robertf

I have seen one thread on this question but wanted any new feedback.

I have a 2006 LS 430 w/ just over 70K on it. I am planning on an extended trip (over 2K miles) and am considering replacing the timing belt & water pump replaced before the recommended 90K service. I have read that it should be replaced @ 90K or 6 years. I'm in Austin and concerned that the high heat climate warrants early replacement.

Any feedback, much appreciated.

SaleenS7

It's really up to you whether to do it now or around 90k miles. I have seen cars go well over 100k miles with the original belt. It's probably a good idea to replace the water pump and belt for peace of mind but my opinion is that you have nothing to worry about, yet.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Mileage is really the determining factor. 90k is also the safe mileage. The kit is exactly the same on the LS400 and there are plenty of cases of people going 150 to 200k on the same timing belt. But there have also been cases of people loosing the belt and destroying the engine. I would would not worry and do it when you hit 90 - 100k.

randal

Mileage. You are good to go for another 20k, Robert.

j stuff

iTrader: (5)

Youre seriously worrying over nothing. Wait till 90k at the earliest.

masboy

iTrader: (30)

robertf, let me guess...first Lexus, eh ?

my friend replace his lexus timing belt when it was 150K. I wouldn't recommend to push it that far but you have nothing to worry at that mileage.

toddmorr

mine is a '02 with 98k miles and i'm not the slightest bit worried about it. Will probably do it myself in a year or so.

Lex223

I just got my sister's '04 LS430 with 144,000 miles. The belt has never been done.

It actually looked pretty good. But, I felt it was like driving a time bomb. So, I got the timing belt service (water pump and new plugs too) done at Toyota for about HALF of what Lexus wanted.

OP- Take your trip...you should be good to go. If it makes you feel better, look at the belt and inspect for cracks, etc.

bmore430

I'd save your money and wait til 90-100k. My friend was a Toyota tech a few years back and told me recently even that is too early and if it was his car he'd stretch waiting til 125k to replace the belt, seals, plugs, tensioners, water pump etc all in one shot. I'm still going to do mine at 100k but his advice made me feel better.

DavidinCT

I did mine on my first one on my 430 at 115K....My car has 174K on it, I figure I will wait till about 190-200K before doing it again....Unless I upgrade/sell/trade in before then.

Brewmyown

Nothing to worry about till 90K or so. As others said they "can" last much longer but if you can do the work yourself (when the time comes) it costs less than $300 and its not a difficult job if you're mechanically inclined. I'll never understand why people push it into 100,000 or more. Even if you had to pay someone around $1,000 to do it, it beats about $5,000 for a new motor.

I just did mine and it took about 6 hours or so taking my time with the tunes on and a couple beer breaks. No special tools needed using the stater bump for the balancer bolt. I have the tool and still couldn't get it off so I thought what the hell. I was always leery to do it until I tried it. Takes only a second and its not dangerous if its set up right. Make sure the socket is snug, and the end of the handle is snug to the ground before bumping the starter. One quick blip of the starter and its off. I did use an impact to get it back on. Ive tightened several balancer bolts without the use of a torque wrench over the years and I have never had one come loose.

More than you asked for but.......................

Coulter

I don't think a warmer climate makes any difference, all of them are right next to a burning hot engine. It's made to have extreme heat.

I personally think you're wasting money doing it before 90k miles.

warminwisc

How many miles do you drive yur LS per year and how long do you plan on driving it? You will have to get it changed down the road and it is recommended. You tell me yur gonna drive it another 4 years I would say see if ya can swing a deal at the end of the month or so or if it is a haunt do it.

At 70k you prolly don't need to do tensioner, etc just water pump and belts. I get that done for $600 if it helps ya get all new radiator fluid.

BigBruiser

Had mine changed at 153k. Wasn't pushing it. Car had 121K when i got it and I began to get concerned when i could not find any evidence of a TB change. I do a lot of road miles and when i took it to Lexus the tech said it had never been changed.

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

I've seen a lot of belts with over 120k miles and they're still in good shape, nowhere near the end of their life. It gets hot in Austin, TX, but the temperature inside those cam gear covers probably get just as hot, if not hotter. Drive another 20k miles without fear.