jasone36

Friends,

I have a 2002 SC430 with 170,000 miles.

The first "timing belt and water pump" service was done at 95,000 miles... many years ago.

I'm wondering, when should I consider doing the SECOND "timing belt and water pump" service?

This 2002 is a daily driver, year-around, but is not abused.

How long can I postpone the second "timing belt and water pump" service, and will there be any "warning signs" that I can watch for?

I'm on the fence in terms of how long I want to keep the car, and especially considering it's currently rock-bottom wholesale price, I wouldn't want to spend a ton of money on it.

(I touched on this theme in another forum posting: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/sc4...y-sc430-s.html)

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

Scarletti

Major items (such as timing belts) have an expected life. If they say to replace at 90k miles then it also needs doing at 180k, 270k etc.

You will see a repeating pattern in the Service Schedule so just extrapolate accordingly.

As you're at 170k you ought to do it soon.

riknchar

I had my timing belt/water pump/etc. replaced last year on my 2002 SC. I bought the Aisin Kit via Amazon for $180, and my trusted independent shop was able to do everything for $500 labor, so the total was under $700.

My "new" 2006 SC only has 19K miles, and I'm debating on when to have the timing belt changed... It's due for the change in terms of years, but is way low on miles to bother with the change. I'll probably wait until next year to have it done, and even that is probably overkill (but will give me peace of mind)...

Harold57

Unfortunately, there are no warning signs, just mileage and time. Both can deteriorate the belt. Unless the belt is fraying and coming apart, you likely won't hear anything. (If you do hear something, failure is likely imminent.) I'd recommend that you go ahead and replace per the schedule, just for peace of mind, if nothing else. (Just remember, if the belt fails, you likely will lose the engine.)

jasone36

riknchar, this is a very useful pointer, thank you!

That relatively-low price point on the parts required for this service may change the dynamic of the decision.