Daughter's 2006 RXh has 88k on it and is almost showroom condition. It has never had the timing belt changed out. So although its not hit the mileage requirement, it has hit the time requirement. Right now its not a convenient time for this $ outlay, but I'm willing to do it. So question is, how long have y'all run an RX w/out timing belt change out?

 

You know the belts are tough, I would put it on your calender and maybe look for an independent to perform it. Toyota dealerships can also do it. I would say $600 to $800 with the water pump. You can buy the parts for under $160 and find a good independent to change them. RockAuto.com or Flea bay has the parts with original equipment items. Aisen and Mitsobushi are the Waterpump and Belt manufacturer

 

I am still on my original water pump at 165k miles. Dealers don't recommend a pump until the second timing belt change at 200k. I did get a noisy idler pulley and had to take everything apart a 2nd time at 110k, The pump is easy to inspect from the wheel well. Take a look and if you see any hint of pink crust get it done. The water pumps fail slowly so this is not a risk of leaving her on the side of the road. Changing it now just saves labor of taking it apart multiple times.

 

May be different for your year but hybrids I know have pump outside timing housing and only one auxiliary belt from crankshaft pulley to it.
Keep in mind, hybrid ICE operates much LESS than a normal ICE and that belt will run and run.

 

The 2006 has a standard 3.3 liter timing belt which operates the waterpump directly. There is also a waterpump for the hybrid converter located on the left front frame of the vehicle (I know because mine failed). That pump is only for the converter. I feel the constant start stop of the gas engine may be actually harder on the belt instead of a continuously running belt. More wear and tear on the teeth of the belt, I am on my second belt at 227k miles.

 

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