97/01 Toyota Camry timing belt replacement 4 cylinder engine?

This job is not beyond the scope of a good DIY person with a proper Haynes manual, a jack, and genuine Toyota replacement parts.. In the Detroit area, we have several foreign car parts stores that carry timing belt kits that include new belt, pulleys,and instructions. Most of these kits come from Continental. Are you at all mechaniucaklly inclined?? You can also use the Internet to have genuine Toyota parts sent to you from various Toyota dealers around the country using the internet/ GOOD LUCK!!! ALSO>>>> find a library that carries the "ALLDATA" subscription. You will find ALL details on performing this job AND MUCH MORE including secret recalls, etc.

If the repairs are done at a reputable shop the cost can range anywhere from 300-1.000 depending upon what is changed during timing belt replacement. I'd advise replacing water pump, tensioner, and drive belts as well as checking the seals for leakage. The amount also depends on the quality of the parts being used, and the experience and honesty of the shop performing the repairs. Book time is generally close to 4 hours labor. Good luck and hope this helps.

Yes, it has a belt. You need it changed at 90,000 miles or it will break. Contrary to what others say, you won't be in a world of trouble if it breaks. 4 cylinder Camrys have what's called a "non-interference engine." That means there's enough clearance between your valves and pistons that they wont crash into each other causing major engine damage if the timing belt breaks. Just get it towed to a shop replace the belt and you're good to go. By the way, that's the 2.2 lier 5S-FE engine used in the1990-1999 Celicas and 1991-1996 non-turbo MR2s. Also Camrys used them from 1992-2001. You'd have a hard time trying to find a more reliable engine.

First when you replace timing belt you should replace seals and water pump which runs off timing belt and also check tensioner and idler pulley bearings. Toyota and some shops give a package deal on replacement. It's not a hard job if you've done before but requires various special tools which would cost more than getting it done. Also requires exact alignment of crank,cam timing marks or won't run. Usual estimate $350.oo to $500.oo depending on area and if any pulleys need replacing, I don't recommend doing yourself.