So now that I am getting to know my super high miles but cheap and lovable LS, I have learned that the timing belt and water pump were replaced at 127k miles. Now that I am sitting at over 240k, I presume I driving on borrowed time.

Additionally, I am losing a full reservoir of PS fluid (or stop leak) in about 80 miles!!! all through intake, nothing on the ground (important note as it relates to alternator below perhaps?)

So I went to my local guy and got the following quote for work, would love feedback on cost as well as anything else I should have him look at while he is "in there".

All parts and labor included:

1. New Timing Belt
2. New Water Pump - not a reman
3. New Tensioners
4. New Idlers
5. Plugging Power Steering Pump with 14x1.5 plug

Cost 590.00

Is this a decent price? I thought it was but would like some confirmation.

Also as mentioned above, my PS fluid does not leak a drop on the ground, its all going into the intake and smoking like a big rig at startup (nothing while driving). With this info plus no signs of alternator failure, would you leave the alt or go ahead and replace it while he is in there?

Anything else he should look at?

Thanks in advance for any feedback!

 

Honestly, I'd say that's a pretty good price. My father got the timing belt on his '07 GX470 replaced for ~$900, parts and labor included. You can buy the timing belt kit here, assuming you aren't already providing parts. I would see if you could get the alternator checked (I'm not really sure if that's possible). And maybe replace the power steering hose to fix any leaks.

 

That's a pretty good price.. just make sure good OEM parts as mentioned in the kit above...

 

For what he quoted you for the TB service, that is a good price. BUT I would specify the factory OEM kit. This is the one for the 95-97 but apply the appropriate model year for yours obviously.

The PS pump can be rebuilt/sealed, that is what I did to mine and it is far less $ than a whole unit. If there is no leakage on the alternator, just leave it. When they die that is the time to replace it.
With the front accessible, I'd do the ECT sensor and if pre '98 the caps, rotors and wires. To add more to the list, go through and inspect the vacuum lines. Mine has plenty of hard lines that were beginning to crack.

 

As I mentioned he is a local guy who builds drag cars for fun. Definitely a good mechanic but not a "Toyota" guy (you should have heard him razz me when he saw my Jag).

I am sure he is just using whatever they sell at autozone or advanced, which from my search looks like a "Dayco Timing Belt Kit". While I do no doubt for a second that the kit provided is best, I am not sure about the ordering the kit and taking him the parts.

Are you all convinced the Aisin is that much better than the Dayco?

 

Well, I can't really comment on experience with Dayco, but Aisin is a Toyota OEM so you can rest assured that you're getting the proper parts.

 

YES!

this is because Aisin is a division of Toyota, all of the parts in the Aisin TKT-030 kit are the same exact parts as the parts you would buy at the Lexus dealership! (and that set of parts would be over $600)

you can find this kit on ebay for around $200