Does The Toyota Sequoia Have a Timing Belt or Chain?

After searching for a car for a few months I decided to purchase a Toyota Sequoia. 

Before my purchase, though, I found myself wondering if the Toyota Sequoia has a timing belt or a chain? 

After some research, here is everything I learned!

Does Toyota The Sequoia Have a Timing Belt or Chain?

The Toyota Sequoia has used both a timing belt and a chain. The 2001-2009 version of the Sequoia used a timing belt but starting in 2009 they switched to using a timing chain since chains are more durable and reliable.

That is not all you will want to know about the Toyota Sequoia and their use of timing belts and chains. 

Keep reading to find out more information!

What is a Timing Belt?

A timing belt is a belt that is connected to the crankshaft of the car. 

The timing belt then uses this connection to rotate gears inside of the engine which in turn allows for an increase or decrease in compression on air, fuel, and so forth. 

When this happens it creates power within your vehicle.

What is a Timing Chain?

A timing chain is a chain that is connected to the crankshaft of a car. 

It does the same function as a timing belt in that it uses this connection to rotate gears inside of the engine which in turn allows for an increase or decrease in compression on air and fuel. 

Just like a timing belt, it creates power within your vehicle.

Timing Belt Advantages

Vehicles that use a timing belt have a few advantages over vehicles that use a timing chain. 

The first advantage is that there are fewer parts required with a belt than with a chain. 

This leads to better fuel economy and cheaper repairs on the vehicle when it comes time for scheduled maintenance.

The other major advantage of using a timing belt instead of a timing chain is how quiet they are. 

The timing belt is much quieter than the old style of timing chains that were made out of metal instead of other materials like plastic or rubberized material.

Because there are no extra parts, due to not having a chain, it also usually means less surface area for things to go wrong with the engine. 

This again leads back to the fact that there are fewer parts, and therefore a lower chance of something going wrong.

Timing Chain Advantages

Vehicles that use a timing chain have a few advantages over vehicles that use a timing belt. 

The first advantage is that it lasts significantly longer than a timing belt. 

This is because the timing chains are made out of higher quality material and they do not stretch as belts do over time which can lead to them breaking earlier in life span.

The second main advantage of using a timing chain instead of a belt is that it does not require any scheduled maintenance, unlike the belt that requires regular replacement.

The last major advantage of using a timing chain is that it does not need to be replaced when the engine reaches 100,000 miles if properly cared for and maintained regularly throughout its use. 

Timing chains can last for over 300,000 miles when properly cared for.

Why Did the Toyota Sequoia Switch to a Timing Chain?

Timing belts were first used in cars during the 1970s and 1980s because they were cheaper to produce and easier to replace than timing chains. 

During this time period, there was an oil shortage that caused car companies like Toyota to implement measures to save the customer and themselves more money. 

While timing belts are well built and made to last for as long as they can, recently car companies have been switching back to using timing chains in their cats. 

Toyota made the switch for the Toyota Sequoia in 2009 because timing chains are better at maximizing the power and efficiency of their engines. 

They are also more durable and last longer.

How to Know if You Have a Bad Timing Chain?

If you have a bad timing chain in your vehicle, this can lead to an increase in fuel consumption and could cause damage to the engine. 

If it is not repaired or replaced immediately then there are also chances of further damages being done to other parts of the engine which would require even more repairs.

Here is what to look for if you think you have a timing chain that needs to be replaced:

• If you notice that your engine is rattling or knocking, especially during idle.
• If the timing chain has stretched over time and starts slipping off of its gears within the engine, this will cause damage to other parts of the car including but not limited to pistons.
• If you find metal shavings in the oil
• The check engine light turns on

What to Do If You Need a New Timing Chain

If you see that it is time to replace your timing chain, there are a few things that you can do. 

The first step is to identify the problem and then take your vehicle into a repair shop for them to look at it more closely. 

If they determine that it is time for a new timing chain, but want to make sure before going through with this expense, they can do a test to see how badly your timing chain is worn out.

If the testing shows that it needs replacing, you may want to go ahead and replace it as soon as possible because this will avoid further damage being done to parts of your engine. 

It’s important for people who own vehicles with a timing chain to stay up to date on when they need to be replaced.

How to Maintain Your Timing Chain

As previously stated, a properly maintained timing chain can last well over 300,000 miles which is a major advantage. 

In order to get the maximum amount of life out of your timing chain make sure to do the following maintenance:

• Take your vehicle to get regular checkups so that they can keep an eye on it for any potential problems or damages that could arise from wear and tear on the timing chain.
• Get regular oil changes and filter replacements at least once a year.

Why Toyota is a Great SUV

Now that you know the difference between timing belts and chains and how they work, it is time to talk about some other aspects of a Toyota.

Best Selling SUV

The Toyota Sequoia is one of the longest-running and best-selling SUVs on the market. u

It has been through multiple generations since its first model was produced in 2000, and there have been over a million units sold as well.

Two Types of Engines

The Sequoia also comes with two different engines to choose from depending on what features you want in your vehicle. 

The first engine is a V-ztec engine that puts out about 240 horsepower and 270 pounds of torque while the second option is a v-six, 31 cubic inch displacement supercharged engine which produces up to 320 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque.

Added Features

The Toyota Sequoia also comes with many optional features for the interior and exterior of the car. 

A few options that can be added to a Sequoia are heated front seats, side view cameras for backing up, Bluetooth connectivity with steering wheel controls, XM satellite radio capability as well as many more features.

Closing Thoughts

After reading this article you should know without a doubt if your Toyota Sequoia has a timing chain or belt. 

Remember, that any Sequoia built before 2009 will have a timing belt and any Sequoia built after 2009 will have a timing chain. 

In this article, we also covered why the Toyota Sequoia is a great SUV for purchase for yourself and your family. Not only does it have a ton of room for you and your family it is a reliable car that will be worth every penny spent on it.