rennwerkes

Thought I'd share my timing belt job experience.
Knew I could do it myself but also knew that I'd take months to get to it, if at all. Had it done buy a mechanic I know well. Total cost came out to about $1100 parts and labor. Everything was done, water pump, tensioners, thermostat, belts, etc. The only part not changed was the camshaft seals which looked good.
At 87k the timing belt was definitely worn so for those that think about postponing the job, think again. Better safe than sorry.
The one interesting thing found was one of my camshaft bolts was finger loose. Not good and glad it was found.
At least I have peace of mind and can focus on everything else now! LOL!

sixonemale

Ren, Thanks for sharing your timing belt experience. One other item that should be noted, is that unless your replacing your timing belt with an OEM timing belt or one that is equivalent or better, the next maintenance interval may not be exactly the same for service/replacement. Just something to be mindful of.

jzwu

Any pics of the old belt?

rennwerkes

Sorry, I just left it with the mechanic after looking at it. It wasn't frayed but did show some cracking and wear.

jzwu

Thanks for the description.

mandyfig

Another missed opportunity to look at a bad belt. This is the 1st that I heard of a BAD belt and at 87K, something's not right.

rennwerkes

I think the main point here is that you never know.
Nothing is ever going to be the same car to car.
That's why you have some belts lasting nearly forever and others that'll break much sooner than expected.

When I used to work on BMW's I saw belts that broke with under 40k miles. Others ran well over 100k.
Then again, BMW suggested belt replacement is about 60k if I recall correctly.
MUCH easier than Lexus, though.

PLAYTYM

I had the same finding when I did mine...perhaps that should be something for people to look for?

mandyfig

Where are these bolts? Maybe will check mine.

PLAYTYM

You will see them around the outside of each cam gear once you remove the timing belt cover. Make sure to tighten them while the belt is still on!

momssc

Since no one else will...I call BS on that at 87K. All the belts I have changed at 100+ K miles looked almost new. Lets see some clear pics...

Blast-off

I change mine at 70k it still looked new, I know it should be 100k or 5 years but I also had a Lexus is200 USA version is the is300 the recommended change on them is 100k and boy I was lucky I put it in at 76k and it was ready to snap

mandyfig

You hit it on the spot!

I recently had my CRV Timing belt replaced @ 118k miles. The belt looked decent, you have to actually try to bend it to see micro cracks. Nowhere close to failing.