EMILMATCH

I just left my dealership to have oil and filter along with brakes checked for my 2004 rx 330 the mechanic saw evidence of little oil leak by cam seal but was not really concerned. I have about 112k miles on vehicle and never got timing done or water pump replaced. In my circumstance would it be necessary to get all this costly work done? Any feedbacks appreciated. Em1212

RX330inFL

Yes, the timing belt change is definitely not something you want to skip. Should it break the expensive damage which could be done far out weighs the cost this service. However, there are several items which you need to consider before doing this.

A. Where to have the work done? Will cost you much more at a Lexus dealer than say a Toyota or other certified repair shop. Check around.

B. Do you have the water pump replaced at the same time? In the past and with many makes and models it was always recommended to have the water pump replaced at the same time as the timing belt as you have already paid to the labor costs to have the water pump taken off in the first place. However, with the RX330 I have heard from different sources that the water pump does not need replacing on the Lexus and they have not seen failures. So, jury is out on that and I am sure others will chime in with their input as well.

So, yes... get this done. BTW, did you get the spark plugs changed yet? That is due now for you as well.

EMILMATCH

Thank you no i did not replace spark plugs yet. Things have been tight for me lately. In regards to timing belt and water pump, yes i received some same information also with timing belt i've been told these also rarly go but my main concern right now is this what i perceive is tiny leak from cam seal can or will that cripple eventually the timing belt? Em1212

kiwi

theres a really good chance that they will have to remove the current timing belt to get to the cam seals (depending which ones or course) so that would be a good time to haev it replaced, you can luck in with some over lapping labour times.

as for the water pump, the dealer told me that its been forever since they replaced one, but he did assure me that they do check it when the timing belt is off, (simply by turning the pump by hand and feeling for roughness and looking for any leaks). so if you get it done at another shop, buy one jsut in case, and if you dont use it, they will return it no problem.

after doing some research myself, the RX 330/350 is one of a couple engines which is interference, so its advised to get it done on time

rxnewb

If your timing belt breaks it could do serious engine damage that would require an engine rebuild. If this happens it will probably cost you 2/3 of what the cars worth.

lexus114

those belts will go 120k with ease.

salimshah

There is more than the belt under the timing belt cover. My favorites are the lubed for life idlers. Also with the leak, the belt life may be seriously reduced.

Salim

cdnewton

Just to clarify, the RX350 uses a timing chain.

968racer

The 3.3L is not a free wheeling engine like most Toyota engines. There will be major damage done to the engine if the timing belt breaks.

lexus114

check out all of the t-belt replacements over on the first generation board,they all reported that the belts looked almost new.

cdnewton

Yup, at 92K, the belt in ours looked to be in good shape. I went ahead and replaced the water pump also.

ftw

Spark plugs aren't due until 120k, according to the manual. Still got 8k to go!