Timing belt replacement

Hi folks, I am looking for a used 1st generation Tundra. I review the service history from the CarFax reports and, despite most of the vehicles easily exceeding 100k miles, I have yet to see a timing belt replacement in the service history. I see ball joint, alternator, serpentine, brake drums, and other replacements but not timing belt.

Should I be concerned?

 

You can pull back the timing cover(10mm bolts) and peek at the belt. I wouldn't let it stop you from buying a nice one if it checks all the boxes. Just know that you may have to replace the belt if there is no history. 9 years or 90k miles is the interval. Use it during negotiations.

Also, I'm sure there are plenty of shops that don't report to Carfax. Just because there is no history on there doesn't mean it hasn't been replaced.

 

A timing belt plus the "while your in there" items will be less than $500 and a couple of days in your home garage.

I certainly wouldn't turn down a nice truck because of a missing timing belt replacement record.

 

Many independent shops don't update the service history with Toyota. Unless you are provided proof the TB was changed in the past 90K/9yrs, plan on doing this and water pump replacement. You'll also want to consider replacing Cam seals at that time.

 

Is this a 3.4 or 4.7 engine? One thing to consider is the 3.4 is non-interference and the 4.7 is an interference engine meaning if the timing belt does break while you are driving there will be a lot more issues than the 3.4 non-interference. Regardless, you would still want to replace the belt on either engine if it hasn't been done, but just something to keep in mind. This could determine how urgently you need to replace it after purchasing the truck.

 

Read before you buy: https://www.tundras.com/threads/so-you-wanna-buy-just-bought-a-1st-gen-tundra-eh.115928/

Only trust a physical receipt from a known shop. Never trust a belt change sticker under the hood. You can buy those for a couple bucks, and some shady sellers will undoubtedly throw one on and backdate/backmile it for legitimacy. If the seller cannot produce evidence of the last change, follow @FirstGenVol's advice, IMO, and assume it hasn't been done. It only takes a minute to look at the general condition, even if no cracks visible, it doesn't mean you shouldn't change it proactively.

And cam seals are easy enough on the '04 and earlier. Cam seals are not very easy on the '05+ VVTi 4.7L