Timing Belt Service 1998 Lexus Ls400
10-17-08, 11:37 AM
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Timing Belt Service 1998 Lexus Ls400
I have conflicting opinions by mechanics on what to use when doing the timing belt service for the 90,000 mile service. Some have suggested using some Lexus and some aftermarket parts and others said only Lexus. Any ideas? Anybody have an idea on how much parts should be for timing belt and water pump replacement?
10-17-08, 12:10 PM
#2
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In summer 2007, I paid right at $900, not including tax, for a timing belt replacement on my 2000 LS400 -- the service included replacing the serpentine belt, water pump, and a bunch of miscellaneous parts including gaskets, O rings, and idlers. $480 was for labor and $420 was for parts. Only OEM parts were used and the work was done by a former Lexus dealer mechanic at an indie repair shop.
The $900 price did not include the rest of the 90,000 mile service which was about $400 additional.
The $900 price did not include the rest of the 90,000 mile service which was about $400 additional.
10-17-08, 02:32 PM
#3
I have conflicting opinions by mechanics on what to use when doing the timing belt service for the 90,000 mile service. Some have suggested using some Lexus and some aftermarket parts and others said only Lexus. Any ideas? Anybody have an idea on how much parts should be for timing belt and water pump replacement?
To be honest, OEM parts can be had for much cheaper if you know where to look. Not to mention, I wouldn't trust an after market water pump, no matter how much anyone tried to convince me. Simply because if the pump was to seize and break the timing belt, the engine would be gone. So i think its best to at least buy an OEM belt and water pump.
Check out www.sewellpartsonline.com they have great prices. Be sure to use CL's discount code "CL911M" for an additional discount.
10-18-08, 12:24 PM
#5
10-19-08, 12:52 PM
#6
use ONLY LEXUS PARTS!!!!...IMO, i dont see why anyone should take the risk with aftermarket parts. you save a 20, 30, 40 dollars maybe and then something goes wrong, and you have to pay for labor to go back in there. you only have to go in there once every 90K, might as well do it right, everytime
10-19-08, 01:06 PM
#7
I agree with everyone else...use the Lexus parts. That is what I strongly suggest to my customers when doing repairs. I have had a lot of experiences in the past where aftermarket parts did not fit good, or look like nearly the quality of the OEM parts. You can get some rare situations where an aftermarket company makes the OEM part (like Gates belts makes a lot of timing belts for Hondas), but you have to have this knowledge which isnt too common and a lot of aftermarket parts people will use it as a line even if they dont know for sure!
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10-20-08, 08:39 PM
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Went on trademotion site and it looks like a timing belt, water pump, and sepertine belt all Lexus is around $174.67. In anyone's experience are any other parts needed to do the service? The trademotion guy says the timing belt and water pump is usually all that is replaced unless the seals are leaking.
10-21-08, 07:09 AM
#10
OEM parts can be bought online via Carson Toyota and Sewell Lexus - just call and mention Club Lexus.
Good point(s) about aftermarket parts failing and then labor must be paid again.
Good point(s) about aftermarket parts failing and then labor must be paid again.
Last edited by steveski; 10-21-08 at 07:22 AM.
10-21-08, 12:58 PM
#12
i know exactly what you are saying, however, i think that on a car that is built/designed and run for ever, why not put the parts that were designed for each other back on? I had a mechanic tell me it's like dropping dollars while trying to pick up a dime; or another one is, why take a shower and put dirty clothes back on.
10-23-08, 01:21 AM
#14
Lexus Champion
I agree with everyone else...use the Lexus parts. That is what I strongly suggest to my customers when doing repairs. I have had a lot of experiences in the past where aftermarket parts did not fit good, or look like nearly the quality of the OEM parts. You can get some rare situations where an aftermarket company makes the OEM part (like Gates belts makes a lot of timing belts for Hondas), but you have to have this knowledge which isnt too common and a lot of aftermarket parts people will use it as a line even if they dont know for sure!
10-23-08, 08:09 AM
#15
For something so vital to the engine of your car, not to mention the headache it is to get access to the area, I would only use the OEM parts specified for your car. As RA40 has stated, for the non critical stuff,, aftermarket is fine, but for this being critical OEM all the way.