e-man

Hey guys. I know there is a lot of discussion out there about this, and threads like this one usually end up with comments "no, but why chance it". That's not the point of this thread.

I have a 2006 GS430 (built in April 2005) with 96,000 miles. I have performed all 90k maintenance except for the timing belt service. At my last service visit 1,000 miles ago, my dealer told me that while the recommendation is to replace it at 6 years or 90k miles, whichever comes first, the truth is that I have some time and really have nothing to worry about. They said if I changed it at 100k, that would be fine.

So my question is, have you or anyone you know had a timing belt break on them on an interference engine and, if so, at what mileage? It would also be helpful to know the general climate conditions in which the car lived its life to that point (e.g., desert, tropical, midwestern, arctic, etc.).

Thanks in advance.

e

TaninAuto

I have 120k on my 04 LS on the original belt. Been lazy, but all is well!

Gotcha350

I've heard the risk is larger in cold climate areas...but I don't have any experiences with them breaking on any of my vehicles...I change mine every 7 yrs regardless of miles...

dadoody

iTrader: (1)

Southern California driver. Car is currently @ 120k. I replaced the timing belt @ 90k per the book. Mechanic showed me the belt and kit, and it could have easily gone another 30k. It looked great; however, i wasn't willing to risk it, because v8 gs lexus engines are interference and it'd be much much more expensive if it did snap.

worker

did mine a bit over 100k. I was told the old belt wasn't in good condition. But I've never heard anyone's belt snap on them.

I agree, cold weather probably worse for the timing belt. Engine run hot and cool down to below zero and back up again.

Gotcha350

I would be more afraid of the tensioner giving out than the belt...

But I would make the decision on the area you live and your driving style...

But like someone else mentioned...to me it's not worth the risk of taking it too far...not worth having to replace the engine...

Nixsun79

When I lived in NH a friend of mine had their belt go out. I do not recall the mileage as this was many years ago. NH is very cold.

All I can say is the car never ran right again after the belt broke. He had to have extensive engine repair and spent thousands, and it just was never the same. It could have been a bad mechanic, who knows. I wouldn't risk it at all.

COOLIS

My family has owned numerous Lexus' since the early 90's, and a timing belt did once break on my parents 1994 LS400. My brother was driving the car at the time and quickly pulled over. Luckily the belt breaking didn't cause any damage. The ironic thing was the timing belt was changed around 2001 at 70K miles and the replacement belt broke around 2006 at 100K miles. Lexus didn't honor any sort of warranty, even though the belt only had about 30K miles on it.

My moms 1992 SC400 didn't have the original belt changed until 2010 and 113K miles. My 2002 GS430 had the original belt changed in 2012 at 150K miles. Neither car ever had any issue. On the V6 model Lexus' my family has owned, the timing belt was always done between 60K-70K miles. Not sure why it was done earlier, but that's what was recommended.

We live in coastal Southern California, so the climate is mild. All our cars are driven in varying situations (City, Freeway and the notorious CA traffic).

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

If your water pump seizes bye bye belt bye bye valves. The 94 ls did not get damage because the older engines were non interference

e-man

Hey guys. OP here. I had my timing belt changed at Lexus this week, picked up the car today. 2006 GS 430, built April 2005, about to turn 100k miles.

I asked my service advisor to save the original belt for me so I could look at it. Honestly, it looked brand new. No wear, stress cracks, nada. I know you can't take a chance with these things, but I would assume the car could have gone at least another 50k miles without any issues.

In all fairness, my car has led a very stress free Midwestern life. It's been adult driven by 2 owners, always garaged at home and ar work, and mostly highway miles.

Anyway, I won't even think of changing it again for another 100k miles.

e

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

It a not the belt you need to worry about its the water pump and tensioner seizing you need to worry about. The belt can be brand new and if the tensioner or water pump seize the belt and your engine will be destroyed. I hope you put a new tensioner and water pump when you changed your belt.

e-man

Water pump yes. Tensioner no. Lexus dealership never mentioned anything about the tensioner. Should I be concerned?

sam12345

iTrader: (1)

Yes I would ask the dealer if they changed it. Most likely they did it would be irresponsible not to but confirm and if they did not insist they do for free or have them sign a legal document that if the belt fails due to tensioner failure they are liable. When you buy the belt kit it comes with a new tensioner


This 2006 Lexus GS430 Timing Belt Kit from BuyAutoParts.com is made with the highest quality and will ship within one business day. This is a Timing Belt Kit with Tensioner and Water Pump and fits Timing Belt - Pulley and Water Pump Kit - All Models.

Kit Contains Timing Belt, Tensioner Pulley, Idler Pulley, Water Pump with Gasket and Hydraulic Damper

e-man

Okay, thanks. I'll ask the question and will report back. I'll also check my invoice and I'll see if it mentions it. Thanks again.

e

e-man

Just checked the invoice. 4 entries -- labor, timing belt, water pump and coolant. No tensioner. I'm not a mechanic. I have all my service done at the dealership. It was time to replace the timing belt, they recommended then water pump, I agreed, and that was it.

Does anyone know if Lexus standards recommend replacing the tensioner with the timing belt?