Hullo peeps.

g/f has a 1 litre Yaris on a 51 plate.

Service book suggests timing belt needs changing at 60,000 miles (£450 - £550 = Yikes!!).

Lady on the phone reckons it should have a timing chain and so it does not require changing.

My question is, what would make a manufacturer use a chain rather than belt (apart from that it would be more durable). Without having any reason to back it up, I assumed that a chain would be used on cars with bigger engines and did not expect the one litre Yaris to have one (like I say, I have no reason for thinking this, just my niaivity).

Does anyone know if the Yaris has a chain rather than a belt or how I might find out???

Thanks guys.

 

Toyota Main Dealer will have the details - give them a call or ask on the Yaris Forums.

 

Chains are a bit more expensive, so just the quality cars have them. I'm impressed the Yaris has one, but not that surprised as they have a good reputation for quality.

 

You would have thought, but when I got the quote for the change from one main dealer (I asked for timing belt change as that is what the service book suggested was required) I didn't like it so rang another.

The other one said they thought it had a chain which didn't need changing. She then said she would check with someone more technical and would call me back. Just wanted to find out from someone else before I made the decision.

 

My wifes old 1.0 micra used to have a chain not a belt, so probably not that unusual on jap cars

Rich

 

Thanks. And nice car!!!!!!!

 

according to honest john it has a chain (down the bottom) as they tend to snap if your not careful....
Toyota: Yaris (1999 to 2005)

 

It was white too.... actually is wasn't a bad little thing, dead light and quite revvy so you could catch quite a few cars by surprise!

 

I meant your Scoob. I've only just upgraded my membership and our little piccies are the same!

 

Timing belt cam drives are cheaper to design and build and of course easier to change than a timing chain.

A timing chain is a more mechanically efficient way to drive the camshafts and because the chain runs in oil and is in a pretty clean environment it will last for the life of the engine and is far more reliable after a biggish mileage. I would much prefer a timing chain to a belt any time.

Les

 

Yep, my Saab has a chain, I hate the mild panic you get with belts as they come up to the change.

 

Yeah the scoobs allright too....

 

Thanks all.

Nice lady from Tunbridge Wells Toyota rang back. It has a chain cos of the VVTi engine, so it don't need changing - hoorah!!