🔧 4Runner - Timing Belt Replacement (Not Applicable)

Your 4Runner’s 4.0L V6 uses a timing chain, not a timing belt. That means there is no scheduled “timing belt replacement” service like many other engines—Toyota designed this chain to last a very long time.

If you were trying to do “timing belt maintenance,” the closest routine service item is usually the accessory drive belt (serpentine belt), which I’ll show you how to replace below.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine; keep hands away from the fan and pulleys.
• ⚠️ Keep fingers clear when releasing the belt tensioner (it snaps back hard).
• ⚠️ No battery disconnect is required for this job, but keep the key away from the vehicle so no one cranks it.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 14mm box wrench
• 3/8" drive ratchet
• 3/8" drive breaker bar (18" minimum)
• 10mm socket
• 3/8" drive extension set
• Flashlight
• Mechanic gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Accessory drive belt (serpentine belt) - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and let the engine cool fully.
• Take a quick photo of the belt routing sticker (usually on the radiator support) or sketch the belt path.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the engine cover (if equipped)

• Use a 10mm socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet and extension to remove the engine cover fasteners.
• Lift the cover off and set it aside.

Step 2: Locate the belt tensioner

• Use a flashlight to find the belt tensioner (the spring-loaded arm that keeps the belt tight).
• A tensioner is a spring device that automatically maintains belt tension.

Step 3: Relieve belt tension

• Place a 14mm box wrench on the tensioner bolt head.
• Pull the wrench smoothly to rotate the tensioner and loosen the belt.
• Move slowly; the spring is strong.

Step 4: Remove the old belt

• While holding the tensioner back with the 14mm box wrench, slip the belt off the easiest-to-reach top pulley.
• Slowly let the tensioner return to its resting position.
• Remove the belt from the remaining pulleys by hand.

Step 5: Install the new belt

• Route the new belt around the pulleys following the routing sticker/photo you took.
• Make sure the belt ribs sit fully inside the ribbed pulleys (no “half-on” alignment).
• Use the 14mm box wrench again to rotate the tensioner, then slip the belt onto the last pulley.
• Release the tensioner slowly and re-check belt alignment on every pulley.

Step 6: Reinstall the engine cover

• Reinstall the cover using the 10mm socket, 3/8" drive ratchet, and extension.
• Snug the fasteners firmly (do not over-tighten the cover hardware).

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✅ After Repair

• Start the engine and watch the belt for 15-30 seconds (from a safe distance).
• Listen for squealing, chirping, or slapping noises; shut the engine off if you hear anything abnormal.
• Re-check that the belt is seated correctly on every pulley.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $150-$300 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $35-$80 (parts only)

You Save: $115-$220 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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