Stemmer

Yes it's supposed to go 90k. I had a free timing belt put in at 88k under an extended warranty when my engine failed. Then at 168k it broke. Apparently I was lucky there was no engine damage. My Lexus dealer wanted $1,700 to install a new timing belt and water pump. I had it towed to an independent garage, paid about $200 for a timing belt kit. water pump and coolant and $300 for installation.

I would definitely replace at 90k and would consider buying the parts and finding a good independent mechanic for this job. My Lexus dealer also wanted $1,400 for new rotors. Bought them for about $130 and paid $160 to have them machined and installed by the independent. I think there are some items that the dealer is beyond absurd with pricing.

artbuc

TB breaking at 80K? That is as rare as it gets. I wonder if there isn't more to the story? You will probably never know why this belt failed prematurely. I am guessing it had nothing to do with the belt assuming it was a factory belt.

Lexmex

What were the symptoms you felt when the belt broke (I assume you were driving at the time)?

Any other damage to the vehicle from the timing belt being broken?

Stemmer

A Lexus dealer installed the timing belt at 88k so I can only assume OE. At 168k, I was driving on a highway at a constant speed of about 55 mph in an exit lane, suddenly I heard some type of popping noise I think, and the vehicle simply died, and I could not steer it at all, coasted up the ramp and came to a stop at the intersection. Put it in neutral and pushed it onto the shoulder for towing. Both the Lexus dealer and the independent mechanic confirmed it was a broken timing belt. The mechanic that did the work actually left the torn belt on the passenger seat, just as a souvenir of sorts. Everyone tells me I was so lucky there was no engine damage from the occurrence. I pointed out to the dealer that the belt was put in by them and did not even last 90k, but they would do nothing for me other than try to charge an insane $1,700 for replacement with water pump.

JAB

Makes me wonder whether that 'Lexus dealer' really replaced the belt at 88K.

bufferdan

Those belts do not just fail like that unless either the water pump or idler pulley bearings seized up and shreds the belt. This is why its probably smart to replace the pulleys and water pump while you are in there.

code58

I definitely second that! I have a difficult time believing that an OEM Lexus TB would break at 80K mi. of usage. My DIL's original looked like 20K mi. of wear at 97k mi. when I replaced it. Gave it to my son as a souvenir so it's still available as proof!

Lexmex

I'd love to see pictures of the broken belt if possible.

bufferdan

Like i said...it doesnt matter if the belt was replaced or not because those belts wont just break unless pulley or WP bearing seized up and caused belt to rip. Now after many many years and 100's of thousands of miles the belts can start losing teeth but it wont just rip unless something seized.

salimshah

when the dealer replaced mine, they put a sticker.

Although there is always the possibility that they put the sticker but never replaced the belt, but I trust my dealer.

Salim