GeeTee

I have a 1999 two owner Lexus LS 400 with 30K miles. The car has been great and free of any problems. All maintenance to date has been performed by the Lexus dealer. The dealer is suggesting I replace the timing belt and water pump on the car. This is an expensive fix. I'm possibly looking to sell the car later this year and I'm wondering if replacing the water pump and timing belt is a must right now in order to keep the car in tip top shape - or this is something that can wait?

johnnyg66

Well with a 99 with 30k probably be a good idea the stuff is 10 years old. Normally you can go 90k on a belt. You been doing good keeping the miles that low. I can guess you take it out only on Sundays. lol

bornpeace

"30K" is this a typo? Okay, timing belt is recommended to be replaced at 90K, i have push mine to 120K with no problem(at ur own risk). Water pump may not mess up at 90K but since is easy reach when ur in their most people including me will replace it. Now back to ur question, Unless the mechanic check the belt and see cracks or ur water pump is leaking i will not replace it. Another advice, get a second opinion from another mechanic, let him check the condition of the belt and leaks may be the aging my have a factor.
My feeling is the stealer is trying to rip $1200 off ur pocket.

And please, enjoy ur ride put some more mileage on ur car 30K in 11 years is ridiculous. i put that in a year. I may buy it from you if u sell it

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

95-00 cars are interference, cheaper to do 800-1200 in preventative maint. and destroy a 2-3k engine.

smokincigs

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...-belt-kit.html

You could buy this kit and have an independant shop do it and have less than 600.00 in it.

billydpowe

iTrader: (1)

this kit will not have the 2 cam seals or the crankshaft seal in it.
but it is a good kit. I have put one of them on, However I prefer the kit from here:
http://www.store.partsdinosaur.com/page378.html

and the seals are much lower than the dealers...
I have put 3 of these on, no problems..

lennyd

Frankly with 30k only I'd just do the belt only as it's rubber and time can weaken it. The pump being mechanical along with idlers etc need miles on the car to wear them. The seals, if they aren't leaking leave Aline. Your only in for around three hundred this way but still buy price of mind. My 2 cents

deanshark

If you, or your mechanic, is going in there to change the belt ya might as well change EVERYTHING. Time puts a beating on anything, not just rubber. The tensioner can seize up, the idlers can leak the bearing grease, and the water pump can seize, all just by time. As for the cam and crank seals they're rubber also and only take another 10 minutes to change if you're in there and they're cheap. I got mine (OEM) from rockauto for less then 4 bucks a pop.
Personally, with the car being a 99, I would do it before something more major happens. (but that would be ME changing it) If you're strapped for cash and selling the car soon it IS a tough decision, but I would. Also, if you do it, the car is worth more if you sell it.

willhickey

iTrader: (1)

id look at the belt and check for missing chunks cracking etc....

JohnyUtah

Glad you posted this. Looking to buy a 99 LS 400 with 50K miles. Still has original timing belt. Local Lexus dealer told him to change it at 60K miles. I tried to get him to deduct 1K off the price since it's original but no can do.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

well that and strictly speaking the belt is due at 90k miles, but in this case age is a factor moreso than miles.

willhickey

iTrader: (1)

take a look at it