donmouton

Hi there,

Is changing the timing belt standard during a Lexus dealership's 90,000 mile service on a 2003 RX 300?

Also, does the 2003 RX 300 have an non-interference engine, meaning that a broken timing belt will not destroy the engine?

Many thanks !

habeeb89

iTrader: (3)

Every dealership is different, some do and some don't. I would def. double check before forking out $1k or so and finding out they did nothing but simple inspections.

As for the RX300's engine, it IS a interference engine, if the timing belt breaks, it WILL cause significant damage to the engine.

blueridge

I had Toyota change mine with the water pump at 109K. The belt looked great on the outside, not sure of what it looked like internally. A few people on here are waiting until 120K to change theirs.

Personally, I think 90K is too early. You should be able to get able to get a lot more out of it. I just reached my comfort level and had it changed.

On the interference question, I've been told it is and it isn't because of the variable timing of our engines, if the belt breaks at higher RPM it IS interference. If it breaks at low RPM, is is NOT interference. However, the likelihood of the belt breaking at low RPM is rare. So.....

donmouton

Thanks so much for the feedback.

I appreciate it.

Thanks again.

code58

The non VVT is non interference, That's why the 3.0 is most of the time listed as NI. The VVT engine may or may not be interference, as has been said, depending on where the cam phaser has the valves opening at the time of breakage. I asked the question on one of the Lexus forums recently if anyone had ever had a timing belt break. I'm not sure whether there were any that said they had, but seeing what that belt looks like at 90k mi., I can imagine the the Lexus timing belt mechanics would be as lonely as Maytag repairmen if it weren't for their 90k mi recommended replacement.

thomas1

This engine is a VVTi engine which from what I understand is interferance. 110k miles would probably be a safe time to change belt.

AlexusAnja

The belts are the standard 100K mile rated belts. Which means, the manufacturer (and Lexus) are pretty confident it will get to 100K nicely without issues. Once you got past that, then it's a gamble.

Inteference or not, do you really want your belt possibly breaking in the middle of the night, middle of nowhere, with no cell phone signal? I think not. Better safe than sorry because unlike a flat tire, you can't drive with no timing belt.

90K being careful. 100K on the money. 110K you're a risk taker. 120K+ you're a gambling man/woman !!!!

Heepspo

Im waiting until 120k. Should be fine....

lexus114

I`m waiting until 120,000 as well.

NOVARX300

I obviously have a low mileage RX300 since it's a 2003. I'm the second owner having bought it certified from a Lexus dealership back in 2006.

I recently moved and found an independent shop with fantastic reviews that specializes in Japanese cars. They've quoted $950 for the 90k service including changing the timing belt.

I'm definitely doing the timing belt because mine is 5 or 6 years older than most who were doing their 90k service on this forum. I don't want to risk major engine damage and the car is still in great shape. Aside from regular oil checks (use synthetic oil BTW), my only maintenance costs in nearly 10 years have been exhaust related, ball joints & sway bars, tires, brake pads and a battery. Not sure if it's been a major contributing factor but I'm someone who lets the engine warm up in every season - especially winter - so maybe that's helped reduce engine damage.

My question is if I plan to keep the car for another several years should I replace the water pump and thermostat too as a preventative measure and since my car is 12 years old. Are there other items you would consider too?

kasak

Changed the timing belt and water pump around 95k. Now its 157K. When should I change it again? I dunno if they put a lexus timing belt when they changed.

salimshah

Welcome to CL.

hmm! totally unnecessary [imho and per owner's manual].

To warm up faster, use the loss of energy in motion [putting it to good use] and help getting warmer quicker. You should keep the rpms below 3k till things warm-up.

I would say visit your Lexus dealership and make a print out of dealer ( and manufacturer .. they are different) recommended service. You are not obligated to get the service done by the dealership.

Salim

fastnoypi

its recommended to replace the waterpump during the timing belt service especially if there are signs of leaking. From the cost perspective, the timing belt assembly has to be removed to get to the waterpump anyway. The thermostat can be replaced at anytime but is typically a lifetime item unless an overheat situation occurred.