Zoey

It was suggested to me just a few days ago when I had a battery replaced that on my next visit to have the Timing Belt replaced. Was told it wasn't the miles as much as it was the age.

I was told while they were in there they would check the drive belts & I think they said water pump.

The quoted cost was $594

JAB

If it were mine, at only 20K, I wouldn't do it.

Zoey

Do you think she recommended it because of the intense heat we get here in the summer and the toll it takes on the belt?

JAB

Possibly, but the RX timing belts have a reputation for lasting long past their recommended service interval, which I believe is 90K. Yes, mileage is not the only variable, but I still don't think it merits replacement at only 20K.

Zoey

Thank you, I'll ask them about this on my next visit which won't be for several monsths as I don't drive but a few miles to where ever I have to go

code58

Zoey- I live in So. Ca. and I would definitely not call this intense heat unless you live in the deep desert and you used to live in No. Minn. I have changed the TB on my DIL's RX at 97k mi. and it looked like it had 20k mi. on it. 20K mi., even at 8 years old, is out of the question in my book. A service writer would suggest a deep freeze for an eskimo if they could get them to buy it. Your money, do what you want but I definitely wouldn't, and that's from a lifetime of automotive experience.

Zoey

Thank you for the advise, I appreciate it.

I've lived in SoCA all my life and in my area it gets very hot in the summer.

code58

I guess you DO live in the desert heh, Zoey? Desert heat does take a toll on a lot of things as opposed to O.C., where I live. I have read about what these belts are made of now, as opposed to years ago when they had a 60k mi. change recommendation. It is of a material and pressure saturation of the belt material that has greatly increased the longevity of the belts without deterioration that they used to suffer. I know they sure don't show the deterioration that they used to. Your car, your money, do what makes you comfortable but sleep well meantime and keep the money in your bank account til then.

edgy

We did ours at 100k plus and it looked great but we didn't want to take any more chances... .PLUS ... i have the BEST mechanic around who works from home and cost me much less than half of the dealer quote...

We didn't change the water pump at the time due to funds really, PLUS there was no indication that it was needed... if there had been ANY seepage or what not i definitely would have bitten the bullet and done it but the mech. inspected everything really well and determined that there was no real need to incur that expense unless there was ANY indication that it was beginning to leak or have any problem at all...

If you are in the LA area and are looking for a high quality Lexus tech to help with work like this then PM me and I will give you his number....he will save you a fortune over time....

r3dl4b3l

iTrader: (1)

anyone recommend quality mechanic in the houston area for belt service? I'm about to hit the 90k mark on my 01 AWD and want to have a good mechanic in mind before hand. Thanks!

fanchius

Could anyone who lives in San Francisco Bay Area near San Mateo recommend a good and experienced mechanic shop for changing timing-belt (and related parts) on my 2001 RX300? A local Lexus dealer quoted $1,600 for all. Mine has reached 97K miles.

Bobk528

Try Yarnell's in Mountain View: http://www.yarnellsautospecialists.com/

I took my 2000 RX300 to Advanced Import Car Service in South San Jose

http://www.superpages.com/bp/San-Jos...0125645124.htm

The shop changed the timing belt, drive belts, spark plugs and installed a new Interstate battery all for about $750. The Rx is running great and for a vehicle with over 113,000 miles on it, it feel like it is still new.

fanchius

Hi Bobk528--

Thank you for such a nice advice. Have you ever tried Yarnell's? What would you recommend to do on my 2001 RX300 2WD at 97K miles, just for my normal commuting drive at a rate of about 11,000 miles per year? If I go to Advanced Import Car Service, what should I tell them?

FYI -- The transmission was totally replaced at Lexus expense, after warranty, at 77,200 miles. Lexus fully covered the entire cost for a trans replacement back in 2008.

Bobk528

I use to take my 1986 Toyota Camry to Yarnell's for routine maintenance but sold it over 10 years ago after I simply got tired of driving it after 140,000 miles. I still see the old car being driven today. If you go to Yarnell's, they will provide you with a minimum recommendation of replacing the timing belt and whatever is needed for the 90k service. Good place and people.

I went to Advanced because they were able to accommodate me during the weekend. I don't have the time to bring in a car on a weekday.

nocar

any reccomendations for a trustworthy lexus mechanic in the oc area? buena park/cerritos/ area? thanks