DanielG

My Rx300 (year 2000 with less than 42k miles -- my cpo warranty runs out in February) is in to have an o2 sensor replaced. They noted that its 6 years old and that it should have the timing belt changed -- cost $525.00 -- ouch. 2 weeks ago we did the 60k 48 mth service -- I'm sure they didn't mention this at that time because they figure you can only take so many $500 or $1000 hits at a time!.

Does anyone know the typical cost to replace the belt at an indy or a Toyota dealership shop?

mikey00

Toyota dealer just did mine for $339. ($399 regular price - 15% coupon)

Fern

Just sent email to Toyota Canada with technical question on 1MZ-FE regarding interference issue.

Anticipate response next week... will post once received.

Interesting tho, how the website from Gates originally indicated that engine to be non interference and not it is interference.

Fern

Toyota Canada's response to my email:

"Thank you for your recent correspondence.

Please be assured that it is our goal to assist our customers whenever
possible; however, our Customer Interaction Centre is not equipped to provide
the technical information that you require. We suggest that you discuss your
inquiry with the Service Department at a Toyota dealership. They would be in
the best position to advise you in this regard.

Thank you again for taking the time to contact us.

Sincerely,

Ryan Michaud
Toyota Canada Inc. "

Not much help,
maybe someone else can clarify this next time there at Lexus for maintenance, the NON DIYers that is...

Scott1258

Just to let all of you know I decided to have the timing belt changed when I had the 120,000 mile service done on the car.

The RX had 124,000 miles on it and my mechanic told me after he changed the belt that he thought it may have gone another 5 to 10,000 miles before it broke. He said it definately needed to be changed.

My thinking on this is -- if toyota recommends it to be changed at 90,000 they are not going to build belts that break right at that mileage - they are going to build some overage into it. So, in my case it looks like they probably built an extra 30,000 miles into the belts. I got away with it!!! YMMV

We put alot of miles on the RX and this is a different situation than someone who only drives it a little and years go buy. I would say in that situation the number of years will be a factor and not to wait too long. No one wants to be stranded. Just my 2 cents ...

Happy New year all!

DanielG

When I spoke with Lexus service department (Highland Park, Illinois) -- they told me that it was a non-interference belt. They noted that even with such a situation a breaking belt can still cause some damage to the engine. My RX is at just under 42k miles but is a year 2000 model.

We put so few mile on our cars that our maintenance is based on age more than miles. I will have the belt replaced sooner than later -- it is worth it to me to know that my family will not be stranded.

Having said that, I don't have a problem having someone other than Lexus replace the belt -- I will see what Toyota charges to do it. When I had the brakes serviced I found that Lexus charged only slightly more than an independent -- so Lexus got the job.

Lexmex

My uncle and I easily took off the belts on a 1MZFE Camry without problem in order to compare pulleys with the RX (I am getting the URD pulley). I can't imagine it can be that tough.

Grumpa72

No experience on my '05 yet but if Honda products are any example, they require the removal of half of the components on the engine. On my 93 Acura Legend, it requires a special pulley puller (about $60 shipped) and a long weekend. The dealer wanted a bit over $700 for this job. I would guess Lexus would cost more. My Lexus dealer wanted $150 for an oil/filter change and a tire rotation. I now do mine at home.

Gary

schouse13

Does anyome know the part numbers for the timing belt and water pump? I would like to order them and take with me to the Toyota dealer when the time comes.

mikey00

Here is a link to the WP and timing belt from Park Place Lexus online catalog complete with prices. However I question the logic of your method. These parts are the same for Toyota as Lexus so they have them in stock. Why not have them supply them? I am not sure if they will even want to do the job if you bring your own parts, but lets say they do. Any problems will most likely be blamed on the parts and you will pay additional labor for removal and re-installation plus having to return the part and convince them of the problem which they will most likely blame on installation. Also additional small parts may be required like timing belt idler. I would let them supply the parts and be completely responsible for the whole job.
http://www.trademotion.com/shoppingc...6catalogid%3D2