3rd Gen 4Runner: 5VZ-FE timing belt service: when is it due and how do I tell?

Checks, in order

1. Confirm the engine
   Check the VIN or the valve cover. The V6 is the 5VZ-FE and has a belt. The four-cylinder 3RZ-FE has a chain, so there is no belt to replace.
   easy $ · under about $50
2. Service records
   Look for a receipt that shows belt, tensioner, idlers and water pump. Toyota's interval is around 90,000 miles in later years. If there is no proof, assume it is due.
   easy $ · under about $50
3. Cover leaks and belt inspection
   Look at the front of the engine for oil from the cam or crank seals. Oil on the belt shortens its life, so fix the leak when you do the belt.
   hard $$ · about $50 to $500
4. Replace as a kit
   Do the belt, water pump, tensioner, idler pulleys and front seals together. It is a lot of labor, so doing it all at once saves money.
   hard $$ · about $50 to $500

Applies to: 1996 to 2002 4Runner with the 2.7L 3RZ-FE four-cylinder and the 3.4L 5VZ-FE V6, 2WD and 4WD, manual and automatic. Where a check only applies to one engine it says so.

Tools and parts for these checks

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Go deeper

• Toyota 5VZ-FE 3.4L V6: Full Specs, Common Issues & TRD Supercharger

The same problem on other Toyotas

• 1st Gen Tacoma (1995.5–2004): 5VZ-FE V6: timing belt due, ticking, or worried about the water pump

Other engine problems on the 3rd Gen 4Runner

• Oil leak or oil smell, drips on the ground

More 3rd Gen 4Runner problems

• Clunk, knock or loose feel in the front end over bumps (Steering & Suspension)
• Shimmy, vibration or steering wander at highway speed (Steering & Suspension)
• Frame rust, rotten rocker panels or rusty underbody (Frame & Body)
• Engine overheating or temperature gauge climbing (Cooling)
• Pink or milky transmission fluid, or coolant in the transmission (Transmission)
• Turn the key: click or nothing, engine won't crank (Starting & Charging)

All 16 3rd Gen 4Runner symptoms in the interactive troubleshooter →

General guidance from owner experience. Confirm torque specs, fluid capacities and procedures in the factory service manual. Brakes, steering and anything structural: if in doubt, have a qualified shop inspect it before driving.