case, you drive a Honda CRV, check whether it has a timing belt or chain.
Coupes And Sports Car Models
Model | Year | Engine Type | Timing Belt or Chain |
GT86 or Scion FR-S | 2013-2020 | 4-Cylinder | Chain |
Celica | 1990-1999 2000-2005 | 4-Cylinder 4-Cylinder | Belt Chain |
MR2 | 1990-1995 | 4-Cylinder | Belt |
MR2 Spyder | 2000-2005 | 4-Cylinder | Chain |
Solara | 1999-2001 1999-2009 2002-2008 | 4-Cylinder V6 4-Cylinder | Belt Belt Chain |
Supra | 1990-1998 | L6 | Belt |
GR Supra | 2020 | V6 | Chain |
Minivan and MPV Models
MPVs concentrate on appearance and technology. But minivans are more family-oriented, along with features to have children on board.
Model | Year | Engine Type | Timing Belt/Chain |
Previa | 1991-1997 | 4-Cylinder | Chain |
Sienna | 1998-2006 2007-2020 2011-2012 | V6 V6 4-Cylinder | Belt Chain Chain |
What’s the Difference Between a Timing Belt and a Timing Chain?
You now know whether a timing belt or chain is used in your Toyota engine. But how do the two differ from one another? Are there any specific benefits or downsides to each system? Let’s find out.
Comparison Factors | Timing Belt | Timing Chain |
Material | Rubber, Nylon, etc. | Metal |
Life Span | 60,000 to 100,000 miles | 80,000 to 120,000 |
Noise | Less Noiser than the chain | More Noisier than belt |
Possibility of Slipping & elongation | Higher possibility of slippage & elongation | Comparatively lower than the belt |
Need of Lubrication | No need for lubrication | Regular Lubrication needed |
Price | $50 | $80-250 |
Made mostly of rubber, timing belts are more affordable than a timing chain. But the timing chain lasts way more than the timing belt. Some timing chains even last 200,000 miles.
Toyota Timing Belt/Chain Replacement Interval
Timing belts made by Toyota for earlier models typically last 60,000 to 100,000 miles. But this limit might have already been reached by most of the old cars. So it’s better to get a mechanic to check the condition of the timing belt before taking the car for a drive.
On the other hand, timing chains require replacement every 80,000 to 120,000 miles. But if maintained properly, they can last up to the engine’s lifetime.
Toyota Timing Belt/Chain Replacement Cost
The price of the timing chain replacement kits ranges from $75-$200. But some chain kits can go up to $500. The timing chain, cam tensioner, upper rail, right tensioner guide rail, and left side guide rail are typically included in this kit. The kit also includes the oil pump chain, oil pump tensioner, and oil pump guide rail.
Labor costs for this replacement can vary depending on your location and your car model. But it is usually between $400 to $1500 with the timing chain kit included in pricing.
Timing belt replacement, on the other hand, will cost you between $390-$900. The cost of labor is expected to be between $300-460, while the cost of a replacement kit is between $190-$300.
A timing belt, belt tensioner, water pump with gasket, and three accessory drive belts are often included in this set. The gaskets and seals for the valves and camshaft are also included.
This expense can go up if the timing belt/chain is not replaced at its recommended time. To prevent this extra expense, you must be aware of the warning signs of a malfunctioning timing belt/chain.
What are the Signs of a Bad Timing Belt or Chain?
There will be a few warning signs if your Toyota timing belt or chain goes bad. These are the symptoms of a faulty belt or chain to look for:
- The car vibrates and shakes unusually while idling
- Excess smoke comes from the exhaust pipe
- A knocking or ticking noise comes when speeding up
- Rough Idling
- Engine Misfires or suddenly loses power
- Metal bits in engine oil
- Engine doesn’t start
- Poor engine performance
- Poor fuel economy, etc.
Toyota Timing Chain Maintenance Tips
The timing chain can last a long time if it is maintained properly throughout the years. Here are a few tips to help you with the maintenance-
- Always use the manufacturer’s recommended grade engine oil. Also, ensure to top up and change the oil regularly.
- Get a mechanic to check your vehicle every 50,000 miles to see if everything is working properly.
- If the timing chain tensioner seems faulty or broken, replace it as soon as possible.
If your Toyota has a timing belt in it, it’s best to get them checked every 30,000 miles for any wear or tear. If you do notice any tear in the belt, replace it as soon as possible. Plus, if you notice other issues like overheating, or struggling to start the engine, check whether the timing is off on your engine.
FAQs
Are Timing Belts and Serpentine Belts Interchangeable?
No, timing belts and serpentine belts are not interchangeable. The timing belt’s function is to ensure coordination between the crankshaft and camshaft movement. The serpentine belt, on the other hand, operates the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning system, etc. Although they may seem similar, both serve very different purposes.
Is It Possible to Switch the Timing Belt to Timing Chain in Toyota Cars?
No, you can not switch from a timing belt to a timing chain or vice versa. Because it is not possible to install a timing chain in the timing belt compartment. You need to reconstruct the whole engine structure to do this which is not possible.
How Many Years Does A Timing Belt Last?
A timing belt can last for 7 years. In terms of miles, it is recommended to replace every 60,000 to 100,000 years. Manufacturers recommend changing your timing belt after 7 years, even if the car has less than 30,000 miles. Because timing belts fail more frequently because of age than mileage.
Conclusion
That was our take on the Toyota timing belt or chain. Hopefully, our article cleared your confusion about the timing belt or chain problem.
If you are still unsure about the timing belt or chain situation you can always ask a professional for help or take your car to a mechanic.
Until next time!