timing belt

ive just hit 100,000kms approx 62k mls. On the cover is a jap sticker with 100kms. How would i know if its been done already and if not how much will it cost to replace.

Take off the spark plug cover and have a look at the condition of the belt. If its obviously clean and new looking then its been done, if not then you have no idea how long its been on there.

How much? Depends on experience I suppose, 4 hours of a garages time. Id deffo advise doing the water pump while you have the front of the engine off, cos if it goes you'll have to take it off again.

Should you really need to change the WP at 60,000 miles ? mine had done over double that and was still working perfectly.

Just saying, makes sense and its something Ive always done. Of course you dont have to, but if you forked out Xhundreds of pounds for the cambelt, only to maybe pay it out again in 3 months if the pump lets go.

got mine done last year - 280 pound all in inc tensioner , 2nd belt,antifreeze etc

i was told it was last done at 60k mine then had 70 had no proof it was done so didnt want to take chance

My car has done nearly 150k miles and last time the timign belt was changed I ordered a water pump to be put on at the same time. On the day, the garage (main Toyota dealer) called to say that did I really want to spend £xxx on the pump, as the one on there was still absolutely fine.

If you don't need the car back on the road the same day then by all means allow yourself time to inspect the water pump and order a new one if necessary while the belt is off, but don't just get one assuming it will need replacing. They are expensive and 60k miles isnt a lot.

Paul at Whifbitz is prepping my new car currently and I asked him to change the Cambelt as a precaution. I mentioned to him about doing the water pump at the same time and he said no need, as he has never seen one fail.

I guess its a case of Japanese engineering at its finest!!