Hello all,
Just wondering, on a 1999 LS if the timing belt breaks, does it cause engine damage with the or just leave you stranded? What really happens if the belt breaks ?? I'm being told it is going to cost me $1,100.00 to have it and the water pump replaced. And why would the water pump only last 90K miles?? Don't really understand this.

Thanks, David

 

it's called preventative maintenance

 

i forgot which motor but i remember reading that if the timing belt breaks then the whole motor is gone and it'll be a costly repair.

 

yea, 99 LS uses the interference motor so if the belt snaps u can kiss ~5grand+ (VVT-i motor+install) goodbye

1100 is about right for a dealership, a good independant could lower that a few bills.

 

Your being told WRONG! Pure Drifter is telling you the right infromation!! I have seen two timimg belts break under a 95,000 miles! on 1998-2000 LS
Good luck,if you want to take the chance?

 

If the belt breaks, the pistons will hit the valves, and the valves will bend. Sometimes all you need to do is swap the head(s), and other times the pistons/valves hit so hard that the pistons need to be replaced as well. In general, it's not worth risking it. Just change the belt at the recommended factory service interval and you won't have to worry about it.

 

who's wrong, the guy was asking IF it would break

 

if you timing belt breaks being a 32v interfearence motor

your motor will be fubar for sure

 

Everybody is telling you good information bro. The engine is an interference motor and not changing is a gamble you shouldn't take since it will cost you dearly if it breaks. Lexus probably engineer the belt to last much longer but why take the chance. Mine is coming up to 200,000 miles and I will be changing mine again. I paid around $1,100 (Houston) and it included water pump, other front engine parts and spark plugs.

As for the water pump it will last much longer. The mechanic is saying that he will have to take it off to get to the rest of the assembly - might as well change it rather than put it back on.

 

do it! change that timing belt and water pump. the water pump is fine and probably will be for a while but one day it will start leaking and then you'll be paying the same labor as you did for the timing belt job. so basically you'll be paying twice the labor if you don't get it all done at once. or you could drive up here and i'll do it for $500. i'm an ex-lexus tech.

 

sbguyy, you've seen two 98 LS's with belts breaking at under 100K miles, do you work at a dealership? That's the first I've heard of one breaking that early. Glad I got mine done!

 

No, I don't work at a stealerships! But I am very close to my indepentent shop! The car my son drives now( 99LS) was one of the broken belts I wrote about.It broke at 96,000 miles. The owners where going to send it to the junk yard. The car was perfect(except for the motor) I bought it for 1500 dollars. Now my son drives a great and safe care for an investment of 7000 dollars.
It is rare that the timing belt breaks that early!! But it does happen!!

 

Hi, 19 Psi,

Where are you in KY? I might drive my car to your place for the belt replacement. I am in Louisville.

 

Pull one of the top caps off and inspect the belt yourself, this is what I did and I went 130,000 plus on my car.

 

i work in louisvlle, livein lagrange. i can hook you up on the parts too, i ge tthem at a discount.