10lexISR6

iTrader: (1)

Hey guys and gals, I did a search and there are ALOT of threads on this subject and I do not have time to read through all of them to find out, but can anyone answer me this please? This is for my moms 2001 RX300 which currently has 130,377 miles. She bought it new in 2000 and hasn't had servicing since the 60k at a Lexus dealership around 2007. Aside from regular oil changes of course.

1. At how many miles should the timing belt be changed?
2. Should all the surrounding belts also be changed?
3. Should the water pump be changed even if it isn't leaking?
4. When should the spark plugs be changed?
5. Also how do I know if this is an AWD or 2 wheel drive model? All I see is VSC on the door. What's that?

Lastly... What should I be expecting to pay for these services? I know the timing belt is pricy by itself.

Anyhow thanks for your time. Much appreciated.

thomas1

timing belt should be done now....
Waterpump (I would)
Surrounding belts, yea
Spark plugs....now
AWD has a drive shaft from front of vehicle to the rear. look under the car.

hypervish

Thomas1 covered it al!

Pricing varies. OEM parts can be had as a kit from eBay for about $250. Labor depends.

If you are going to have it done by the dealership, expect them to quote you anywhere from $700-$1300.

Baetke

I recently purchased an AISIN TKT-024 timing belt kit from Amazon for about $170. It included all the belts, idlers, water pump, etc... to do the whole job. Paid an independent mechanic $428 to install.

thomas1

Make sure to use only Denso or NGK iridium spark plugs....Nothing else.

10lexISR6

iTrader: (1)

Thanks for all the great information and fast responses. I got a local mechanic who owns a Toyota/Lexus shop with 20 plus years of mechanic experience from Lexus dealerships quoting me to do the full job minus the spark plugs for 950 OTD. Parts and labor. That's timing belt, all accessory belts, eater pump, tensioner etc. He has great reviews on yelp too.

salimshah

Which parts would be used? OEM, aftermarket?

Salim

10lexISR6

iTrader: (1)

All OEM. What's the recommended intervals for the thermostat? Dude claims it should be repaved every 30k?

hypervish

Every 30k for thermostat?? No way... Generally I would only replace them if they have an issue. I replaced the one in my ES at 210k miles, because I had one laying around and wanted to flush the cooling system. The RX300 has the original thermostat. I'm not sure why he wants to replace it right now, the thermostat is on the opposite side of where the timing belt is, so you won't be saving any time/money in labor, only coolant cost would be saved.

matts6887

I am kinda wondering about the timing belt myself. I dont know when the belt on mine was replaced if it ever was. I picked up my used 2000 rx300 at 107,000; and it just turned 112,000 and change. So should i have it done asap or wait on it? I dont think waiting on it is probably a good idea; however i just do not have the funds available to pay someone to change out that belt and the accessory belt(s) as well. So if i had the choice should i do the timing belt or the accessory belts? Im thinkng timing belt because from what i know and understand; if the timing belt snaps/breaks; its game over as in it could cause serious engine damage. Please advise; thanks matt

10lexISR6

iTrader: (1)

Yeah timing belt is like th artery of your cars heart. That thing snaps game over. Only reason we waited so long is because I was under the impression my mom had done it at some point in time and apparently she had not. So better now then later when after it snaps. As far as when it'll snap you'll never know some people have it happen way later and some people sooner. Depends on age, climate how you drive etc. Better safe than sorry.

Baetke

Look at the top of your timing belt cover for a sticker indicating when the timing belt was last changed. Most dealers and mechanics will write down the mileage when they install a new belt. If no sticker is present, plan on putting a new belt on soon.

matts6887

Well; there is a sticker on mine; but the mileage at which it was changed is all like rubbed off and i cant read it. But since there is a sticker there; do you think its a good chance that it was done recently?(only i dont know what the mileage was)

salimshah

All folks with 'new to me' vehicles should visit dealership and get a dump on maintenance (done by dealer) records.

Salim

hypervish

Agreed!

Alternatively, you can pull the service records yourself via https://secure.drivers.lexus.com/lex...-lexus/home.do

All you need to do is create an account and enter your VIN. Although, I've found that dealer provided service records sometimes have more details as opposed to the online website.