kermitxc

My local toyota/lexus shop quoted $1.7k for timing belt service at 90k - he recommends replacing the cam seals (?) which adds the extra cost in labor - is it time to look for a new shop?

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

thats a bit high..

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

If it's your first service you don't need to replace the seals. Unless you believe they are in particularly bad condition. The 2nd major service it's smart to do the main seals. You should be closer to $1200 with parts.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...intenance.html

LexoRoller

I agree with Lavrishevo, My mechanic does it for $1100, and he is an a highly regarded mechanic in the area. At 180K do the seals. $1700 is too high, though the Lexus dealer in my area wants $2500.

Just look for a certified Toyota technician in your area (ask them are they Toyota certified). For a true certified tech, it is a laborious job but really not that difficult...

Galco

LexoRoller - see that you are in CA, are you also in LA area? If so, who is the mechanic you recommend?

fensterlip

My local independent shop was happy to do the job - and stand behind it for $850. When the CEL started coming on intermittently after the job he insisted on redoing the whole job. I was impressed. For $850 he replaced the timing belt as well as the water pump.
This job is worth shopping. This is not a difficult job for a good shop with knowledge and the right tools.

Stu

just had my timing belt, water pump, spark plugs and a transmission flush done at 101,000 miles. Done by a Toyota dealer in Toronto for $1,500 .... thought it was a fair price ..... Lexus wanted a LOT more.\
They gave me a brand new Corolla to drive. Nice car. I may buy one .... in 20 years, lol

jdotlim

iTrader: (1)

Hit up Rick at Sarno Motors in Huntington Beach, not sure if you're close. Very knowledgeable, and he's started working for "Lexus" when they first came to the states in '89. He knows his stuff, and will not charge your more than what you need done. Prices are very reasonable, but don't expect really really cheap prices. If I remember right, he charged around $800-$900 for a 90K service.

http://www.yelp.com/biz/sarno-motors-huntington-beach

robertf

I live in Austin and am considering doing the 90K service early (@80K) 2006 430. I have quote from a good shop I've used before to do the timing belt, water pump and related bearings for just over $800. It is close to a wholesale quote because he's a friend of the dealer I purchased the car from, but I would think at retail you should be able to get it done for around $1000.

doodoo

iTrader: (8)

You can probably get it done for around a 1000-1200 from an independent shop. I had bought my parts for 350 (more parts than recommended for 90k service) and my friend who works for the lexus dealership charged me 300 to change everything. So my total was 650 parts and labor.

LSBen

I just had the timing belt/waterpump service performed on my RX330 with 188k miles. I had it done a local San Francisco/Bay Area Toyota Indy shop for $750. Removed and replace timing belt, water pump, cam seals, crank seals, and drive belts. He says the tensioners are good for 2-3 changes so I didn't need that replaced. The shop rate is $90/hr and they charged me $405 for labor + parts. Compare that to Lexus hourly shop rates and prices. Also, he told me to come back in a month and he will retension the belts as they will stretch and become looser after they break in.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

I have never heard this before. Considering the Aisin kit comes with tensioners for just a little more money I would play it safe and have them replaced when doing the service. Maybe something is a little different on the RX330 but considering the cost I would recommend that you go ahead and do the tensioners each time. Loose a tenstioner, loose the timing belt, and probably loose the engine. Anyway, the price you paid is rather good, especially with the main seals. From what I understand, doing the main seals adds 2 - 4 hours in labor on a LS.

LSBen

I had asked him to replace the tensioners and the mechanic said he would check the condition of the bearings and fix them if there were problems but said they were usually good for 2-3 turns. It's the same engine in the Camry and it's primarily a Toyota shop so I trust he knows what he's doing, plus I like the fact that he's saving me money rather than overservicing my vehicle.

I think lexus vehicles are over serviced. For example, the recommended scheduled maintenance on my LS430 and RX330 for brake fluid and coolant changes are 30 k miles. On my Honda Odyssey and Scion XD, they are90k and 100k miles respectively. It's just a good way to keep the service department profitable, IMHO.

kermitxc

oh! good stuff - i'm in Austin myself, let me know which shop it please!

campisi

LSBen, which shop did you use? I'm in the South Bay and need to get this done on my '03 LS soon.