rosieski

I have a 1998 LS400 with only 65,000 miles on it. Is it ok to wait until I reach 90k or should I replace it due to the years i service?

etex

Assuming you are not a heavy-footed driver, my suggestion would be to let it ride for another 25K miles. You will probably get different opinions on this.

williamb82

the recommended is 90k. i dont see why that would be a problem unless your hard on the engine. it wont hurt anything changing it now though. i recommend changing all the front seals when you do change it though. now or later.

rosieski

Thanks for your input!

deanshark

90k should be good, some have gone alot more but noone will recomend that b/c it is an interference engine. If the belt does snap, or slip, you WILL have major damage to your engine. As William said, make sure you change the seals. (Cams and crank) I didn't do mine last year when I changed the t-belt and now I'm back in there changing them.

Rollaboy

iTrader: (1)

williamb82, what front seals do you mean?

i will change my belt this summer so im listening in on this topic.

and what about bearings, which ones should be changed? i like to repairs myself and get the oem pars online through sewellparts so it would be the best to get everything ready so i dont miss out on anything.

rob22

There are a couple of idler pulleys and a tensioner that you'll want to replace. Of course you'll want to replace the water pump and there is at least one o-ring in there.

You'll want to work out a plan for breaking the crankshaft bolt loose...if I recall correctly there are 3 approaches: (1) special tool to hold the pulley, (2) bump the starter, (3) jam the flywheel. You should be able to search and find the details on these.

www.lexls.com has great details on this work, I think it's similar to the 98 model....?

williamb82

the crank seal and cam seals. as for the idler pullies, i dont change them unless they feel gritty when turning by hand. if they feel perfectly smooth i leave them. as for the water pump. well, i would pull it off and inspect the impeller. if its fine and the bearings feel good id put it back in without replacing. if the impeller is corroded, or the bearings fell gritty then id install a new one.

Fullmetal

keep and eye out for the water pump symptoms. This can cause the belt to wear.

You could also remove the timing belt covers to look at it if you like.

sdls

you can wait a few more years on that. CA weather is easy on timing belts and your miles are pretty darn low. you can go something like 130,000 on these timing belts without worry.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

the belts may last, but the water pump and idler pulley bearings are age sensitive. wouldn't hurt to pull the timing covers and check the belt for both wear and any signs of a failing bearings (ie-wear pattern).

sethjon

I agree. 90K is the normal change.

sethjon

Thats not actually correct. A timing belt can go at any time and the longer you wait the more at risk you are. Its a crap shoot and if you lose it will cost big bucks.

willhickey

iTrader: (1)

just look at the belt , if its not cracking your good... !

willhickey

iTrader: (1)

unless if you have the money just laying around id wait if the belt isnt cracked or glazed looking,my 97 camry i didnt change until 150k when its was finally starting to glaze not crack.. it was the original everything. opinions will varie but it really just depends on your financial situation and how it looks , im not looking at it in person so i cant be sure