I've got a 2008 xD which has been a faithful and reliable workhorse for over 90,000 miles. A few years ago, when the economy was better and my business was stronger, I would simply take my cars to my trusted mechanic for regular service, and he would alert me to important preventative maintenance when it was due. One thing he often warned me about various Toyota and Honda vehicles I used to own was the original timing belts. As he explained it, these Japanese cars had "interference engines," meaning that if the belt broke or slipped, I would bend valves and do lots of other serious damage.

These days, my wallet is thinner, and I must spend carefully. But I don't want to be "penny-wise and pound foolish." So I ask you folks with greater Scion experience.

Is it time to change a timing belt on my xD now, at 90,000 miles? Is it critical to get it done soon?

 

what does the owners manual say?

 

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheQuietThings

what does the owners manual say?

Up through 140,000 miles it makes no mention of a timing belt or chain. It starts much earlier with suggesting inspections of "Drive Belts" and other components, and suggests tightening chassis bolts. But most recommendations have to do with oil changes, visually inspecting brake pads, rubber boots in drivetrain, etc.

140,000 miles is the final entry in the manual.

 

Scion xD comes with a timing chain, which should be checked and or replaced every 150k miles or so.

 

The 2001 Corolla had about 193,000 miles on it when I traded it in for a new XD. The timing chain was never changed, or adjusted. I do not know if I was on borrowed time, but the engine was still running smooth, strong, and no unusuall sounds. The Scion sales guy said the XD has the same engine as Corolla, and from what I could find online that statement seems true.

 

Timing chains should PRETTY MUCH last the lifetime of the car. It should be inspected from time to time but that should be under your schedule maintenance. I wouldnt worry to much about it. Timing chains (or tensioners) pretty much only need to be replaced when something goes wrong. haha

-Kaname