There really is no timing chain replacement schedule for the Toyota 4Runner. It's not like a timing belt where You'd swap it out every 60,000 miles or so. The timing chain is a part that is made to last and hopefully it will survive for as long as Your engine does. What You need to do to make sure that happens is keep up with Your normal oil change schedule. When Your oil pressure gets too low Your chain can dry up and begin to drag on parts rather than running smooth. This dragging can lead to breaks in the chain and expensive repairs. -
Toyota 4eva
March 15, 2022
Toyota mechanic for 40 years . A well maintained Toyota engine that has a timing chain will last as long as the engine. Some of you are confusing chain and belt. A belt should be changed at 100k unless you over burden the engine. Then 75k. I've seen belts last 150 and look new.
John
October 3, 2022
Timing chain replaced every 40,000 miles? I have an xRunner with 330,000 with original clutch, chain, water pump ect
Teo
February 21, 2022
Toyota timing belts are recommended to be changed every 60,000 to100,000 miles. These are what is known as interference engines. If the timing belt breaks, and the engine continues to rotate, the odds of a valve and a piston hitting each other is pretty much guaranteed to happen. As they cannot both occupy the same space at the same time, one has to break and potentially cause other severe internal damage. A timing chain on the other hand, will almost always give advance warning of a problem by a louder and louder clicking noise in your engine compartment. This almost never happens as the timing chain should last the entire lifetime of the engine.
Bill K
September 7, 2022
Well this thread is useless. Well done.
AmberT
July 29, 2023
The timing belt definitely does not need to be changed every 40,000 miles. But , it definitely needs to be changed. There is not a suggested time on your Manuel’s because they don’t all need to be changed at the same time. If you are terrible at doing regular maintenance on your vehicle , it will probably not last as long as if you are actually taking care of your car.
Andy
February 3, 2022
Charles, you are wrong. I have mercedes e320 260k miles and never charge timing chain ,same toyota. 40k miles you charge noting on every car only oil.
Surprised by Wacko answers
January 14, 2022
Timing chains on Toyota engines are considered "lifetime of the engine parts" because they're made so freaking well. You only open the engine up if there's a problem. Some stretching might occur over 200k-500k miles
The timing chain for the toyota 4runner should be replaced about every 40,000 miles.
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