tedsterb

Has the timing belt broke on any of your GS300? What happened? They are interference engines right? How many miles did your car have? If you fixed it after the belt broke, how much was it? Had you replaced the belt before it went out?
Thanks.

702GS

No, that has not happened to me yet (and I hope ever!) by the way did you break yours? Or is this for a friend?

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

Timing belt is suppose to be changed every 90,000 or less. If it breaks, your valve train goes to hell from spanking on the pistons.

tedsterb

No hasnt broken, just wondering if someone has experienced it...

ttaylor993

I know you asked for those who have had their TB break. But, I thought I'd throw in my 2 cents worth. I have never had my timing belt break. In fact, I don't know of anyone with a 2G who has had a properly installed belt break on them. The timing belt on these cars rarely if ever breaks. Like Mr Joker said, the change interval is 90k miles. I didn't change mine until about 180k. Except for a little oil from a leaky VVT-i pulley, it looked practically new.

I took a chance. It was before I knew these are interference engines. Once I found out, I changed it immediately. If it breaks on you, you are looking at thousands of dollars (read new motor). I even learned to change it myself to keep from paying an arm and a leg. Anyway, hope that helps.

702GS

Care to share how you learned to change it? I am sure many members would love seeing a complete how to on this subject!

Mr Jokster

iTrader: (8)

As with many other diy, the timing belt diy is located in our diy section:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...-gs-300-a.html

As well as some videos:

repugnante

You literally would have to cut the T-belt with a saw to get it to break. It's that strong.

Hornet

Timing belt should be replaced either 90k miles or 6 years, which comes first
You need to maintain this to avoid belt breakage which lead to heavy damages to your engine components ( valves will be crashed by pistons)

If you don't have the car history you need to inspected physically by removing the cover belt and search for any cracks or sign of wears.

tedsterb

So another question. Someone told me that the timing belt idler pulleys should be replaced as well when doing the belt... is this true?

Thanks guys.

Hornet

Timing belt should be replaced either 90k miles or 6 years, which comes first
You need to maintain this to avoid belt breakage which lead to heavy damages to your engine components ( valves will be crashed by pistons)

If you don't have the car history you need to inspected physically by removing the cover belt and search for any cracks or sign of wears.

RamAirRckt

My friend has seen 1 or 2 over the years broke, but it is really rare. These were neglected cars for maint.

I went around 135k on mine (1UZ-FE) before I changed it and honestly it looked as good as the one I was putting in.

I would expect cars that sit a lot to have more issues with the belt than ones that are driven daily. Aging sitting is harder, promotes dry rot.

ttaylor993

Since changing the timing belt is relatively labor-intensive, there are a lot of things that should changed while you are in there. You want to change the TB, the water pump, the two cam seals, the crank seal, the accessory belt and the TB tensioner. In addition, you also might want to change the TB idler pulley and the O-ring in the VVT-i pulley. Since it is easier to do all this with the radiator removed you may want to change the coolant and the hoses as well.

There are kits on eBay that include all the parts you'll need for about $300. Get the Aisan or Toyota kits, they are OEM. You will need at least one specialty tool to remove the crank bolt. For some reason it is notoriously hard to loosen. I used the Schley Tool, got it off eBay. It took me, one other person and a 6 foot length of pipe as a cheater to break it. You'll also need a gear puller to remove the crank pulley.

Check out this video. Jeff's videos are great. But his engine is out of the car. This one shows how to do it while the engine is still in the car and how to set the timing and what not.