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It has original struts and shocks. I have no idea whether this van has struts or shocks, that is how much I know about these parts. The van runs fine except when going on imperfections on the road. It is a bit noisy and this makes sense given the age of the van. On smooth roads, it runs smoothly.
Is there a need to do anything about these struts/shocks or continue using the van until an obvious problem presents itself and then I can decide whether to repair this van or sell it for a pittance?
Also, the timing belt is original, at 155k! The mechanic recommended replacing it at 90k but I chose not to.
I would inspect the underside for any obvious defects or damage, just to be on the safe side. But if it is running and driving fine, I would just let thing go. When suspension stuff starts getting bad, you will definitely notice it.
My van was used in a pretty heavy-duty business capacity. The shock are TOTALLY gone.....when I hit a bump, the shock are basically worthless in dampening the rocking motion. If fact, I would not be surprised if the shocks on my van are blown. Funny thing is, my van steers and corners quite well.
It has original struts and shocks. I have no idea whether this van has struts or shocks, that is how much I know about these parts. The van runs fine except when going on imperfections on the road. It is a bit noisy and this makes sense given the age of the van. On smooth roads, it runs smoothly.
Is there a need to do anything about these struts/shocks or continue using the van until an obvious problem presents itself and then I can decide whether to repair this van or sell it for a pittance?
Also, the timing belt is original, at 155k! The mechanic recommended replacing it at 90k but I chose not to.
You are really pushing your luck with that timing belt and I suppose you have never replaced your drive belts either. How about your radiator hoses? You can look just inboard of your tires and see if you have just shocks or struts. easy to tell. Sounds like your vehicle needs a lot maintenance. Are you waiting for it to die while on the road?
I would inspect the underside for any obvious defects or damage, just to be on the safe side. But if it is running and driving fine, I would just let thing go. When suspension stuff starts getting bad, you will definitely notice it.
It does run and drive well, otherwise I would have sold it. I doubt that if I will get anything if I traded it in.
I am, at this point, thinking about driving it through the nasty Cleveland winters (until end of March) and then see what I need to do about it.
You are really pushing your luck with that timing belt and I suppose you have never replaced your drive belts either. How about your radiator hoses? You can look just inboard of your tires and see if you have just shocks or struts. easy to tell. Sounds like your vehicle needs a lot maintenance. Are you waiting for it to die while on the road?
In my opinion, the timing belt will probably be fine for 1 to 2 more years or even more. I don't think the timing belt needs replacement at 90k miles as the mechanic suggested. Thats my opinion and so far I appear to be correct.
Its not that I don't want to maintain it well, its getting old, I won't get any money if I sell it and I don't want to put money in a van that may not last for a long time.
In my opinion, the timing belt will probably be fine for 1 to 2 more years or even more. I don't think the timing belt needs replacement at 90k miles as the mechanic suggested. Thats my opinion and so far I appear to be correct.
Its not that I don't want to maintain it well, its getting old, I won't get any money if I sell it and I don't want to put money in a van that may not last for a long time.
Your mechanic is correct. Toyota recomends replacing the belt at 90k miles or 108 months.
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Quote:
Originally Posted by seenu
I hear you, the auto parts industry needs to make money too.
Don't be so skeptical, seenu! Most regular cars require timing belt and other belts replaced below 70,000 miles. 90k miles is generous for timing belt service.
And if you think your van handles 'fine' now, with struts shot to $hit, imagine how it will handle with replacements plus alignment! Until then, if I'm out on the road and I see a certain older Sienna van bouncing up and down going down the street, I'll be sure to keep my distance from you. Just wait till you have to make an evasive maneuver or sudden turn at moderate speeds over a rough or uneven patch: You'll WISH you had taken some of the advice in this conversation.
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