Timing belt & water pump
11-30-11, 05:16 PM
#1
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Timing belt & water pump
55k miles on RX330 2004. Dealer has been saying timing belt should be replaced at 50k-55k miles. Does anyone agree with this? They also recommend doing water pump at the same time, along with cam seal, and are quoting 1400. They say cam seal is starting to drip but its not bad. Not sure what that means...Any recommendations welcome!
11-30-11, 05:30 PM
#2
It means the dealer is right, but for the wrong reasons.
The timing belt change interval is 90 000 miles, so they are either blatently lying, or what they meant to say is "the interval is 90 000 miles or 72 months, whichever comes first. In your case, the 72 months came first, and per the owner's manual, you should change the timing belt.
Now, the water pump - most people do this when the timing belt is done, as all those parts will only have to come off again if the water pump fails later, so why pay for labour twice? Same with the cam seal.
However, instead of blindly replacing the water pump, they might want to inspect it first. I had the timing belt done on my RX400h at 144 000 KM and the dealer said the water pump was fine.
However, my idler pulley or tensioner or something needed to be replaced. That's as important as the water pump, since if the tensior or pulley seizes and the timing belt jumps a few cogs or something, the damage to your engine can be just as bad as a broken belt.
The timing belt change interval is 90 000 miles, so they are either blatently lying, or what they meant to say is "the interval is 90 000 miles or 72 months, whichever comes first. In your case, the 72 months came first, and per the owner's manual, you should change the timing belt.
Now, the water pump - most people do this when the timing belt is done, as all those parts will only have to come off again if the water pump fails later, so why pay for labour twice? Same with the cam seal.
However, instead of blindly replacing the water pump, they might want to inspect it first. I had the timing belt done on my RX400h at 144 000 KM and the dealer said the water pump was fine.
However, my idler pulley or tensioner or something needed to be replaced. That's as important as the water pump, since if the tensior or pulley seizes and the timing belt jumps a few cogs or something, the damage to your engine can be just as bad as a broken belt.
12-01-11, 11:21 AM
#3
I am similar to you. I don't drive that much.
I always wait until the cars have 90K miles (ie 10 or 11 years) and then I replace the TB, WP and parts nearby. No issue whatsoever on multiple cars.
Seals seeping oil is not a big issue. If you check your oil frequently, then these small seeps won't do any harm.
If it is a CV joint or a steering rack leaking, then I would repair them asap since they impact your safety.
You can certainly go to a competent independent mechanic.for the TB and WP job.
Or you ask a Toyota dealership and if they are willing to do the job.
Either way should be less expensive than the Lexus dealership.
I always wait until the cars have 90K miles (ie 10 or 11 years) and then I replace the TB, WP and parts nearby. No issue whatsoever on multiple cars.
Seals seeping oil is not a big issue. If you check your oil frequently, then these small seeps won't do any harm.
If it is a CV joint or a steering rack leaking, then I would repair them asap since they impact your safety.
You can certainly go to a competent independent mechanic.for the TB and WP job.
Or you ask a Toyota dealership and if they are willing to do the job.
Either way should be less expensive than the Lexus dealership.
12-01-11, 05:52 PM
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55k miles on RX330 2004. Dealer has been saying timing belt should be replaced at 50k-55k miles. Does anyone agree with this? They also recommend doing water pump at the same time, along with cam seal, and are quoting 1400. They say cam seal is starting to drip but its not bad. Not sure what that means...Any recommendations welcome!
12-07-11, 01:33 PM
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55k miles on RX330 2004. Dealer has been saying timing belt should be replaced at 50k-55k miles. Does anyone agree with this? They also recommend doing water pump at the same time, along with cam seal, and are quoting 1400. They say cam seal is starting to drip but its not bad. Not sure what that means...Any recommendations welcome!
12-07-11, 05:22 PM
#6
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NO, they dont last forever, the engine is an interference engine so a timing belt failure could be very costly. I would suggest the timing belt at around 100k miles and water pump also...I just changed mine with the water pump and idlers....The belt was not as in good condition as my RX300 was at the same mileage...dont know why. Take it to Toyota and get it done for around $700....
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