1KD-FTV - Changing timing belt - How hard is it?

[Doug32 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Doug32]

The 2014/2015 Prado GXLis coming up for the timing belt to be changed. Being somewhat experienced working on cars I thought I might give it ago and save some money. Would I be a fool doing this? However, should I go ahead I will document the whole process and post it on this forum for the benefit of members who might be interested. In the meantime I would like to hear from others as to any tips or tricks that would make the task easier. Thanks in advance.

[JohnLynn Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close JohnLynn]

Brilliant to hear someone willing to have a go and of course even better to have the bonus of posting information about it.
After saying that I must admit that I didn't even know that engine had a belt as I thought my 2015 GXL has a chain as I have read scare stories of it wearing. I have done several timing belts on cars like Peugeot where you get to it through the wheel arch. Usually the water pump is changed at the same time as it is driven by the same belt. I would say that anyone prepared to undertake the job with a little bit of mechanical knowledge could easily do it. Best of luck.

[adrian5800 Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close adrian5800]

One of the easiest timing belts to change (1KD, 1HZ and 1KZ), can be done in 20 minutes without rushing. Usually it's a good idea to change the water pump at the same time though

[Doug32 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Doug32]

Adrian you said 20 minutes to change the timing belt. Are you referring to the serpentine belt that drives the water pump, alternator and fan? I am talking about that which drives the camshaft etc. (I have already changed the serpentine belt with a spare on a bush track and it was not fun and took me longer than 20 minutes.)

[KierenH Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close KierenH]

This video gives an overview, supposedly it's easier if you take the out the coolant tank and fan. Haven't done this myself so no tips to share but it sounds like a much easier job than on most cars

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O_B5v4lYxNk

[Doug32 Member Find all posts View Profile Close Doug32]

I think I need to eat some humble pie. The serpentine belt I mentioned in my last post that drives the water pump, alternator and fan is in fact the timing belt. It is that which needs to be changed every 100K kms and not the drive chain inside the front engine cover which connects the two camshafts gears with the crankshaft. BTW, the suggestion to change the water pump when doing the timing belt makes sense especially as I do a lot of country driving.