Let's Talk Timing Belts
08-13-12, 11:34 AM
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Let's Talk Timing Belts
Hi folks,
Lexus generally recommends having the timing belt replaced at 90K as a service item. We all know that the labor on this is not cheap and can range anywhere between $800 (for a private shop) to upwards of $1500 for a dealer. Not cheap by any means.
Based on what I have read, many people follow that dealer recommendation and do get the timing belt replaced at 90K or close to it.
First, I am 100% in agreement that it's a good idea to get the belt replaced if your car has a significant amount of miles and I am considering having mine replaced soon since I am at 95K on my 2001 GS430 now.
I'm just wondering how many of you guys do not subscribe to replacing the timing belt? I bring this up because we've had no shortage of high mileage cars in our family (as high as 250K miles) running around on original timing belts that never had a problem. In fact my friend and I replaced a timing belt in a 200K mile Mitsubishi Eclipse and the thing looked prestine. I could not see a single wear mark on it and it looked as good as the belt we were replacing it with. Come to think of it, I have not met a single person in my lifetime (31yrs lol) that has had a timing belt go on them.
I guess what I am getting at is this:
1.) How many of you guys have had a timing belt go on you and what was the mileage when it happened?
2.) If the timing belt breaks during operation, is there risk of damage? Or is it just a matter of towing the car to a shop and getting the broken belt replaced then? Now before all those people who spent the $1500 on a belt replacement jump down my throat, I've read that typically newer motors are designed to survive timing belt breaks (self contained similar to an axle break). Unless of course it's an interference engine which are becoming less and less common. An interference engine will typically be destroyed as the pistons smack the valves during the brief time that the cam stops spinning but the cranckshaft still is before the car dies.
3.) Why a timing belt over a timing chain? Most of my previous cars have been equipped with chains and I never even thought about this topic until I got my GS430.
4.) Convince me to replace my belt asap, lol
Let's discuss
Lexus generally recommends having the timing belt replaced at 90K as a service item. We all know that the labor on this is not cheap and can range anywhere between $800 (for a private shop) to upwards of $1500 for a dealer. Not cheap by any means.
Based on what I have read, many people follow that dealer recommendation and do get the timing belt replaced at 90K or close to it.
First, I am 100% in agreement that it's a good idea to get the belt replaced if your car has a significant amount of miles and I am considering having mine replaced soon since I am at 95K on my 2001 GS430 now.
I'm just wondering how many of you guys do not subscribe to replacing the timing belt? I bring this up because we've had no shortage of high mileage cars in our family (as high as 250K miles) running around on original timing belts that never had a problem. In fact my friend and I replaced a timing belt in a 200K mile Mitsubishi Eclipse and the thing looked prestine. I could not see a single wear mark on it and it looked as good as the belt we were replacing it with. Come to think of it, I have not met a single person in my lifetime (31yrs lol) that has had a timing belt go on them.
I guess what I am getting at is this:
1.) How many of you guys have had a timing belt go on you and what was the mileage when it happened?
2.) If the timing belt breaks during operation, is there risk of damage? Or is it just a matter of towing the car to a shop and getting the broken belt replaced then? Now before all those people who spent the $1500 on a belt replacement jump down my throat, I've read that typically newer motors are designed to survive timing belt breaks (self contained similar to an axle break). Unless of course it's an interference engine which are becoming less and less common. An interference engine will typically be destroyed as the pistons smack the valves during the brief time that the cam stops spinning but the cranckshaft still is before the car dies.
3.) Why a timing belt over a timing chain? Most of my previous cars have been equipped with chains and I never even thought about this topic until I got my GS430.
4.) Convince me to replace my belt asap, lol
Let's discuss
Last edited by BayAreaLex; 08-13-12 at 11:48 AM.
08-13-12, 12:34 PM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
If your GS430 is an interference engine just do it.. why be cheap and leave yourself with the headache. Use the search function on here this topic has been covered thoroughly.
08-13-12, 01:01 PM
#4
I bought my GS with 135,000 miles with original timing belt. First thing I did was get it replaced. The mechanic saved the belt for me to look at...it was definitely fatigued, cracks in it and had wear marks. Mechanic said it wouldn't have lasted much longer.
I had a timing chain go on me years ago on a Ford Exploder, had to replace the engine.
I had a timing chain go on me years ago on a Ford Exploder, had to replace the engine.
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08-13-12, 05:18 PM
#10
Instructor
Thread Starter
j/kNow your talkin, lol. Any idea of I can get the GS430 tranny to mate up to a LS3?
Yup, that's been my experience as well.
I'll get it done in the next year or two most likely, but I'm not rushing (knock on wood, lol).
BayArea
08-13-12, 05:34 PM
#12
so basically you are trying to save $1000, and risk destroying a perfectly good engine. I don't see the logic in this, drive around and worry in the back of your mind if and when your timing belt will snap. Then fork out at least another few grand for a motor, swap and the down time.
08-13-12, 05:51 PM
#13
Driver
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so basically you are trying to save $1000, and risk destroying a perfectly good engine. I don't see the logic in this, drive around and worry in the back of your mind if and when your timing belt will snap. Then fork out at least another few grand for a motor, swap and the down time.
I've never seen a belt snap, and like I posted before, my belt had 190k on it and was visually next to new. I obviously can't say it wasn't stretched, because I'm sure it was out of spec.
All I'm saying is, I would bet you could change it around 120k and still be fine if your water pump isn't leaking like mine is.
08-14-12, 11:36 AM
#15
Lexus Test Driver
Listen we have the same exact car. same year, same model. Order the timing belt kit on eBay. it should come out to exactly $476. All oem Lexus parts might I add (Toyota). Same stuff. Free shipping. I will add the description exactly how it reads on my to watch list right after I post this. Anyhow, if you do that the dealer can only charge you like $550 tops. my dealer by my house only charging me $525 for the job assuming I bring in my own Lexus OEM parts.
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