Hey - I'm looking to see what timing belt kits people are using on a 2000 es300. The car had it done at 97k, I bought the car at 122k and is now at 200k. Took it to my mechanic states it should cost about 750 to do it. Trying to save some money - would like opinions

Thank you

 

I've done the job on a 99 Camry V6, the difference is it is NON VVTI, however, the main parts are the same for 2000 ES.

This is the kit I've used.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251117324213?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AITI replaced everything including the thermostat.

I had to buy 2 bottles of AISIN coolant from my parts store (be sure to check if it's pre-diluted or not)

All parts from that kit are supposedly OEM from Toyota suppliers. There were no fitment issues on any of the parts.
Only thing I noticed was that the cam seals sunk in further than the original seals I pulled out (not sure if due to different manufacturer).
There's no leaks that I've noticed, the old seals were leaking quite a bit prior.

It was my first time doing the job and it did take me all day to finish, I also own a 2000 ES300 Platinum and plan to have it changed later, I anticipate it will go much smoother the second time around.

I watched the video by Speedkar9 along with some other guys videos on youtube.

I used the service manual for all torque specs.

Special tools needed were:
Impact gun (went out and bought a milwaukee 2763) couldn't have removed the crank bolt without it.
22mm impact 1/2" socket
Crank Holding tool
Crank Pulley Puller
Lisle seal puller (made removing cam/crank seals a snap) recommend this tool.
Cam gear Holding Tool
Cam seal installer (or piece of PVC pipe)
Torque wrenches (1/4" in lb for waterpump 3/8"ft lb for the rest, might need a big 1/2" one for crankbolt)

This timing belt job is very do-able for an experienced DIY, I wouldn't recommend to a novice though, worth the $750 to have someone else worry about it.

I may buy this kit for my ES300 as the seals and thermostat are from the dealer, but then again the last kit I used was good too.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/231995357641?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

 

Get the Aisin kit from RockAuto. It includes the idler, tensioner, tensioner bearing, timing belt and water-pump. If your cam and crank seals are leaking its a good time to change those too. You might also want to change the alternator and power steering belts, and the dog-bone engine mounts if they're cracked, since those have to come off anyway when doing the job.

Just to give you an idea, the parts should be roughly $250. Labor should be ~6 hours, so multiply that by an average labor rate of $70-100/ hour and the $750 quoted to you sounds reasonable.

Here's my video on the 1MZ-FE timing belt:


And here's a thread with the highlights of the job:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es-...ml#post8604029

 

The cam and crank seals on this car are known to leak, so replace them along with the timing belt. I suggest you get Toyota OEM cam and crank seals. Like speedkar said, Aisin kit is good for the other parts