Romadoc

My '98 ES300 is about to turn 54K miles. Given that I drive less than 5k per year, should I wait for the big 60k check-up or have it done sooner. I imagine the car should have 60k in about 2 years which would make it then 12 years old. My Lexus dealer started to talk about rubber rot and so I'm asking here for additional advise. I guess it would also then require water pump and all the other things recommended in other threads. So, the question is, wait or have it done soon?

Lexucan

I'd first have it checked to see what sort of condition the belt is in. Timing belt usually isn't replaced until the 90K service, which in your case, is a long way down the road yet!

Lexusfreak

I'd say both time & mileage are important in this case considering the age of the TB. I'd have it changed personally.

OceanView

I would just drive it to 90K.
You have a non interferance engine so even if the belt breaks, it won't damage the engine.

Lexucan

Wasn't it 1998 when they introduced VVT-i and the engine became Interference?....or was that 1999?

OceanView

Mine is a 98 and it does not have the VVT-i.
99 or 2000 was the first year.
Not sure exactly which year as I didn't pay too much attention to the VVT-i since I didn't have it.

tuan92129

vvti was introduced in 1999 (theres probably an emblem on the engine if it does have it)

ALarsh

Good post. My 97 ES has 48000 miles and I was wondering the same thing.

llcoolpass

use and exposure to chemicals seems to be the main thing for the belt
mine was apparently never changed, and was just starting to get a little frazzled in two spots...14 years, 142000 miles, New Jersey, probably light exposure to coolant and oil