Servicing a Toyota HiAce LH100

This post is applicable to the Toyota HiAce LH100 series (1990’s era), fitted with a 3L type engine (2.8L Normally Aspirated Diesel) and an A45DL Automatic Transmission. It also covers some aspects of the 4 Wheel Drive system (Note: not the AWD system).
Disclaimer
I am not a trained mechanic. I’m not even a particularly skilled amateur mechanic. I can snap a bolt just by looking at it. I am just a geek with a service manual, a have a go attitude and an unfounded sense of optimism. Having a go does go wrong sometimes. So take any information and advice in this post with that in mind.
Regular servicing is not particularly difficult and can be performed by anyone with a small number of tools and some patience (ahem). Have a go and get to know your vehicle better. If it all goes wrong, you can always get a mobile mechanic to come out and laugh at you.
Never work under a jacked up vehicle. Use ramps or axle stands to ensure the vehicle is secure.
None of the links in this post are sponsored.
Part Numbers
Part numbers for just about every part of your HiAce are available on this website. You may need to adjust the search values for your particular model.
http://japan-parts.eu/toyota/jp/1994/hiace-regiusace/lh119v-rrpes/4_711140_106_/tool-engine-fuel
Service Info
Service Item | Service Interval | Toyota Part Number or Specification | Volume or Number | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|
Engine Oil | 5k KMs (3250 miles) | 10w40 Semi Synthetic | 7L | This viscosity is fine for UK conditions. Warmer or Colder climates my require heavier or lighter weight oil, refer to the service manual for information. |
Oil Sump Washer | 5k KMs | 90430-18029 | 1 | Genuine washers are felt sided. I usually use: https://www.roughtrax4x4.com/toyota-4×4-parts/service-parts/sump001-genuine-toyota-sump-bung-washer.html |
Oil Filter | 10k KMs | 15600-41010 | 1 | I change oil filter on every 5k oil change. Why would you leave dirty oil in there? Get an underside filter socket to help removal. I usually use: https://www.roughtrax4x4.com/toyota-4×4-parts/service-parts/filters/oilf03-amc-diesel-oil-filter-2l-3l-1984-1987.html |
Air Filter | 25k KMs | 17801-54100 | 1 | Check condition and blow out dirt on each oil change service. Plenty on ebay, search ‘Toyota 17801-54100’ Note that this item is not available at RoughTrax, as the HiLux and Surf use a different style of filter. |
Fuel Filter | 30k KMs | 23303-64010 | 1 | Open water drain on fuel filter on every service. If you can, I’ve never managed to… I usually use: https://www.roughtrax4x4.com/fuef05-amc-diesel-fuel-filter.html |
Automatic Transmission Fluid | Check level and colour | Dexron II | 2-2.5L per change | ATF level should be checked with the vehicle on a level surface and the engine running. Colour should be translucent red. |
AT Filter | 1 | Requires sump removal. | ||
Differential Oil | 2 years | 80W-90 Gear Differential | Front 1.6L, Rear 2.2L | This is not an official service interval, but is one that was recommended to me and it is what I use. The rear diff will see heavy use, the front diff will see minimal use in most cases, but oil will still absorb moisture. |
Transfer Box Oil | 2 years | 75w-90 Synthetic | 1.2L | This is not an official service interval, but is one that was recommended to me and it is what I use. |
Diff/Transfer Crush Washers | 12157-10010 | 6 | ||
Power Steering Fluid | Check level | Dexron II | Same fluid as the transmission. | |
Coolant | Check condition/level | Toyota Red | Check levels when engine is cold on overflow vessel as well as under radiator cap. | |
Windscreen Washer Fluid | Regularly | Something that won’t freeze in winter | There is a slide out filler in the footstep of the nearside door. | |
Brake Fluid | 2 Years | < 1L | Check levels more regularly than 2 years, brake fluid level changes can be an indicator of leaks or wearing brake pads. Change every 2 years as brake fluid is hydroscopic and change more frequently if fluid is dirty. Open driver door to view/access brake fluid reservoir. | |
Grease Nipples | 5k KMs | As standard, the LH100 has a single grease nipple, on the rear prop shaft. On many 4WD upper control arms, it is possible to add grease nipples for the bushings and upper balljoint. This is easy to do and will prolong the life of what is an expensive and difficult to change component (upper balljoints are not a replaceable item, the entire control arm needs to be swapped out) | ||
AC Belt | Inspect. Change if worn or squealing | 1 | Gates 13×1250 6480MC | |
Fan Belt | Inspect. Change if worn or squealing | 2 | Gates 13×1050 6472MC. There are 2. | |
PS Belt | Inspect. Change if worn or squealing | 1 | Gates 4PK833 | |
Thermostat | 90916-03099 | 1 | ||
Thermostat gasket | 16341-54040 | 1 | ||
Radiator cap | 16401 -71010 | 1 | ||
Timing Belt | 100k kms or 4 years, whichever occurs first | 13568-59065 | Belts rarely fail by themselves, so change the tensioners at the same time. Replace the gasket and crank shaft bolt at the same time. Might as well do the waterpump as well if you don’t know it’s history. I usually use: https://www.roughtrax4x4.com/toyota-4×4-parts/service-parts/cam-timing-belts/camkit011-cam-timing-belt-kit-with-genuine-toyota-belt.html https://www.roughtrax4x4.com/enms003-cam-timing-belt-cover-gasket.html Bolt: ebay search Toyota 90901-19028 https://www.roughtrax4x4.com/toyota-4×4-parts/cooling/water-pumps/cwp003-aisin-engine-water-pump.html | |
Tyre Rotation | 5k KMs | Not an official interval, but I like to keep my tyres evenly worn. Probably more important on a 4wd. This is also a good opportunity to check wheel bearings and suspension components for wear. |
Other Checks
- Wheel Bearings
- Brakes
- Gators on balljoints, CVs.
- Leaks
- Rust
Useful Supplier Links
Endon (All Car Parts Fast) for Genuine Toyota parts: https://www.allcarpartsfast.co.uk/parts/
Milners: 4×4 Specialist https://www.milneroffroad.com/toyota-hilux-pickup-2.8-diesel-from-1991-to-1997-ln107/catalogue/car-parts-carp
Roughtrax4x4 (Never mention it’s a HiAce, they won’t want to know. But a 3L is a 3L whether it’s in a HiAce or HiLux or a Surf or whatever. On the website, I set the vehicle to an HiLux LN107 or similar with a 2.8D (3L)) https://www.roughtrax4x4.com
eBay is also a good place to look and don’t forget Toyota themselves.