Hi everyone,
I have a 2004 Toyota Corolla with a timing chain. I know timing chains can stretch over time and it's very expensive to change them because the guides and gears have to be changed also.
My Corolla is nearing 200K. Should I be proactive and change the timing chain which is like a $800 job or wait? I've heard you'll get warning signs if a chain is about to break, I've also heard Corollas have non interference engines so all this makes me want to put off doing this.
Can Scotty or anyone tell me this?
Scotty would say on that car being a Toyota with that many miles and no symptoms and non interference engine to leave it alone.
@gasmonkey
Thanks for the advice gasmonkey. I really want my Corolla to last so part of me wants to change it but I think you're right, Scotty would say so. Were it a timing belt I'd certainly change it because it's a cheap job. Chains are just so darn expensive labor.
@gasmonkey
If you have changed the oil religiously and never overheated it bad. I would say it is just fine if it is a chain. I have a chevy 2.2 with 300000 and maintenance is the key.
Timing chain needs no maintenance aside from oil changes. If there's no rattling and it's running right, it's fine.
Thank you for the input getawheel. I'm trying to get the general consensus because I've seen some say general maintenance requires you change it every 80.000 to 10,000 like you would a timing belt; but that generally seems to come from dealers or some mechanics.
I would say an inspection of the timing chain for tension might be beneficial, maybe every 100K miles, but no need to change it unless it is found to be loose. If the job is done, the tensioner should be replaced as well.
Thank you! I did take my valve cover off and I've heard some say the tensioners tend to go bad first and oil leaking can be a sign around the o-ring. Knowing that helps me. A lot of talk about timing belts but not so much about chains.
Definitely have it carefully inspected by a genuine Motorhead!
That's right, timing chains are an evolution from the timing belt. Much more reliable, durable and less maintenance needed.
Most newer vehicles I've seen recommend changing out the timing chain, sprockets, tensioner and guides at around 120,000 miles. If you're a gambling man, let it go. If it were my vehicle, I would change it out. Then again, I do all my own work so it's not that expensive. It is probably a good idea to keep a copy of the local bus schedule on you.
