How do you replace the timing belt on a 1993 Toyota 4Runner 2WD V6?

Answer 1

I will give you a brief overview but if you are going to do this you will need a repair manual. It has information in it about what marks you need to line up, and where the marks are. Something that this site doesnt have room for.

On my V6 I can remove a belt and reinstall it in about 6 hours. I am just a weekend mechanic with the ability to read a manual and follow instructions. If this is you then go for it.

Here it is. Remove the radiator, fan, hoses and fan cover. You can leave the radiator in but its easier if you remove it. Then you will need to do one of 2 things. Decide to remove the pulleys or cut a hole in the lower belt cover so the belt cover on the bottom will come off the pulleys. (more on that at the bottom). Once all the covers are off loosen the belt tension screm and remove the spring. Now you can remove the old belt.

Now you need to align the 3 belt gears with their marks and install the new belt. Once all 3 line up you can tighten the belt tensioner. Replace all the covers and reinstall the radiator parts. Ensure all the tools are off and out before starting.

The cover

Toyota placed a 2 part cover system over the belt. The bottom one goes over the crankshaft prior to installing the pulley's for the fan belts. Since these are pressed on you must use a pulley remover to get them off. In the tight space it can be difficult unless you go buy a good pulley. I did and then it still didnt come all the way off for me because it was too short a space to get it off. So I took and carefully cut out a portion of the lowest point on the cover. Just big enough to get the cover off the drive shaft without removing the pulley. Then once out I clean up good and once reinstalled I use a good heat resistant silicone to seal the cover. It has worked great.

Someone mentioned you can slide the new belt in between the guard and the engine without removing the pullies. I havnt tried that tho so can only pass on the info.