Does 98 toyota camry have timing belt or chain? When do I know if it needs to be replaced? Has 140000 miles on it. Have been told if belt snaps, it can destroy engine.

on the 98 toyota camry check that the gas cap is on tight or look at my fix on the toyota sienna that could be it or a vacumm hose could be split or leaking i would have these checked before you get into very expensive repairs look for the obvious first

It has a timing chain..Can't find any info on mileage to change?? belts are about 60.000 miles, i don't think you have to worry about changing by miles ??
You may call Toyota dealer and ask service manager?? Hope this helped you ?

It has a belt.

its timing belt. This car requires the timing belt to be serviced at every 60k miles. This engine is a non-interference motor, so the engine will not get damaged internally if belt breaks. But other parts externally can become damaged. Also at the same time the timing belt is changed, replace the water pump, idler and tensioner pulleys.

Yes those vehicles have timing belts instead of chains. I have yet to see a timing belt that doesnt need to be changed at some point. Maybe the tech meant you didnt need to change them now. Each manufacturer has their own mileage interval, but generally speaking, anywhere between 60,000 and 90,000 miles they are due to be replaced.

it has a belt, it's supposed to be replaced every 90,000 miles

Hello shaukathn: The factory recommended service interval to replace the timing belt. Is 90,000 miles or 144841.2 kilometers. This is a belt and not a chain driven engine. Please rate the reply as this lets us know you received the correct information. Thank You for using FixYa. Roger

The 3.3 litre Solara V6 has a timing belt.
This belt is recommended to be replaced every 90,000 miles.
Please feel free to comment back if you have any other questions.
Hope this helps, and Thanks for Choosing FixYa.

If you are referring to the vehicle having a "Timing Belt", no, it does not have one.
The 2002 Camry 4 cylinder has a Timing CHAIN, and does not need to be replaced.

Replace the timing belt at 90,000 miles.

It will not damage the motor (bend the valves) if it breaks or jumps time

Finally, if you do change the belt, make sure that the water pump is inspected very close for any evidence of coolant seepage at the impeller shaft weep hole. If there is ANY evidence of wetness or leakage, replace the pump then. Easier to change the pump when the belt is off, than to have to do the whole job if the leak gets worse, and, if it leaks down the road, coolant on the timing belt will damage the belt, and you will have to buy a new belt, too. Change the plugs at 90 K miles, too.