Timing Belt replacement

KLUBACH

MEMBER
TOYOTA TERCEL

I have a 1994 Toyota Tercel with about 126,000 miles on it. I bought the car used at 90,000 miles, and have not had any major work done since. It runs great, but after a recent oil change, the mechanic recommended I have the timing belt replaced, based on the car's mileage--that it could go at any time without warning and severely damage the engine. He also recommended I replace the fuel filter. I recently moved and this is a new mechanic for me. Are these good recommendations, or is he just finding things for me to spend money on?

1 Reply

DSPLC

MEMBER

126,000 miles. You are lucky the timing belt did not break yet. My former 94 tercel's timing belt broke at 120,000 miles while driving on the freeway. Your mechanic is right. Also, since the mechanic will open the front part of the engine, I also suggest the camshaft/crankshaft OIL SEALS, timing belt TENSIONER, WATER PUMP, alternator/aircon BELTS be replaced (another $100 in parts). At least if you change these parts, you won't worry for these parts to break down for another 80,000 miles.
Yes, the fuel filter too.