Questions and Answers

Corolla Timing Belt Q. I have a 1987 Toyota Corolla, automatic, engine size 4ALC, carburetor, 87,000 miles. I am the third owner and am pretty sure the timing belt has never been changed. The car runs really well and has proven reliable. I've had to replace the alternator but that's it really.

Should I go ahead and have the timing belt replaced as preventative maintenance? How much should this cost, approximately? And, is my neighborhood repair shop an OK place for such a repair or is a dealership repair shop better?

Thanks a lot,
Caroline

A. If you any doubts that the belt was ever replaced, I would strongly recommend having it replaced. The timing belt is supposed to be replaced every 60,000 miles on that car. It is especially important with this engine to replace the timing belt at the recommended interval because this is what's known as an interference engine. That is to say the piston and valves occupy the same place in the cylinder at different times. If the timing belt breaks while the engine is running, and that's the only time they break, you will do serious damage to the engine.

In my shop I would estimate the job at about $50.00 for parts and about 2.5 hours labor, so you're looking at, about, $250.00 to $275.00. Any good shop can do this as it is a common item, no need to take it to the dealer.

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