2004 Toyota Corolla Should the timing belt be replaced?

2004 TOYOTA COROLLA
45,000 MILES • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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LLXBJ
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Recently, I have heard repeating noise from it when the engine running. I checked it out, the noise is from the timing belt especially on the raining weather. It is 2004 Toyota corolla with 45k miles, I am wondering should I replace the timing belt now, or it doesnot matter? Thanks.
Apr 24, 2009 at 11:06 AM
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LEGITIMATE007
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if there is noise comming from the timing belt area, it could be something else, like the tensioner, definitely check it out and replace the belt in the process because it should be changed around 60,000 miles anyway, precausions precausions, it can cause greater problems if something does cause the belt to come off, YOu will do serious valve train damage. which will then cost alot of cash and we definitely want to avoid that
Apr 24, 2009 at 12:16 PM
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MMPRINCE4000
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To add to excellent advice by legitimate007:


If U.S. built it has a chain, not a belt. You can tell if U.S. built by a sticker on inside of drivers side door jam that says "NUMMI", or look at where chain is, if enclosed in an aluminum cover, it is chain, if enclosed in plastic cover, then belt.

While chain can be changed, there is no service interval.

The noise is possibly the chain, but could also be a VVTi solenoid, or excessive shim clearence, or low oil pressure.

Start by removing coils, cam cover and measure shim clearence (engine should be cold). If shims are OK, then I would take to Toyota or trused garage and have VVTi solenoids tested and inspect chain.
Apr 25, 2009 at 7:38 AM