andyN

looking to get my timing belt and water pump replaced... any recommendation on replacement parts brand? or should i just go with Toyota original parts?

5W40

Happy with this kit

jhook

I went with OEM parts from eBay. Toyota brand. But you can use a Mitsuboshi timing belt with an Aisin water pump just the same. Toyota takes those parts and rebadges them with the Toyota name.

brianmch

I just bought an RX330 with 142K miles. The belt hasn't been changed so i'll do it. Got the car at a pretty good discount.

Lexus wants $550 for the belt and another $450 to do the water pump while they're in there. Which is crap as the water pump is $225 and 3 bolts. It has to come off when doing the Tbelt. If they'd do it for $800 total I'd pull the trigger but not $1,000.

Any DIY reports here? I've done some in the past and some are easier than others. '92 325I was kind of a PITA. Chrysler Minivan Definitely a PITA. Mitsubishi Diamante not too bad, except that my Dad/helper didn't get it fully seated then it sheared 2 days later and trashed the block.

rsen99

Check out this thread I started a few years ago for a 2004 RX330


https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...mp-change.html

rx330newb

Hi, I'm new to the Lexus world. Big fan of this already. I recently purchased a 2004 RX 330 with approximately 94,000 miles. My current concern is the timing belt service as I have no service record for it. I called a well regarded Japanese auto shop in my area and was quoted about $800-1,000 for replacement of the timing belt, water pump, hydraulic fluid (?) and one additional belt (I believe), and possibly a flush of an additional fluid (not transmission and not engine so I'm not sure what else it would be at this point). I was told it would be a two day job (ie drop off Monday morning and pick it up end of Tuesday). I should have taken better notes when I called. Side note, this Lexus originally came from San Antonio, Texas and now it's in Washington state. So I would be concerned that in the hot Texas weather the belt could have deteriorated over the last 10-11 years.

Do you think that the quote of $800-$1,000 is fair? Many thanks!!

mandyfig

$800 is a fair deal assuming the components are OEM, Japanese parts, like Aisin etc. Hydraulic fluid...that's questionable, does it mean oil and tranny. too? Doubt it. Ask again.

However the spread of 800 to 1000 is a bit dubious, that a 25% increase.

Lexusfixer

In all my years working for Lexus I never worked on a car that the timing belt failed all by itself. In most cases a leaking water pump took out the bearing on the idler pulley or the bearing itself just failed. Never and I mean never ever did I see the belt fail on its own. Now with that said, I am not saying that you don't need to replace it, just don't let a service tech scare you into thinking that it is going to break at exactly 60 or 90 or 120K because that is pure BS.


I will tell you that if you do plan to change the timing belt, play it safe and buy a new idler and tensioner assy and if a water pump is in the picture replace it as well along with the front crank seal and the crank bolt as it can stretch after first install from the factory, measure new vs old you will see.


While the balancer is off inspect the key way, if you see that any part of the key way is not square and has a rounded edge you better replace it and the key on the crank and inspect the rubber isolator for cracking or a future repair may be much more expensive than you ever imagined. As a side note I have only seen this on cars that had the timing belt replaced prior or the balancer removed, this is why I always replace the crank bolt and add blue thread locker and torque to spec with the correct balancer holding tool and a torque wrench and not an impact gun like I see so many knuckle heads doing.


Whatever you do, don't panic because you are 1 mile from replacement interval, price out the parts and replacement estimate, cut back you Starbucks consumption and start saving to have the job done. Don't let the tech scare you into doing something that doesn't need to be done at the moment.


If you have a car with a manual trans and you are beating the snot out of it, I would be watching the belt much closer if your a high rpm clutch dumper.

ebear695

+1 to what Lexusfixer said. I have my 05 330's belt, pump, term and all the related parts replaced at 110,000, belt was pristine, but the piece of mind was priceless. At 20,000 miles past req replacement in SoCal and my plans to keep this veh for many years, the maintenance was money well spent for me. $1000 for the repair at a very good indi located in Monrovia, Ca, Steve is the owner, he has earned my business and trust for important work and knowledge on both of my Lexus. I had est as high as 1600-1800 at other indi's and the dealer. Like to know what Lexus dealer will do a tb for $600. I think thats a hook to get you in and then charge you up!

brianmch

Thx for the link! It's been pretty hectic round here and I've pretty much parked it till I get it done. This link/thread you provided is invaluable. Esp the tool hint!

LYVEWIRE

I too have over 200K and have noticed a few things. When it rains it squeals, when I accelerate there is a chirping noise coming from inside the hood, (sounds like a pulley maybe) and my gas is only 14mpg roughly.My questions are:

- did you notice a difference in how it drove when you had the timing belt done
- any difference in gas consumption (how much were you getting)
- did you do a tuneup a well

I'm thinking of having these things done to help with the MPG because I like the car but the gas is poor. Planned on taking a few trips in this SUV but now I'm not so sure I'll have it longer than a year. I had an Avalon prior & felt this was the SUV version maybe although I been told the Pilot and Highlanders were better for gas they're just ugly. I appreciate any feedback

arnoldslex

Actually the 330 does about the same as the Highlander. They get some of the best MPG for All Wheel Drive. We get routinely about 23-24 on the Highway and about 18 around town. Got 26.5 once running it at the speed limit and coasting on hills on about a 100 mile highway run. You probably need new plugs, Air Filter (Get a K&N) or you could have a bad Air/Fuel Sensor. Tire Pressure? Any Check engine lights? Squealing is usually the outer Accessory Belts. You could have a bad exterior Tensioner for that belt. The Timing belt normally does not Squeal as it has Teeth on it.

thomas1

The outer accessory belts will squeal if too loose. Note don't forget to clean the MAF sensor with maf cleaner.