cjrosen

My mechanic is recommending timing belt change for my 2002 RX300 with 53,000 miles. I thought this was to be done at 90,000? Thoughts?

salimshah

The belt replacement is recommended based on milage and time.

My personal advice would be do it based on milage. Unless there are other issues like ideler is squeeling or water-pump [You are opening it up and might as well change the belt earlier].

That said, please dont blame me if the belt breaks due to age and not milage.


Salim

cjrosen

Thanks, Salim. The car is driven only around town, on surface streets, and at about 3,000 miles a year these days. Does the fact that I live in the desert impact anything? The car is always garaged when not in use. Mechanic said his recommendation was based on age, obviously, but I wonder . . . .

salimshah

My answer is still the same .. change at 90k (provided you you have no reason to get in there).

I would take that risk, but the risk is there ... even though it is low. If the odds make you uncomfortable, then get it done ... I would not.

Salim

ownpace

Isn't the timing belt of the "non-interference" kind, so even if it breaks there'll be no engine damage and it will just mean you're stranded (which obviously can be a big "just" depending on where you live/drive)?

Lexmex

It's interference. We had some confusion a few years ago about this. That belt can go more than 90K and a lot of people who have had it changed later say it looks good, but again, I had mine changed just before than interval and I would tell you the same thing, get it changed.

salimshah

Hi Ron:

Is your recommendation to wait for 90k or change based on time?

Salim

Lexmex

Mileage. The only thing that might affect this otherwise is the type of use. However, even with all the abuse I put my truck through, it was still done by 90K.