Cam Belt. Change Pulleys?

[GrahamUK]

I have a 2002 Avensis (Diesel D4D 2.0). The Cam belt is now due to be changed. Car is 5 years old but has only done about 52000 miles. Toyota have quoted £220 to replace it. I phoned an independent garage who quoted £180 but also mentioned that it would be worth replacing the pulleys as well and that this would cost another £100. Does anyone know if this is worthwhile and whether the Toyota price is likely to include this? I'd be surprised if Toyota were cheaper, but if the pulleys should be changed, wouldn't Toyota have suggested it?

[gazza1286]

The idler/tension pulley on Toyotas seldom if ever need replacing. I've never had cause to do this. The price quoted by Toyota will only be to replace the belt. Haynes only states to replace if it doesn't spin freely. At only 52K I would leave it alone.

Your independent garage is a bit pricey. The belt from Toyota costs £30 and the job takes less than 2 hours. The idependent will probably be fitting a copy part.

Some other manufacturers, for example VW recommend the replacement of the pulley and the belt at the same time. This is probably where the garage are getting their ideas from. In fact for my sons Polo, many suggest changing the water pump at the same time!

[Paul C]

Unfortunatly I've seen to many idlers and tensioners break up in my time in the trade that now when ever we do a cam belt we always replace idlers and tensioners and water pumps if driven by the cam belt. For the sake of a 100 quid wouldn't it be peace of mind to know they'll be ok?

[GrahamUK]

Thanks to both of you who replied.

PaulC: I take you point about the peace of mind given that it would only be replaced every 5 years. but it still seems odd that the main dealer doesn't recommend changing them if it is so important

[Paul C]

The main dealer does as the manufacturer says and Toyota like any other manufacturer would like to think nothing goes wrong with there cars and only service items need changing and things that wear like brakes. They'll say nothing wears out but as we know its different story in the real world.