Timing Belt Off For Water Pump Removal

[k1c]

Hi Everybody out there in Toyota Nation. I'm new to this forum and have a question re the timing belt and water pump on my wife's 1999 RAV4. viz Does the timing belt need to be removed in order to replace the water pump? I believe that the timing belt was replaced at a much shorter interval, but if it's coming off anyway I may as well stick in a new one. No?

Thanks for any help.

[k1c]

Oops! Almost forgot........Would anybody know if the 1999 model has an interference or non interference motor in it?

[compressor mad]

is it a petrol or diesel?

if its a diesel you will need to remove the timing belt and id replace it just to be sure

[k1c]

It's petrol.

Would it make a difference?

[anchorman]

Hi and welcome to the club.

The timing belt does have to come off your 3SFE engine and yes it is an "interference" engine.

Here are the instructions;

RAV_4.1_Timing_belt..pdf

Regards

[k1c]

Thanks anchorman!

Very much appreciated