2001 V8 Tundra timing belt replacement

[Mongoose]

My transmission shifts fine and smooth. I have 85 k miles on the truck and I have never serviced the transmission. I never do any pulling to put wear and tear on it, so I wasn't concerned about having it serviced. How widespread is the transmission problem?

As i mentioned before, had I known my timing belt was in near perfect condition I would have waited another 30 to 40 K miles beforer changing it.

[Lextreme]

For some of you want to do it yourself. Make sure you get the timing right on the spot otherwise you will destroy the whole engine.

[Tennesseestorm]

I have heard of many problems on the 2000-02 models. 03's seem to be better. Mostly, it seems like something in the planetary? or something like that goes out in them and it mostly effects the O/D. Some people reported problems at miles as low as 30K, but sometimes it does not occur until after 100K (if even then). I was told that if you make it to 130K+ miles, then you will likely be OK.

My O/D is fine and all shifting it fine, except that the 2nd to 3rd shift, shifts with a "kick" under anything but light acceleration. Sometimes it will "flare" before it shifts into 3rd. Toyota dealer said all is fine and no cause for concern, but I wonder. The PO had the original fluid changed at 69K and now it has 104K. The Toyota tech said the fluid still looked and smelled like new and he would not recommend changing it right now. I may take it to a tranny shop to get another opinion.

Sounds like your tranny is doing perfectly well.

Originally Posted by Mongoose

My transmission shifts fine and smooth. I have 85 k miles on the truck and I have never serviced the transmission. I never do any pulling to put wear and tear on it, so I wasn't concerned about having it serviced. How widespread is the transmission problem?

As i mentioned before, had I known my timing belt was in near perfect condition I would have waited another 30 to 40 K miles beforer changing it.

[mikeinaustin]

Originally Posted by flashbangm4

My dad and I replaced my timing belt and water pump @ 100k. Wasn't too difficult. Removing the crank pulley was the most difficult. I ended up replacing all the idler and tensioner pulleys 'cuz the bearings seemed to be a little dry for my taste. I would recommend having a set of pulleys on hand, just in case, they can always be returned. If you need to replace the accessory belt tensioner pulley, be careful. It is a LEFT HAND THREAD! I found out the hard way.
We used a haynes manual for instruction. Everything went smooth. Skip the step about removing the grill. Not necessary. Do it yourself, save some $'s, and learn a little more about your truck.

may i ask how long it took you and your dad to complete the job?

[ppuckett]

I have a 2001 V8 with 88K miles so I'm starting to get quotes on the timing belt/water pump replacement. Not skilled enough to do it myself

Anyone in the Austin, TX area have any recommendations on reliable places to get this done?

Looking at ~$1,100 at the Toyota dealership

[reb101]

Wow, my timing belt is still running strong as hell on my 2001 Tundra... with over 100K miles... getting worried now... =o)

I thought it would be a good idea to get my transmission fluid changed; went to a transmission shop here and fig. it would be a simple service like an oil change.... hmmm

Now my truck has a loss in power, doesnt coast like it did before when exiting the freeway at 70 mph... it slows faster now.

Am wondering, is it possible that this trans. shop put the wrong fluid in my transmission to make it act like this? It almost feels like I am pulling a trailer now, to describe the sensation.
I have been trying to drive it hard to shake free what ever is holding me back; and no... its not my emergency brake.. =o)

Any suggestions / emails would be greatly appreciated; I luv this truck! =0)

[muvico]

I think timing belts on tundras are made to last much longer than the recommnded 90k intervals. I hear people going 140 to 160k without being replaced.I did mine at 105k,and it look like new. If you drive hard you should go by the book.

[single]

Originally Posted by reb101

Wow, my timing belt is still running strong as hell on my 2001 Tundra... with over 100K miles... getting worried now... =o)

I thought it would be a good idea to get my transmission fluid changed; went to a transmission shop here and fig. it would be a simple service like an oil change.... hmmm

Now my truck has a loss in power, doesnt coast like it did before when exiting the freeway at 70 mph... it slows faster now.

Am wondering, is it possible that this trans. shop put the wrong fluid in my transmission to make it act like this? It almost feels like I am pulling a trailer now, to describe the sensation.
I have been trying to drive it hard to shake free what ever is holding me back; and no... its not my emergency brake.. =o)

Any suggestions / emails would be greatly appreciated; I luv this truck! =0)

Double check and make sure they put the correct fluid in your transmission! It wouldn't be the first time that a tranny shop didn't fill with the correct fluid.

[single]

Originally Posted by muvico

I think timing belts on tundras are made to last much longer than the recommnded 90k intervals. I hear people going 140 to 160k without being replaced.I did mine at 105k,and it look like new. If you drive hard you should go by the book.

Yes, the timing belts are made to last much longer. The 90K timing belt change isn't mandatory, it's just where Toyota is telling you.... "we warned you, but you didn't listen". There are timing belts out there with over 200K miles and then there are the ones that go before the 90K point. Use your own judgement, but I'll stick with Toyota's recommendations. I figure they know more about the life span of a timing belt than I do. It's cheap insurance compared to the cost of an engine, and if it costs you $900 (less if you do it yourself) every 90,000 miles, that's just a penny a mile!