GS430 Timing belt service - what to replace?
10-21-09, 10:17 AM
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GS430 Timing belt service - what to replace?
I have seen prior discussions on this topic, but have come across a bit of a surprise from my mechanic, so wanted to get your feedback.
He recommends replacing only the following parts for a timing belt service at 90K:
Timing Belt
Serpentine Belt
Water pump
And then of course he'd flush the coolant.
I asked him about replacing the idlers and the tensioner, and he was adamant that that is a waste of $130. He said he'd definitely replace these at the 180K timing belt service, but not at 90K.
Oh, and he wants about $920 for this, which seems kinda high to me (I have quotes from other independent mechanics for closer to $800, including the idlers and tensioner).
Any thoughts on this, especially replacing the idlers and tensioner?
Leon
He recommends replacing only the following parts for a timing belt service at 90K:
Timing Belt
Serpentine Belt
Water pump
And then of course he'd flush the coolant.
I asked him about replacing the idlers and the tensioner, and he was adamant that that is a waste of $130. He said he'd definitely replace these at the 180K timing belt service, but not at 90K.
Oh, and he wants about $920 for this, which seems kinda high to me (I have quotes from other independent mechanics for closer to $800, including the idlers and tensioner).
Any thoughts on this, especially replacing the idlers and tensioner?
Leon
Last edited by lyonkster; 10-21-09 at 02:05 PM.
10-21-09, 10:36 AM
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I had recently replace my Serpentine belt but hadn't done the waterpump, or T/belt yet. Well do that soon though...had 106k miles now. $900 is kinda high..is that include parts and labor..I suggest that find another shop that willing to do if for cheap..Good for me is that I work at the dealer so I can get my tech to do them with a case of beers...lol...
10-21-09, 10:37 AM
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Getting mine done tomorrow. All New oem waterpump,timing belt,idler 1 & 2 pulley,belt tensioner,thermostat & seal & new coolant w/labor & tax is $952.12. $85 extra for alignment and balance.
10-21-09, 02:05 PM
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Thanks guys... One thing I was hoping to get feedback on is whether you all agree with his assessment that idlers and tensioner do not need to be replaced at this point, but can wait to 180K. It seems silly to try to save the $130 now and have them go bad in 2 years. But if indeed no one has ever seen one fail, maybe it's OK?
10-21-09, 02:13 PM
#7
Change it. If you do decide to change it before 180K but after 90k, the labor involved is still intense. Definitely won't be $40 or anything like that. So do it now.
I just pulled the idler gear and tensioner pulley off an ES330 with 100k because the previous shop that did the 90k service didn't replace them. The tensioner pulley was okay, but the idler puller started to sound gritty and it didn't spin as smoothly.
BTW, you can get both pulleys for $70 shipped if you buy Koyo. You might as well replace them.
I just pulled the idler gear and tensioner pulley off an ES330 with 100k because the previous shop that did the 90k service didn't replace them. The tensioner pulley was okay, but the idler puller started to sound gritty and it didn't spin as smoothly.
BTW, you can get both pulleys for $70 shipped if you buy Koyo. You might as well replace them.
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10-21-09, 04:43 PM
#9
Joel, the idler for the serpentine is one thing (easy to replace if you can turn a wrench), but the idler pulley for the timing belt is a different thing. It's one of the thing that I would DEFINITELY replace as precaution. Make sure you get it done when you get your car in for the 90k. 
10-22-09, 10:51 AM
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Well, after talking to local shops and reading here, I am most likely going to do the work myself. Not so much to save the $$$, but because it looks like a fun weekend project and I like working on this car. And then I can be sure all the parts are replaced that need ot be replaced.
One thing I haven't resolved yet is do people replace the whole idler(s), or just the bearings? Some shops specifically said they replace idler bearings, while others said idlers.
Leon
One thing I haven't resolved yet is do people replace the whole idler(s), or just the bearings? Some shops specifically said they replace idler bearings, while others said idlers.
Leon
10-22-09, 11:12 AM
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That's what I thought, except the way they said "idler bearings" implied that they replace the bearings in the idler, but reuse the body of the idler. But looking at the pictures, it looks like the "idler" is essenitally nothing more than a bearing.
Last edited by lyonkster; 10-22-09 at 11:18 AM.
