how to check 98 LS timing belt condition?
12-02-12, 10:09 PM
#1
Pole Position
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Georgia
Posts: 251
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
how to check 98 LS timing belt condition?
I had been driving a lovely 98 ls 400 for the past 2,000 miles and 5 months and love it.
I bought her with 125,000 and now has 127,500 or so
No marks on if the TB has ever been changed and no way for me to find out from the old owner and the Lexus serial check offers nothing.
It's been in Ohio all it's life and I drive it easy.
How can I check visually to see the condition of the belt and if it's been changed?
don't really wanna pay $50 for a shop to tell me
I only plan to drive her another 4-5,000 miles so dumping money if not needed is always a thought.
I bought her with 125,000 and now has 127,500 or so
No marks on if the TB has ever been changed and no way for me to find out from the old owner and the Lexus serial check offers nothing.
It's been in Ohio all it's life and I drive it easy.
How can I check visually to see the condition of the belt and if it's been changed?
don't really wanna pay $50 for a shop to tell me
I only plan to drive her another 4-5,000 miles so dumping money if not needed is always a thought.
12-02-12, 11:24 PM
#2
There is really not a wayto check it visually. Most people follow the maintenece schedule. I have read about the belt goin 50k over, but I wouldnt push it that far. With your model if it breaks it could cause alot of damage.
12-02-12, 11:32 PM
#4
Lexus Champion
if you can do basic auto repairs, it is not that difficult to pull a cam cover and take a peek at the timing belt, though I doubt anyone is going to do it for only $50 - and if they don't do that, then they cannot tell you the condition of the timing belt.
you know, you can bring your VIN number to any Lexus dealership and they will print you out the complete service history for free!! (most LS400's on the road today have had all of their major maintenance, such as a timing belt, done at the dealership)
you know, you can bring your VIN number to any Lexus dealership and they will print you out the complete service history for free!! (most LS400's on the road today have had all of their major maintenance, such as a timing belt, done at the dealership)
12-04-12, 09:14 PM
#7
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: KY
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hello Patsum.... I live in Northern Kentucky... if you don't mind me asking what/where is the shop that has $50 labor rates? I would love to check them out if their reputable and trustworthy.. fill us in!
Trending Topics
12-05-12, 10:17 AM
#8
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I have my timing belt done next week, last time we removed some covers to get to the control arms (?? don't know the english word). we could see the belt and it still looked okay. last time in another car we also saw it and it was almost ripped apart, then you are really driving on the edge. if it still looks okay in the edges than you have less risk when you keep on driving for a little while.
and this timing belt was last replaced in 2002 with 150.000 km. now i have 278.000 and we are 10 years later.
undestructable toyota quality
i've read about people who still had the belt working after 200.000. but i'm not going to gamble that.
and this timing belt was last replaced in 2002 with 150.000 km. now i have 278.000 and we are 10 years later.
undestructable toyota quality
i've read about people who still had the belt working after 200.000. but i'm not going to gamble that.
12-05-12, 12:04 PM
#9
go to your local dealership and give them your VIN number. if the car was serviced it may be in the system.
to give you peace of mind, i ran to 130k before changing mine out. the belt was cracking but i didn't see it as being close to breaking. if you are going to drive her for only another 5k miles, i would save the money and have the next person worry about it.
to give you peace of mind, i ran to 130k before changing mine out. the belt was cracking but i didn't see it as being close to breaking. if you are going to drive her for only another 5k miles, i would save the money and have the next person worry about it.
12-05-12, 12:34 PM
#10
Pole Position
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 242
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
if you have a shop that works for $50/hr, have it done. having had it done recently will significantly increase the value of the car, because anyone looking for an ls will probably be asking about the tb/wp. if it goes on you, not only will you be stranded in the ohio winter, but you'll have to get a used engine to replace the one thatt was trashed because of the broken belt.
12-05-12, 12:47 PM
#11
I have my timing belt done next week, last time we removed some covers to get to the control arms (?? don't know the english word). we could see the belt and it still looked okay. last time in another car we also saw it and it was almost ripped apart, then you are really driving on the edge. if it still looks okay in the edges than you have less risk when you keep on driving for a little while.
and this timing belt was last replaced in 2002 with 150.000 km. now i have 278.000 and we are 10 years later.
undestructable toyota quality i've read about people who still had the belt working after 200.000. but i'm not going to gamble that.
and this timing belt was last replaced in 2002 with 150.000 km. now i have 278.000 and we are 10 years later.
undestructable toyota quality
i've read about people who still had the belt working after 200.000. but i'm not going to gamble that.
12-06-12, 04:49 AM
#12
Driver School Candidate
Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
No! To get better to a piece of that control arm, you have to go through the hood. A piece of the engine had to go lose (so also spark plugs could be replaced) and you could see the timing belt. It is funny because another car we just replaced the timing belt and this one was double as wide 
12-06-12, 03:34 PM
#13
No! To get better to a piece of that control arm, you have to go through the hood. A piece of the engine had to go lose (so also spark plugs could be replaced) and you could see the timing belt. It is funny because another car we just replaced the timing belt and this one was double as wide
