'04 ES330 Timing Belt

bigmitch · 07-01-09, 08:21 PM

New to the world of Lexus as my son just bought an '04 ES330. Car has close to 90K on it and looking at doing the timing belt. Considering doing it myself as I'm an aircraft mechanic by trade and have been working on cars most of my life. Did a search and didn't really find any info on what if any special tools I might need. Also if I do it myself plan on changing the waterpump while I'm in there. Any info, insight or help you all can provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance
Scott

JSM1284 · 07-02-09, 09:07 AM

Basic mechanic hand tools will do the job. Doing the water pump is a good idea, Might as well do the thermostat, and flush the coolant to take care of maintenance for the whole cooling system. you may consider replacing the tensioner and idlers, but not neccessary.

jhill20 · 07-02-09, 09:13 AM

JSM is correct basic tools will suffice. And at least the tensioner isn't the worst idea.

hope this helps...

GEORGE_JET · 07-02-09, 09:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JSM1284

Basic mechanic hand tools will do the job. Doing the water pump is a good idea, Might as well do the thermostat, and flush the coolant to take care of maintenance for the whole cooling system. you may consider replacing the tensioner and idlers, but not neccessary.

I agree, execpt for the tensioner. I would recomend replacing. Although it is not absolutly necessary, I personally feel that it is a good idea.

Don't forget to replace the cam, and crank seals.

bigmitch · 07-02-09, 08:36 PM

Thanks to all for the info, if I do dive into it I will pretty much replace all the goodies buried in there. Any special pullers required to get the cam and crank seals out. Also one other question a little off the subject, the trannie fluid needs to be changed but I've read that it shouldn't be power flushed. Instead just drain what I can out of the pan service it and then repeat the process every couple of weeks until the fluid is looking nice and red.

Thanks Again

ES3_Ray · 07-03-09, 09:35 AM

the cam and crank seals came out of my car with some small flat heads. very careful of course not to scratch the metal. timing belts on these cars are fairly simple.