deanbrown

Hello all, I do all the servicing for my 96 LS400, except I get the timing belt changed every 70K. Just wondering if they have to change the coolant, or any other fluids at the same time (in which case, I won't need to bother now)

Thanks!

Dean

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

Well, having replaced the water pump during the 90K service, they should have drain and refill the coolant?

If you had it done at the dealer, they should have drained and refilled it. It should be nice and red now.

I would also do the brake, and power steering fluid. Not to mention a drain and refill on the tranny.

However, every dealer goes differently about doing services. If you have the records, check the invoices, if you don’t, then ask for a print out from your local dealer of what’s been done to date.

deanbrown

The coolant was changed at 60K when I payed for a full service. Then, more recently, I just got the timing belt changed at 150K, but not the water pump. They told me that the water pumps were so reliable it was not worth me changing that if it was not giving me any problems.

GRAND_LS 4

iTrader: (2)

You prolly should change that coolent.... and damn, that was a quick response.

ychachad

No fluids are changed unless you request AND pay extra for them. However, if I were doing this myself, you HAVE to disconnect and remove the radiator while doing the timing belt, which means coolant has to be drained, and tranny fluid hoses from the radiator must be disconnected. I would change those fluids.

JBrady

Having just changed my timing belt I would suggest that you are wasting money changing earlier than 90k intervals. These belts and systems are very durable. Check out this thead.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=180136

I did NOT remove the radiator but did drain the coolant. If you change coolant be sure to use the Lexus/Toyota product. Without draining the block you only need 1 gallon.

I did not replace any pulleys or the water pump. Since I do my own work I will risk needing to re-do any work before another 90k.

deanbrown

Some of the lexus years are 90K, some are 60K, and mine is the latter. I thought I was pushing it at 70K!

I had a belt break on me once on a ford, so maybe I'm paranoid. Its only $500 for the belt if that's all they do, worth the peace of mind.

Dean

JBrady

Well, my previous car was a 1996 LS400 and the belt interval was 90k. Change it if you wish but it is NOT necessary at 60k.

qcruzer

I agree with "jbrady". I just changed my timing belt on my 91 LS400 and it was going on 110K miles. The belt that I removed actually looked pretty good, with no signs of cracking. I did remove the radiator, so it was easy to change the coolant at the same time. Although a little transmission fluid is lost, I didn't change that out....I saved that for another day.

ychachad

Absolutely correct.
My 92 has 220+K original miles and original belt.
Yes, I'd like to replace it, but the belt is fine, and the cost/trouble are not worth it.

Lexozz

Are you serious? How often do you drive it? I'm worried about my belt I have 231k+ on my 95 but it was changed at 102K. I have done an inspection and it looks fine to me no cracks. Are there any signs to warn you when the t/b needs changing?

damon

It has been said many times here that an actual timing belt break is exceedingly rare. In my case I decided on replacement when the fan bracket support bearing seized. Chances are something else in the chain goes before the belt be it a water pump, tensioner etc.

ychachad

my 92 is my daily driver. My workhorse. I have driven about 50k miles in th last 2-1/2 years. in snow, hot climates, hills, stop and go traffic, highway, you name it. she is awesome. If you see my response to other posts, you'll see, it is smoother than my 95, and also a Gen 3 that I rode in. Beats the heck out of me. Gen 1 is Awesome.
I have inspected my belt on many occasions. Yes it looks old, very old. but there is no reason to change it. I changed the belt on my 95, because I dumped a lot of cash into it and I want it to last. The 92, is a different story. She runs and runs like the devil, I redline her everyday. I fix her if I have to. If your belt shows no signs of wear, cracks, or damage, keep it and save the cash.

JBrady

Well, that is your choice, and the 90-94 is supposed to be non-interference unlike the 95+ engines. I personally think 90-100k MILES is a good interval as long as you run OEM belts and the rest of the parts are fine. On an interference engine (1995+) you do NOT want a cam drive failure.