LScowboyLS

Keep in mind that a timing belt, like many other components, ages with both mileage and time. So two identical timing belts might last 50K difference in miles if one is 4 years old and the other identical belt is 14 years old.

So when you are deciding when to replace your timing belt, please factor in age as well as mileage! - for example, a 90K service interval is based on the belt being ~6 years old - if it is 15 years old, then I wouldn't wait that long, perhaps a better recommendation would be 90K or 6 years, whichever comes first!

Some LS430's are now 13 years old, and some LS400's are now 24 years old!

Spydah

I'm looking forward to following your progress.

toddmorr

personally i don't plan on replacing my tb for another couple years, and mine is a '02 with 92k miles. Not too concerned about it actually. Think Toyota purposely set the spec conservatively, and secondly, I've yet to find anyone whose belt actually went at 90k and 6 yrs. As a matter of fact, you have to search pretty thoroughly on these boards to find folks whose belt broke at any point, let alone 95k for example.

LScowboyLS

the 92K doesn't concern me half as much as the 12 year old age does, but either way, it will eventually get replaced, I just hope it doesn't include some valves and pistons and other parts in the repair, due to procrastination!

Kansas

Jeez .. these threads **** me off. Can't we just end them? A Toyota/Lexus timing belt breaking on its own due to wear or age is almost unheard of. They "fail" due to another component failing - usually the water pump, tensioner or an idler.

I'm not the only one I know of who has had a Lexus timing belt "fail" at a low mileage. The timing belt on my first LS400 was trashed in the mid 1990's when the water pump seized at about 75,000 miles since I bought the car new.

Don't focus on the timing belt. Be concerned with the parts most likely to fail.

username32

My LS430 just had its first timing belt done @ 134k and the belt removed looks almost new, i mean the rubber was slightly harder then the new one but all the teeth were intact and not worn, it was still quiet pliable and -looks- like it could of gone much longer. I can attest this was its first timing job because every nut and bolt had no markings frm ever being pryed open.

Natey2

My regular Toyota dealer/service place is trying to get me to replace my LS430 timing belt; around 90K miles. Interesting how they will bait you at a low price Timing Belt Service special, then hit you with additional parts and service *after* they take off the timing belt cover/assemby (for water pump, etc.)
I am expecting the usual, "Oh, it's a V-8, so there are additional charges" line.
Rotate your tires? Additional fees for V-8. Lol!

Is the 3UZ-FE engine used by any other Toyota vehicle?

My ES300 was totaled about 2 months after my 90K service (performed at the same place). The belt they removed looked excellent in condition. I guess I really should have delayed that complete 90K service :^)
The junkyard got a great working 1MZ-FE engine.

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jimbosr1

i always bring the parts to the dealer to install.labor only.
i would have the water pump replaced as they are right there anyway.i changed my water pump at 90k miles and it had dried pink coolant in the seal drain tube so it looked like the pump bearing seal was starting to fail.i also put in a new tensioner.
bring a water pump,and the timing belt and a tensioner and a gallon of toyota coolant.i paid $650 labor out the door at my local toyota dealer.

XJSFan

I have an 06 LS 430 and currently have 78K miles. Most likely I'll wait until I get close to 90K before I replace everything related to the timing belt.

Tom57

On the '01, replaced the timing belt and other internal components (tensioner, idlers, water pump) for the first time at 183K in 2012 > 11 years after the car was born. (Oil and filter changed religiously every 5K miles. Car not driven hard.) Timing belt "looked" to be in very good shape. After the job was completed though, the engine did run a bit more smoothly. Highly recommend replacing the thermostat ($16 part) when replacing the timing belt, et al. The thermostat has an internal rubber seal that deteriorates over time due to high temps and exposure to engine coolant. When (not if) that rubber seal cracks and doesn't seal completely, the engine runs cool, never getting up to correct operating temperature (180*).

dfkd

My 02 is at 235KM (140 miles).
Bought the parts and just haven't gotten off my butt to get the install done. Did it once before on my 94 and from what I'm seeing, it should be easier on the 3UZ.

I will admit that I'm scurrrd about it breaking, especially with the insane weather we have now in Toronto (windchill is -40 today: so cold that Celsius and Fahrenheit are the same) so I really should move on it.

What's the damage if it breaks? Financially that is. Anyone had that adventure?

Gene01

If it breaks, the valves run into the pistons with "expensive noises". It requires either a fairly major overhaul or probably a new/used engine. So the price varies from a few thousand to many thousand $ depending on how much work you want to do yourself, access to parts & labor, how soon you need to drive it, etc.

Natey2

The Toyota/Lexus 3UZ-FE is an interference engine with no broken belt clearance? That used to be a major criticism of Nissan engines.

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dfkd

When VVTi was implemented around 1999 the UZ engines became interference.

Gene01

Actually, the interference design started in the 1995 model year for LS400s.
Also, I think VVTi started with the 1998 model year.