Timing Belt Replacement
#1
Driver School Candidate
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Join Date: Oct 2017
Location: Vermont
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Timing Belt Replacement
I recently inherited a 2001 Lexus RX300 with 100,000 miles. The timing belt has not been replaced and I've been told that I need to get that done before I bring it home to Vermont (the car is in Connecticut). The estimate I received to have it fixed in CT seems expensive ($991) and I'd prefer to have my local mechanic do the work. I'm concerned that I might damage the car by driving it 6 hours to Vermont.
Any input/suggestions/direction would be much appreciated.
Any input/suggestions/direction would be much appreciated.
#2
Lexus Test Driver
Here are your options.
1. Suck it up and pay $991.
2. Get a transport company to transport the vehicle to Vermont.
3. Don't replace the belt and risk your life (and others).
4. Get another quote in CT.
1. Suck it up and pay $991.
2. Get a transport company to transport the vehicle to Vermont.
3. Don't replace the belt and risk your life (and others).
4. Get another quote in CT.
#3
Lexus Champion
You'll be just fine driving it to Vermont. No worries. The chances of the belt breaking are minuscule. And even if it does, your engine will just shut off with no damage.
So have a good trip.
So have a good trip.
#5
Lexus Champion
#6
Pole Position
This. Don’t let scaremongering influence you or your pocketbook. Enjoy a nice fall drive and deal with it comfortably at home.
#7
Lexus Fanatic
A broken timing belt is not a perfectly safe, risk free failure. Turn the key off at random while driving, is that safe? A broken timing belt is basically the same.
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#9
Also there's been multiple reports of a timing belt breaking and causing engine damage for these engines.
#10
Pole Position
Really? Because in a lot of years here and at Toyotanation.com, I cannot recall one or have heard mention. Usually it is taking them out above 150k and them looking fine that appears. I have seen ones well north of 200 break, but never cause valvetrain damage. I do mine at around 100 but don’t sweat a little bit either side, it’s just not that big an issue and the time factor never seems to matter versus mileage.
#11
Really? Because in a lot of years here and at Toyotanation.com, I cannot recall one or have heard mention. Usually it is taking them out above 150k and them looking fine that appears. I have seen ones well north of 200 break, but never cause valvetrain damage. I do mine at around 100 but don’t sweat a little bit either side, it’s just not that big an issue and the time factor never seems to matter versus mileage.
I think the OP is fine to drive but should also know of the risks even if they are slim.
#12
Lexus Champion
As I said already, I'm not concerned about her timing belt breaking, I do recommend however that she join AAA road side service. It's always good to have. Even for such simple things as a flat tire.
Last edited by PFB; 10-28-17 at 11:27 AM.
#13
Pole Position
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#15
Pole Position