RX330 Timing Belt
#31
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Dealer quoted me $500 on parts only, including the harmonic balancer as mine was in bad shape but isn't required. I scrapped all these together on eBay for about $260. Been at my mechanic since about 11AM and we're almost done as I type this, not sure how much I'll be set back from labor but regardless I know it won't be near what dealer charges. I could DIY this but weather isn't the greatest here in Chicago and I've yet to do a 6 cylinder interference, have only done older 4 cylinder non-interference engines.
Good luck to you! As you can see in my signature, I love Toyota/Lexus. BMW here and there.
Good luck to you! As you can see in my signature, I love Toyota/Lexus. BMW here and there.
#32
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I got quoted $1800 from a big local dealer and $1300 from another, they probably throw the balancer charge in after it's all apart. I am trying to keep all my servicing documented and at a certified garage. I have an extended warranty with 3 years left on it. Don't want them voiding it because I got non Certified work done on car. My cousin got his 400 H done for $800 at a Independent garage run by an ex Toyota mechanic. I was dumb when I bought my car, I thought TB didn't need R&R until it hit 100k. Was hoping TB was covered by extended warranty, nope it's normal maintenance. Paid $1200 for warranty, figured it was worth it in case tranny goes. Had friends with same year Toyota Highlanders needing new Trannys.
#33
It is not only how many miles you logged. The age of timing belt. Rubber product with age tend to decay even if it looks good, it is a concern. Are you going to take chance being stranded some where(Murphy's law) Personally I just follow the owner's manual. I'd rather have peace of mind than trying to save few $$. I once watch total tear down of an old car. The frame weld joints, etc. here and there showed hair line cracks due to metal fatigue. Ever since I never drive tooold cars or truck. I don't want to be penny wise and pound foolish.
that was a first. I had to reconstruct that piece with Plastic JB Weld. Anything can happen when time comes into play.
#34
I was wondering when members on this forum R&R their timing belts ,after at least a 10 year period, what condition were your timing belts in? I spoke to a Independent Lexus mechanic, he told me he has never seen a Lexus timing belt fail due to age. I have a low mileage 04 RX330. The dealer recommends a timing belt/water pump service since the car is 13 years old. The Independent Lexus mechanic said wait on replacing it, if I want to play it safe change it out when the car reaches 40K.
My question is as follows: Those that got their timing belts changes at 100k plus, what did your belts look like? Excessive wear? Cracks? Extra play?
Has anyone got their belts R&R'd because of the 10 year (odometer less than 100k) Lexus recommended maintenance schedule? If so, what did your belt look like?
I know a timing belt R&R is cheaper than a blown out engine, but the fricken R&R is expensive, if at a independent shop.
Thanks
BGteacher
My question is as follows: Those that got their timing belts changes at 100k plus, what did your belts look like? Excessive wear? Cracks? Extra play?
Has anyone got their belts R&R'd because of the 10 year (odometer less than 100k) Lexus recommended maintenance schedule? If so, what did your belt look like?
I know a timing belt R&R is cheaper than a blown out engine, but the fricken R&R is expensive, if at a independent shop.
Thanks
BGteacher
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