PFB

My 2001 ES300 with 90k miles is due for it's first scheduled timing belt change. My local Lexus dealers all advised me that I just need to change the timing belt, oil seals, and the 2 drive belts. They stated that unless they find specific evidence of coolant leaks, or noisy Water Pump bearings they wouldn't change the water pump, nor would they change the tensioner unless it shows evidence of wear.

They all concurred that this particular model does not historically exhibit problems with these components, and that I should save my money and do a complete job only at the next scheduled timing belt change (180k Miles)

In other words except for the timing belt, the oil seals, and the 2 drive belts, other components should only be changed on a case by case basis after having been examined to determine their condition.

I, on the other hand was planning on doing the complete job, including water pump and tensioner. I'm not however looking to spend more money than I need to.

So are the Lexus dealers that I spoke to right?

Any Lexus Mechanics care to chime in?

Thanks

mdbrown

I'm old school and would change the waterpump and tensioner. OTOH, many here have stated that the waterpump is categorically not an issue at 90k miles. If you want to hedge your bets then leave the waterpump but yes, I most definitely would change the tensioner... but that's just me.

BDSL

This is my experience with my 97 ES300.

The water pump and tensioner were fine.
At roughly 250,000 km, the water pump started leaking...but very slow.
I changed all seals, tensioner, water pump, idlers, etc....at 300,000 km.

Keep in mind that all seals, tensioner, and water pump were original since 0 km.
The other parts might last longer but since I was there and the parts had 300,000 km, I replaced them all.
The only thing that failed was the water pump.

imherenow

oo wow that did last a long time ..i would wait too..meh

yeldogt

The dealers only change the belt - this is correct.


I'm not sure what the recommended procedure is with other makes -- obviously if the other parts are going to be replaced at 90k then you design them accordingly.

I have one ES300 with 175k and one with 225k and they both have only had the belts replaced -- You never hear about the w/pumps or the tensioners failing?

Personally -- I would just replace the belt and anything I did replace I would make sure I used OE parts. What I find really stupid is to replace these parts and then use aftermarket

mdbrown

On this I would agree, if you replace any of these parts use OE parts only.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

I would replace everything, just due to age.

yeskay

The dealership is correct. no need to replace the wp at 90k

LeX2K

I think the dealer has things a bit backwards. The cam and crankshaft seals should be changed @90k miles only if the engine has not had regular oil changes. If it has, it is highly unlikely the seals will be leaking. The water pump can be left alone unless it shows signs of wear.

When they say tensioner, are they talking about the hydraulic tensioner, or the tensioner bearing? Definitely replace both idler and tensioner bearings, the hydraulic tensioner only needs to be replaced if it is leaking.

PFB

Its going in tomorrow to the Lexus dealer for the timing belt change. From all the replies I received including the original advise that I was given by Several Lexus dealers I decided to play it by ear and to make a final decision on what to replace based on visual inspection.

I'll post what happened once the job is complete

Thank you for everyones feedback

PFB

Just came home with the carv and as promised this is the conclusion of my timing belt service at the Lexus dealer.

Took them less than 3hrs to complete the job, including the free carwash but they charged me their book value of 4hrs instead of the actual time. Before proceeding they said that once they have everything open they will call me so that I can see exactly what they will be changing and why. Less than 50 minutes later they said that I can come and have a look. This is what in saw:

The water pump was weeping very slightly so they highly recomended that it be changed. The 2 drive belts were dry so they recommended that I change these as well. They recommended against changing the 3 oil seals or the tensioner as they looked fine. The timing belt was still perfect but obviously they were changing it.

I felt fine about not changing the tensioner, but insisted that the 3 oil seals be changed. So total cost out the door for the timing belt, 3 oil seals, water pump, gasket, and coolant was $800.00

Their service was superb..

mdbrown

Don't be too hard on them for charging you the book time rather than the actual time. There are many jobs that book time really is too little... in those instances they still charge the book time...

yeldogt

Glad it worked out:

These things also have an age factor -- if both your timing belt and the two drive belts are original they are overdue. Especially the drive belts -- I'm surprised that you did not have any problems with them.

Also -- If the car has the original coolant -- I would change it out now that you have the new pump installed. The additives in the coolant help to maintain the pump and seals.


Interesting to hear about the T - Belt -- mine always look fine also.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Wow that's actually a very good price for a dealer with OEM parts. I think you made the right decision.

Aqualung

that is a real good price, my mechanic says $1100...says they buy the 'kit' from Lexus which comes w/ everything needed (TB, WP, etc).

My 'new' ES has 125k miles, I'm kinda old school as well (like mdbrown) and figure once it's open, that it's best to replace everything...plus it seems that most of this is labor to get everything open.

Good tip on the coolant, I'll verify that.