'00 Camry timing belt question

No way to tell. At 126k, it is far overdue from the original recommendation of 90k intervals. Timing belts break when they break. Usually there is little indiacation (the 4cyls will sometimes start to flap against the timing cover as they stretch). He might make it for another 20k miles. Might break tomorrow. At least if it does break you don't have to worry about engine damage dut to the non-interference design.

Mike,

I have the same year Camry and same 1.8 engine as your son. I replaced my belt at 100,000 miles and it still looked good but that isn't any guarantee. Timing belts are unpredictable and they can break with little or no warning. FWIW, since it is well over the recommended replacement interval, I would be hesitant to go on a long road trip without replacing it. It's a calculated risk though and he might make it just fine. Keep in mind if it goes out on the road in Podunk, CO there will be towing fees, maybe an overnight stay if parts aren't available and could cost more to have the belt replaced because he will be at the mercy of someone he doesn't know.

Good Luck Mike C.

Good Luck on the Podunk mechanic getting the timing right if it goes on the highway. I used to have a '86 Camry where the timing belt went while I was driving 70 MPH on the freeway. I was lucky to get a local to send out their tow truck.

I now have a '99 Camry and got my dealer to replace the timing belt at 90K miles. I also did the water pump and the alternator belt at the same time because it had been recommended on this newsgroup.

Update: I called the dealer where I bought the car back in Nov. 2003. The timing belt was changed in Oct 2003 at 97k miles. For some reason, when I first posted this question, I was thinking the belt replacement was on a 60,000 mile interval, and that the car was due one in the 120k mile range. Now I can start worrying about other things going wrong on my son's road trip!

-Mike in Austin