My 2004 Toyota Avalon 3.0 V6 timing belt and water pump was changed in January 2012 with 91,000 miles. The alternator and a/c and power steering belts were also changed. The service was performed at a Toyota dealership using OEM parts. The spark plugs were also changed using denso iridium. Currently it has 162,000 miles. So at 10 years and 71,000 miles is it time to change the parts mentioned, due to the years or do I have more life left in them based on the mileage?
Also, I am considering either gates or aisin belts and water pump. Any preferences suggested or advised, especially based upon experience positive or negative is appreciated. Trying to avoid using oem due to higher cost.
I do plan to keep this car as it runs great with no fluid leaks, no oil burning or loss and only moderate discoloration at 5,000 mile Toyota oil and filter changes. Have had the transmission fluid flushed at dealership every 30,000 and I change the air filter every 10,000. FYI
I would not wait on the timing belt too long. Belts deteriorate with age they’re made out of rubber so they are prone to cracking with heat and age. I always try to go with OEM parts on any big jobs or internal parts, i.e water pumps, timing belts, chains guides, etc… with that said Aisin is the way to go for this job they are an OEM manufacturer and I had no issues with those parts. If you want to save some money, I would wait on the plugs and do the timing belt, the plugs can go another 20k.
Sounds like a good plan, thank you for your advice!
SO many good quality individuals on site responding to questions. Everyone seems so courteous and considerate and truly interested to help others.
So at 10 years and 71,000 miles is it time to change the parts mentioned, due to the years or do I have more life left in them based on the mileage?
Check the timing belt condition, since you used the OEM parts, I bet that it is still perfectly fine. If this is the case, don't worry about changing it now.
Trying to avoid using oem due to higher cost.
How much do you save compared to other brands? You only change it every 100k miles and this is an important part of your engine. Considering the car conditions, I would stick to the OEM parts, but you do not need to go to dealership to do the job. Any good mechanic can do it with much less cost.
Have had the transmission fluid flushed at dealership every 30,000
Same goes with this. Change the ATF just do the drain and refill. You do not need to flush it and you do not need to go to the dealer.
I agree with Yaser, but would not rule out getting the timing belt and water pump replaced soon. Chances are you could go a few more years since it appears you only drive about 7000 miles a year, but I personally would not risk it if I had the money to go ahead and do it. One thing you did not mention was coolant changes, which can be critical for your water pump. If the last coolant change was 10 years ago, you are way past due. Good luck.
Good point about the coolant.
Thank you for your advice and yes, good point about the coolant!
The 1MZFE engine is prone to oil sludging. There was a class action lawsuit about it. It's very important that you change the oil often.
Thanks, MMJ.
Out of curiosity I just investigated this online and only the Avalon 6 cylinder manufactured between 1997 and 2002 were affected by the lawsuit. My 2004 was manned in 12/03. Have not had any problem at 162.000 miles, but I have kept the oil changed at Toyota every 5,000.
And now that prices have skyrocketed at the dealers, I have started changing my own always using a toyota filter. Used Mobile 1 full synthetic recently and may try Pennzoil Platinum full syn next time as it is made from natural gas which is supposed to be cleaner than crude. Anyhow she still runs smooth and doesn't consume, burn or leak any oil. And only moderated, expected darkening of the oil at the 5,000 mile changes.
I always appreciate any advice from folks on this website.
You're right. Good stuff.