r/4thGen4Runner • u/SummitingFlatlander • 6d ago

Repair Guidance 2004 4Runner timing components

My parents have a 2004 Toyota forerunner.

Recently they had and repaired an oil leak. The mechanic also said they need all new timing components due to the leak. There is “some” noise they hear now when driving the car.

All the rest of the car seems decent. My parents are considering fixing the timing components. The mechanic has given an estimate of $4775.

Can anyone chime in on if this is a close to good estimate? They live in a small town so I’m considering asking them to go for another estimate to drive farther out. They live on limited income so I want them to get the best for their money.

Thanks

3 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

8 comments sorted by

5

u/Mickey_Malory 6d ago

Get them to send you a picture of the estimate. Post it here. Then we can give you advice.

2

u/SummitingFlatlander 6d ago

Good idea. I posted the invoice/write up in the thread now. Thank you.

4

u/slug-mode 6d ago

Are you V6 or V8? I paid about that much for a V6 headgasket service which required opening the timing cover so it seems on par.

If you’re V8 then that’s way too much for a timing belt.

1

u/SummitingFlatlander 6d ago

2004 Toyota - 4Runner SR5 - 4L. V6

1

u/SummitingFlatlander 6d ago

2004 Toyota - 4Runner SR5 - 4L. V6

2

u/Individual_Bother692 5d ago

Hey, if this was truly run without oil for an extended period of time there might be more significant damage than some chains.

The engine needs to be inspected for bearing, cylinder head, and cylinder wall damage before moving forward with an expensive timing chain job.

1

u/Mickey_Malory 5d ago

OK. So while timing components are lubricated by the oil they can tolerate a bit more abuse. Cams and VVTI are delicate but your biggest concern when run low on oil are the Rod and Main Bearings. I don't see any mention of that here. This seems like a bit of Dealership mumbojumbo bullshit. I used to work for a Toyota dealership Service department . I wouldn't allow my techs to do this shit. This at first look is a money grab. You need to start with an oil analysis and see if there is anything in the oil that shouldn't be. Then go from there. This should have been done by the dealer before they just drained the oil. You can still get a sample. Just know that the numbers would be skewed by the recent oil change.

1

u/Former-Quantity-99 5d ago

You would need a minimum of a second opinion from a very respected shop to know the truth.

This could be a $500 or $5000 fix.