Timing Belt: Inspection

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

INSPECT TIMING BELT
NOTE:
- Do not bend, twist or turn the timing belt inside out.
- Do not allow the timing belt to come into contact with oil, water or steam.
- Do not allow tension in the timing belt when installing or removing the mount bolt of the camshaft timing pulley.
If there are any defects as shown in Fig 1 , check these points:

Fig 1: Inspecting Timing Belt
Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
1. Premature parting
  1. Check for proper installation.
  2. Check the timing cover gasket for damage and proper installation.
2. If the belt teeth are cracked or damaged, check to see if either camshaft is locked.
3. If there is noticeable wear or cracks on the belt face, check to see if there are nicks on the side of the idler pulley lock and water pump.
4. If there is wear or damage on only one side of the belt, check the belt guide and the alignment of each pulley.
5. If there is noticeable wear on the belt teeth, check the timing cover for damage and check that the gasket has been installed correctly and for foreign material on the pulley teeth.
  If necessary, replace the timing belt.
INSPECT TIMING BELT TENSIONER
1. Visually check the seal portion of the tensioner for oil leakage.
  NOTE:
  - If there is only a faint trace of oil on the push rod, the tensioner does not need to be replaced.
  - If leakage is found, replace the tensioner.
  Fig 2: Checking Seal Portion Of Tensioner For Oil Leakage
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
2. Hold the tensioner with both hands and push the push rod strongly as shown in Fig 3 to check that it does not move.
  If the push rod moves, replace the tensioner.
  
  NOTE: Never hold the tensioner push rod facing downward.
  
  Fig 3: Pushing Push Rod
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
3. Measure the protrusion of the push rod from the housing end.
  Standard protrusion: 9.5 to 10.5 mm (0.374 to 0.413 in.)
  
  If the protrusion is not as specified, replace the tensioner.
  
  Fig 4: Measuring Protrusion Of Push Rod From Housing End
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002
INSPECT TIMING BELT IDLER
1. Visually check the seal portion of the idler for oil leakage.
  If leakage is found, replace the idler.
2. Check that the idler turns smoothly.
  If necessary, replace the idler.
  
  Fig 5: Inspecting Timing Belt Idler
  Courtesy of © TOYOTA, LICENSE AGREEMENT TMS1002