7 Years and 46K mile Maintenance Suggestion

1. There is a lot of rust showing up in your photos. I suppose this is due to the relative lack of use.
2. I would not worry about the engine mount.
3. It is not necessary to replace the serpentine belt at 46K miles. When you do change it, it can be replaced with hand tools. My post #18 in the following thread explains the procedure:
Service Schedule on Serpentine Belt | PriusChat
4. You need to use a quality 14 mm six-point socket on the nut that locks the idler pulley in place, along with a cheater bar and an extension to improve your leverage. Do not use the cheapest twelve-point socket you can find.
5. Regarding maintenance, I suggest inspecting the wiper blades, brakes and suspension system, and replacing the transaxle ATF.

 

Respectfully speaking...considering the appearance, environmental's, age, proposed trip, ease of task and cost of belt...change it before you leave for California. You don't need that problem on your trip.

 

Belt looks normal in the picture. I don’t see any crack in the picture. Belt change is easy only hard thing are to get that 14mm bolt loose and not to get belt tension two tight. Inspect brakes and transaxle fluid could be changed.

 

happy Christmas!

 

It is possible, and if you have the time and energy to replace the belt now in the cold Illinois winter weather, more power to you. The new belt costs ~$15 at Toyota dealers that sell parts at a discount over the Web. If you buy from your local dealer you might pay $20 or thereabouts.

You need to use your left hand to feel around the crankshaft pulley to make sure the new belt is correctly seated in the pulley.

 

Hey Tim: I've been following Pat Wong's posts here for years and saved myself thousands. Being in California I get 150k out of my belts (no freezing just 104 F) you with snow, ice,salt, sitting around seven years. If it was in a garage I'd say no worries,but not?The price of a belt is peace of mind. It's your call though. I did cross country at 150k just after changing my belt


iPhone ?

 

have a great trip, all the best!

 

Next oil change, relube the front brake caliper pins and have the rear brakes serviced. Despite the lack of miles, it's possible the brake lube may be drying out.

Rear brake service: new lube on the shoe mounts, and new lube on the adjusting mechanism (some advise against this). Shoes "roughed -up" w/ sand paper (say 100 grit or coarser), steel wool, or some similar soft, pliable abrasive material, to remove any glazing on the shoes and drum. Lastly an adjustment will be required.

 

The rear drum shoe lining looks good in one of your photos. I can't say anything regarding the photo of your front disc.

The high temp lube needs to be on the caliper pins that the brake pads are suspended on. Very little lube is needed, you do not want this dripping onto the friction surface or the rotor. You would first remove the pins and clean them with brake parts cleaner spray. Then allow the pins to dry and apply a very thin lube coating.

If you were replacing the rear brake shoes (which based on your photo is unneeded) then you would lubricate the points where the shoes contact the drum backing plate.

 

Wow! not used to seeing all that rust. Spoiled here in Florida

 

If you're going to be in the Bay Area while visiting California & you want to have the serpentine belt replaced (or have any other work done), I suggest taking your car to Luscious Garage. They are very highly regarded (much more than the stealerships), and I believe they charge $50 to replace the serpentine belt (including parts and labor).

I second Patrick's suggestion to replace the transaxle fluid. It's a simple drain and fill process.