Bhubb18

Hey guys.

Recently bought my 97 GS300, with 75k miles. Replaced the LBJs cause they were pretty well gone, but there's another noise. It sounds like it's coming from the water pump area, so I'm assuming the bearings have given up. The timing belt was done at 90kms / 60k(ish) miles, so I'd like to avoid redoing that, but it looks like theres no other options?

Is it at all possible to replace the water pump without touching the timing belt?

Polkatulk

The timing belt has nothing to do with the water pump.
Remove the belt for the pump (and other things)and listen if the noise is still there.

Bhubb18

Oh, I YouTubed a video and it said the timing belt needed to be done too.

Any diys out there? Everything seems to be doing the timing belt.

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

When servicing the Timing Belt (replacing) its advised to do the water pump since your already there and have it off... Killing two birds with one stone... the water pump can be done separately...

Bhubb18

Ah okay, thats good, means I should be able to do this at home rather than taking it to a shop

maxx430

i came across a DIY on youtube a while back. I think it was for a different car but with the same engine.

Bhubb18

Looking at this pic it looks like the timing belt will have to be moved to remove the water pump? I ordered it, just waiting for it to come, now.

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

Rarely does a timing belt break on its own in these cars usually the water pump seizes and that makes the timing belt break. The other thin that seizes are the idler an tension pulleys. If they were not changed when they did your timing belt I would change them also.

Sorry I was thinking gs400 but if that pulley the belt runs on was not changed I would change it

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

that pics looks so much easier than the GS400.... thought i would add to this.. I got two quotes yesterday from two local lexus dealers and one was $1020 for timing belt, water pump, and all front seals... i didn't think that was to bad.. Now listen to this quote....$1435 for timing belt alone and $580 for water pump and front seals...There already there with the timing belt... an extra $580??

keep in mind this is from two Lexus dealers...with two totally different prices..