SynicalVip

iTrader: (2)

So for the first time I look up my service history on my ls400 and I did not see the 90k service have been done it only showed up til 45k then the rest was just minor fix, oil change etc. My question is, Ive been reading/lurking on here and timing belt usually are change at 90k or so, so was wondering how important is it to get it done at 90k? If do replace it what else should I replace while I'm there and what to look for?

cobalt91

I would say pretty important. Depending on year, if it breaks it could cause major damage if it breaks. Its been discussed alot. Should show up in a search.

SynicalVip

iTrader: (2)

Its a 98 with 142k now

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Since you have the interference engine I would say that you are really pushing the limits. They are not known to break but if you don't replace the timing belt it will eventually break and send a piston(s) crashing into some valves. Kiss your engine goodbye. I would really drive her easy until you can get the service done. If you order the parts yourself you are looking at about a grand total. They sell packages on eBay and RockAuto that are OEM. Labor is the biggest hit.

AISIN Part # TKT021 With water pump and hydraulic tensioner is only $192.00 You should also do the thermostat, ETC, need coolant, spark plugs, and I am sure there are a few other things that I am forgetting.

RA40

iTrader: (6)

This would be a critical maintenance routine if you desire to keep the car. If not, when the belt breaks or water pump seizes, you'll have an excuse for a replacement car. Or a good excuse to rebuild the engine if DIY.

SynicalVip

iTrader: (2)

As I was searching earlier just to get prices on parts etc I found some that was as ls400 timing built kit and all the products are by Bando, Contitech, Mitsuboshi, GMB, Koyo, NTN, NSK, NPW, Paraut, Aisin which is what they listed. And this is what it includes timing belt, water pump, thermostat and gasket, automatic tension adjuster, timing belt tensioner, timing belt idler, one accessory drive belt, front crank and camshaft seals, is there anything else I would need to replace besides what's listed? As for the spark plugs, coolant etc that I can probably hold off til after the timing belt stuff been taken care of, which to me is more important

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

please search.

you don't do cam seals on '98+ LS400s since it requires removal of the cams unlike earlier models. Buying an OEM timing belt makes lining everything up a LOT easier as they're marked for the pulleys.

Keep in mind that just because the service isnt in your Lexus service history doesnt mean it wasn't done, as it could have (and often is) done at an independent mechanic. Look through service receipts if your car came with them. If it didn't, look under the hood and look for a sticker somewhere that says when it was done. if that isn't there you can always pull the timing belt cover and try to read the year printed on some belts.

then again, If it was my car, i'd do it now just to be safe >.>

SynicalVip

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for all the input guys!! Much appreciated. Pure drifter I look and did not see any sticker, n as u say I think I am just going to go ahead and change it. Now what else should I change, I'm thinking of getting the timing belt kit but still gotta look where to find the best price, any suggestion? I'm going all OEM

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

AISIN Part # TKT021 is OEM. RockAuto had the best price I can find. Ainsin also makes the Celsior's tranny and probably many other parts.

SynicalVip

iTrader: (2)

Okay I'll check it out! Do they have it as a timing belt kit?

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Yeah, just go to RockAuto.com and navigate through to your car, then select engine - timing...

SynicalVip

iTrader: (2)

Thanks! Seen it a lot cheaper on eBay same brand and everything complete with water pump belt, tensioner, idler etc but don't know if I should trust eBay on this, only one I see complete kit on rockauto is acdelco and the other brand name

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

im not an ACDelco fan, they're a reboxer.

You would need Timing belt, idlers, tensioner, crank seal, and water pump+gasket to do it properly.

SynicalVip

iTrader: (2)

I wanna stay OEM or something as close to OEM as possible so everything will just bolt right up line right up. Something that is known to work well and wanna do this job right the first time

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

+1 You said you want OEM so go with the OEM Kit, which is TKT021 and includes AISIN Water Pump, KOYO Idler Bearing, KOYO Tensioner Bearing, NTN Hydraulic Tensioner, Mitsuboshi Timing Belt. All you need to get is the crank seal separately. $192 is not expensive for OEM parts. Just go to the dealer and get a quote....

Edit: ebay has the kit for $179....