AgileLS430

I recently purchased a 2006 ML LS430 with 61k miles. The timing belt has not yet been done or the water pump from what I can tell or along with the transmission fluid.

Question is would you guys recommend replacing the timing belt and water pump at this point of time since the vehicle is 10 years old? or would you wait until the 90k miles mark?

jimbosr1

i would have the belt and water pump done.if not for piece of mind alone.
if belt were to break, engine shot.
i have 44k miles on my timing belt on my 93 sc400 and 12 years,however if that belt were to break no damage will be done to the engine.

AgileLS430

Yea, I feel like doing it for peace of mind. I am just wondering if I can get away with another 6-8 months until I collect other parts so that I can just get everything done all at once at the shop. Tbelt, Waterpump, tune up, tfluid change, coilovers and a few other things rather than multiple trips to the shop.

XJSFan

The timing belt will be fine as long as the water pump does not spring a leak. If there are zero signs of coolant leak at the pump, I would wait on doing the TB. You could go in to a Toyota dealer and have them do a coolant change. Personally I would only be concerned with the coolant getting replaced... I just did the TB and pump change on my 2006 LS 430 4 months ago at 86K miles and the mechanic said the timing belt looked like new and the pump was really clean. My only concern was really the additives in the coolant wearing down over 10 years...

sushiboiii

iTrader: (1)

toyota recommends 90,000 miles or 7 years so its really up to you.

mekelly

I had mine changed on my 2002 LS430 at 123,000 miles. It was 10 years old at the time. The belt looked almost brand new as well as the water pump.

I think you can definitely wait on getting it done, however the risk is great if it breaks!

The decision is yours but I think your early on this one.

Bocatrip

A friend of mine who worked at Lexus for many years owns a 2001 LS430 with 146,000 miles. It has the original timing belt and water pump. He is not planning on replacing either soon as he plans on selling the car. Encouraging to say the least as most who do replace both at the recommended 90K usually comment that the belt looks new.

bmore430

I would wait personally. I have 90k on my 2005 and dont plan on doing the belt til at least 100-120k miles.

My manager at work has a 2003 LS430 with almost 200k miles on the original belt and waterpump with no issues.

Every toyota tech ive spoken with said wait til 150k unless you notice any leaks.

Bocatrip

That is what I like to hear as I happen to have an original water pump at 124,000 miles. Yes, I do happen to agree that 90K is way to early to do a timing belt as these belts are extremely durable and 90K is 1/2 the mileage that Toyota believes is the life span of the belts. However policy dictates when they recommend replacement.

911LE

Higher mileage belts "look new" until you compare them to a new one. My 112k mile belt looked great but when I held it and the new one together the difference was obvious. The old belt was considerably thinner. Remember these belts wear on both sides (teeth on the cams and crank, smooth side on the water pump and idlers). These belts run in a protected environment so they will look new right up until they break.
Another thing to keep in mind is that timing belt failure isn't always just a belt failure. An idler bearing, water pump issue, or leaking cam seals can also cause a failure. One of my idlers was quite noisy at 112k.

AandSC

Another data point to offer. My belt was 16 years old and had 45,000 miles when I changed it.

XJSFan

Just keep an eye on the water pump for signs of any gasket seeping/leaks. If the pump fails, then your belt will also....