Question 2002 V6 Highlander 2WD Timing Belt Fray?

[oconn11]

Hi All,
Went to dealer today. Dealer tells me that the 2002 2WD Highlander V6 has a known problem for the timing belt fraying. I have about 69k on the car and he recommends I change it early since there is no way to manually inspect it. Price $800. Has anyone heard of this before?
Thanks all.

[bepperb]

You will need to replace it. There isn't a good way to inspect it without just replacing it. If it has never been, and I doubt it has since the normal mileage is 100,000 or 105,000 IIRC, it really does need it done.

That being said, despite going on 8 years I don't think it's urgent, and 800 dollars is pretty high for this (I think, not sure where Riverdale is. Riverdale NY probably has higher rates than Riverdale WY). So if it were mine I'd shop around and find someone to replace this for you, dealer or private mechanic, for around 300~400 dollars. And I would plan on doing it probably in the next year or two. It doesn't sound like you'll hit the mileage, but 8~10 years is all the further I would push the belt. I would also consider having them replace the water pump at the same time, which will probably add another 100 dollars to the cost, but if you plan on driving this another 8 years is probably a good idea.

EDIT: it's not a "problem" with the 2002's. It's any car with a timing belt. Many Hondas have this, including all their current v6's, as well as both the 3.0 and 3.3 V6's in the first-gen highlanders. And all have a replacement interval, usually 90,000~110,000 miles.

[oconn11]

Thank you. That's my feeling too. I was just surprised that the dealer said it was a 'known' problem especially after reading these forums for awhile and not ever seeing that problem arise..

[yspert]

i haven't seen a problem with these timing belts. i charge seven hundred to do the belt, belts, pump, coolant, and to
change the oil. yspert

[oconn11]

Thank you.