Hi everyone, i have a GS3 99' and the odometer is around 103,xxx miles already... i know that to change the timing belt is around 90,000, but is it really that necessary?
Will it drastically affect my car to the worst? It's not like i dont want to change it.. its more like i dont have the money to do it.. i use to drive to school, but now im taking the bus because im scared...d

 

that's exactly why it's worth it. peace of mind. I don't think GS3's are interference engines though.. could be wrong.

 

yes it's necessary. It's a lot cheaper than paying an upwards of $2000 when your valvetrain gets smashed due to the belt breaking.


It will not break right away, but the 90k mark is just a maintenance schedule to prevent risking the belt breaking later on.

How much can you spend because I can refer you to a shop that will do it cheaper than lexus.

i believe the any vvti 2jz-ge engines are interference engines.

 

go to toyota dealership for about 350.

 

The 2JZ-GE VVTi engine is an interference design. It means that the valves will hit the piston if the belt gives way. The 90k change mark is just a "recommended" service interval. If you didn't know, Toyota waaay over engineers their cars. The belt is extremely durable and should last well up to 150k miles no problem. I did a timing belt for my friends car with 100k miles and the belt looked almost brand new. Toyota puts a BIIIG safety margin on when the belt needs to be changed. They specify a lower mileage just to put to rest any doubts and "just in cases". So in short, you should change the belt at 90k for peace of mind...but it's probably not necessary yet. I know I'm probably going to get flamed this, but it's the truth. If you've done the timing belt yourself at 90k...you will know how new the belt still looks.

 

Always better to be safe than sorry.

 

I agree with what Jeff said. I am approaching 110,000 but I am going to do it soon just so I know it was done and I wont have to worry about it for another 100,000 miles.

 

+1, I'm reaching my 100k's soon and I'll be doing it also.

 

how about the water pumps on these cars? pretty stable? i know in the 1.8 Turbo VWs Motors the water pumps are TOAST at 100k, fins breaking off
( but these are japanese cars tho )

 

Change the water pump with the T-belt change.

 

The water pump is easily good for 125 K miles but since you have to remove it to get to the timing belt anyway it just makes sense to spend the extra $100 or so for the price of the pump and replace it at the same time. You'll spend far more than the cost of the pump in extra labor if you don't do it at the same time and then go back later as a separate procedure.

 

add another $20 and do the cam and crank seals too! Well worth the extra money!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Does age play a larger role than mileage when it comes to the timing belt? My car is a 2000 but it only has 65,000 miles...

 

I would say so. Parts like the belt deteriorates over time.

I have 50k more miles until I do my 2nd timing belt change, but I only drive 4k imles a year. I dont plan to wait 12-13 years before I change it again I'm going to change it within 6 years.

 

I did mine at around 105 and my belt was cracking. So no you really dont have to do your timing belt... if you dont mind leaving it where its at. Just do it and better to be safe than sorry.