Timing Belt advice
Driver
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 110
Likes: 2
From: GA
You asked for Lexus Tech's to chime in. I'm a Lexus tech so here goes.
The seals and pump are usually recommended because to get those out you have to remove everything all over again to get to them. Often the cost of going back to do these is as much as the T-belt job was the first time around. Our store charges a much lower additional rate if you go ahead and do it all at once. So it saves you money to get the whole package at one time rather than waiting until something leaks later. We call this the 90K Super Service. T-belt alone is just a 90K Service.
With that said, we usually wait until we get everything off and do a visual of the pump and seals then make a recommendation. Unless you went ahead and opted for the Super Service up front.
The seals and pump are usually recommended because to get those out you have to remove everything all over again to get to them. Often the cost of going back to do these is as much as the T-belt job was the first time around. Our store charges a much lower additional rate if you go ahead and do it all at once. So it saves you money to get the whole package at one time rather than waiting until something leaks later. We call this the 90K Super Service. T-belt alone is just a 90K Service.
With that said, we usually wait until we get everything off and do a visual of the pump and seals then make a recommendation. Unless you went ahead and opted for the Super Service up front.
Thread Starter
Lexus Champion
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 1,841
Likes: 48
From: Montreal, Canada
It took my Lexus Mechanic less the 45 Minutes to get everything open to the point that thats when the service advisor called me to have a look at what they found. So I guess with the right tools and an experienced mechanic, this job is not really as complex as its made out to be.
As I said the total Job, Excluding the Tensioner which was not replaced, took less than 3Hrs, start to finish Including a test drive and a car wash. I was still charged the 4 Hr, Book Time.
When it came time to close the bill, I asked for and was given a curtesy 10% Discount. Not sure why they agreed, but am not complaining.
I should also mention that not only the service manager advised me that its never necessary to change the Tensioner, but the Parts Department guy, also confirmed that he can't remember the last time that he sold a hydraulic Tensioner, and for that reason they don't even keep any in stock.
As I said the total Job, Excluding the Tensioner which was not replaced, took less than 3Hrs, start to finish Including a test drive and a car wash. I was still charged the 4 Hr, Book Time.
When it came time to close the bill, I asked for and was given a curtesy 10% Discount. Not sure why they agreed, but am not complaining.
I should also mention that not only the service manager advised me that its never necessary to change the Tensioner, but the Parts Department guy, also confirmed that he can't remember the last time that he sold a hydraulic Tensioner, and for that reason they don't even keep any in stock.
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 400
Likes: 15
From: NJ
If you are driving the normal amount your car will hit the 90k around the 6+ year mark -- So the rest of the parts should be fine at that point. And the coolant should have been done at 5 years.
If I owned a 12 year old car with 120k on it and it still had the original coolant and T belt I would be more inclined to replace the water pump.
I do basic maintenance -- it's surprising how many people don't do cheap things like bleeding brake fluid. Having your local mechanic switch out a gallon of the proper Toyota coolant and distilled water every 5 years is not very expensive.
If I owned a 12 year old car with 120k on it and it still had the original coolant and T belt I would be more inclined to replace the water pump.
I do basic maintenance -- it's surprising how many people don't do cheap things like bleeding brake fluid. Having your local mechanic switch out a gallon of the proper Toyota coolant and distilled water every 5 years is not very expensive.
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