i HAVE A 97 AVALON WITH 207,000 km (125,000 MILES) ON IT, WHICH IS RUNNING BEAUTIFULLY. TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, THE TIMING BELT HAS NEVER BEEN CHANGED. MY NEW MECHANIC SUGGESTED, IN THE STRONGEST OF TERMS THAT THIS IS A VERY NECESSARY ACTION. HAS ANYONE HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH TIMING BELTS? IS MY MECHANIC OVERREACTING? I DO ABOUT 2OK MILES A YEAR

Ok, listen up... I work at a Toyota dealership, but NOT as a tech..AND, I also own a 97 Avalon...you most definitely should replace that timing belt...there are several reasons, but I will tell you the most pertinent..and that is, that the belt is just that, a belt..made of rubber..rubber that does get brittle after a spell...particularly a 125k mile spell...get in and have it done, ASAP...if you doubt me, call my dealership at 1-800-782-3203, or, if the toll free does not work from your locale, 1-207-729-3358...ask for Doug Ebert,,,he's the service manager...Do it!!!

Thank You - I Took Your Advice And Got It Changed Today.
It Seems That It Was Just Beginning To Fray A Bit Around The Edges, Which I Suppose Is A Testament To The Good Quality Of Product.

Ok, listen up... I work at a Toyota dealership, but NOT as a tech..AND, I also own a 97 Avalon...you most definitely should replace that timing belt...there are several reasons, but I will tell you the most pertinent..and that is, that the belt is just that, a belt..made of rubber..rubber that does get brittle after a spell...particularly a 125k mile spell...get in and have it done, ASAP...if you doubt me, call my dealership at 1-800-782-3203, or, if the toll free does not work from your locale, 1-207-729-3358...ask for Doug Ebert,,,he's the service manager...Do it!!!


Not a tech? YOu sound like a sales man.....

And if i doubted you, who gives a shit.

As a rule, if you think something is old and in danger of busting, change it out before your busted down on a freeway turning tricks for a ride.

Timing belts should be replaced at around 70,000- 100,000 miles.