Lexxxus330

Hi guys, sorry, may be this thread already exists, but I did not find it concediring only the timing belt.
I have the Lexus RX 330, 2 generation, which was produce I guess in September 2003, because it was delivered to the Lexus dealer September 17th 2003 and sold this date. The car now has 76.000 miles. I bought it when it had 65.000 miles. I checked the miles on My lexus Service history.
The maintenance says that the timing belt should be changed 72 month or 90.000miles. So the car now has 7 years (84 month). Is it so neccasary to change it now? Or I can wait 2 - 3 years more and for example until 100.000miles. I drive around 10.000 miles per year.
Here in Europe, where the car was brought and sold after the US the Lexus services are not good and very expensive. So until it works good, I don't want anyone to touch my engine.
After I changed the timinig belt on my Honda Prelude 1998 2.2 VTEC VTi with the water pump the problems started. So I don't trust now to any mechanic, because what was made on original fabric can not be replaced that well.

Also sometimes I got some strange sound from the front chassis when parking, or drive slowly thru some barier. It sounds like a click, when braking some metal (copper) stick. It could be stabilizer, axle, rubber bands ???

Because of a lot of toppics about transmission. It does not also shift well, make this puping sound whne just very slightly push the gas pedal. But I used to it, and until it works, it is OK.

salimshah

I would vote for wait till you get to 90K miles. But keep in mind, it is just a suggestion and that is what I would do if I were you. What I am trying to say is that I am willing to risk and be that the belt will not break. Lexus recommendation is based on time as well.


For other stuff, you dont need a Lexus dealership/mechanic. Look for a competent mechanic in your area.

Salim

Dodoma

I have seen some owners changing timing belt over 120k miles. See the condition of the belt first. If it has no cracks and stress marks, you may wait beyond the recommended interval of 90k.

JForce

I changed mine at just over 100k. Unless you hear weird noises I would wait.

Lexxxus330

Thanx I just have 77.000 miles now, and it is OK, just changing oil every 10.000miles in non Lexus workshop. So want to wait until 100.000miles to change it. When they change the belt do they change the water pump?
Also I hear some weared sounds from engine, but only 3 times, when it was cold, and I started to drive with not warmed upo engine.
I sounded like diesel detonation, on low rev. The sound like - tra ta ta.
But it was just for couple seconds.
Could it be the belt?

mandyfig

Belt issue will not give you tra-ta-ta.

What oil do you use? Every 10K oil change seems stretching it. If you were using synthetic oil, you can go up to 8K per change. If using dino oil, limit it to 5K miles.

Lexxxus330

I use the oil which is written on the cover of oil top so 5w-30 castrol edge full syntettic, here in Europe the minimal change is 10.000km, some other car has up to 30.000miles to one oil change.
But I just have sold the car. I will miss Lexus. Now wll try Mercedes CLS 63 AMG