Parts for your 2000 Toyota Rav4-Timing belt kit

2000 Toyota RAV4 timing-belt-kit — does it apply?

For the 2000 Toyota RAV4, a timing-belt-kit is relevant if the vehicle runs the first‑generation 2.0‑litre 3S‑FE engine (SXA10/SXA11). That engine uses a toothed rubber timing belt with separate tensioner and idler pulleys. However, late‑2000 second‑generation RAV4 models (ACA20/ACA21) introduced the 1AZ‑FE 2.0‑litre engine, which uses a timing chain, not a belt — so a timing-belt-kit is not applicable to those vehicles.

• Toyota RAV4 Repair Manual (SXA10/SXA11, 1996–2000), Engine Mechanical — 3S‑FE: details a belt‑driven camshaft system and belt replacement procedure.
• Gates/Dayco AU/NZ timing component catalogues: list a timing belt and tensioner kit for RAV4 2.0 3S‑FE up to 2000 build, no belt listed for 1AZ‑FE.
• Toyota New Car Features (2000, ACA20): specifies the 1AZ‑FE uses a maintenance‑free chain drive for the camshafts.

Where the 3S‑FE is fitted, the timing-belt-kit keeps the top end of the engine precisely in time with the crankshaft so valves and pistons play nicely together. The kit typically bundles the belt, an automatic or spring tensioner, one or more idler pulleys, and is often paired with a water pump, because the pump is driven by the belt on this setup. On a 2000 RAV4 with the 3S‑FE, this lot lives under the front covers, when fresh and correctly tensioned, it keeps the engine smooth, efficient and reliable for years.

For servicing in Australia and New Zealand, most workshops recommend replacing the belt and all rotating components at around 100,000–150,000 kilometres or 6–8 years, whichever comes first. Age hardens rubber and bearings don’t get better with time, so doing the full kit — belt, tensioner, idlers and water pump — saves a second tear‑down later. Good practice also includes new cam and crankshaft oil seals, fresh coolant, and new accessory/drive belts while the front of the engine is open. After installation, a careful check of cam timing marks, tensioner preload and coolant bleeding under the bonnet helps avoid headaches. If the belt squeals, the idle’s rough, there’s a rattly bearing noise at the front of the engine, or you can see cracking on the belt, it’s time to book it in.

Owners who don’t know which engine they’ve got can check the build plate or registration details for the engine code: 3S‑FE (belt) versus 1AZ‑FE (chain). If it’s the chain‑driven 1AZ‑FE, there’s no timing-belt-kit to replace — the chain runs in oil with guides and a hydraulic tensioner. It’s designed to last the life of the engine, with maintenance focusing on regular oil changes to keep the chain and tensioner happy.

Does a 2000 RAV4 have a timing belt or a chain?

It depends on the engine. The 3S‑FE (first‑gen SXA10/SXA11) uses a timing belt, so a timing-belt-kit applies. The 1AZ‑FE (second‑gen ACA20/21, introduced late in 2000) uses a chain, so there’s no timing belt to replace. Check the engine code on the build plate or your rego papers.

How often should the timing belt be replaced on a 2000 RAV4 3S‑FE?

Plan on 100,000–150,000 km or 6–8 years in local AU/NZ conditions. Replace the belt, tensioner, idlers and water pump together, and consider cam/crank seals and accessory belts while you’re there. Always follow the service manual or trusted workshop advice.

What are the signs the timing-belt-kit needs attention?

Visual cracking or fraying on the belt, front‑of‑engine bearing noises, coolant leaks from the water pump weep hole, rough running, or a belt that’s overdue on time/kilometres. If any of these pop up, it’s wise to organise replacement before it fails.