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Considering The purchase of a 1992 LS400 with 77,000 original miles , The timing belt was done 20,000 miles ago but this was in 2005. Would you consider this something that has to be addressed ASAP or with only 20,000 miles not a big deal? I will have to also replace all the tires which I have no problem doing typical when buying a used car.
I have an answer for you but you still have to decide so here it is: I have a 2000 LS400 w/ only 45K miles & the timing belt/water pump were still original so last year, after 17 years, I've decided to replace them so I can sleep better at night. The serpentine belt show lots of small cracks under the grooves, however the timing belt was in pristine, like new condition. Now unlike the 2nd generation Lexus LS400's, I believe yours is a non-interference engine so even if the belt snap on you,the damage to the engine won't be detrimental but you will be stranded so it's something that you'll have to decide. Good luck.
I agree with Dicer and Superfast. The timing belt on a LS is very resilient.
The cam pulley covers on an early LS are pretty easy to get to if you wanna pull one off and take a look for peace of mind.
Here is my reply which doesn't detract from the others but gives a different perspective. Like you, I bought a car that should have had the timing belt changed. I bought a 96 in 2010 that the dealer should have replaced the timing belt. Damn Lexus actually keeps all the dealer records and this card was always maintained at a dealer. They actually admitted to me that they should have changed it - I should have pursued it with them but I went ahead and had it done by an independent. The car was and has been great. The only things that have failed are known issues - radio LCD display, power antenna failing, and power steering pump.
do not change timing belt should be changed every 80 k miles not before, do not worry about it
That's some bad advice there. Recommended is 90K or 6 years.Which ever comes first.
If you have the capability to remove a T-belt cover, maybe you should look at the T-belt before buying it. (Just for peace of mind) Like you've pointed out, it only has 20K miles on the belt but it's been 13 years. Personally, I wouldn't worry about it at all, especially being a NON-interference motor.
I too wouldn't worry about replacing the belt as it's a non-int motor and it was replaced already.
plus you're in CA where the ambient temp does not swing too far hot/cold wearing down critical engine components.
I have an answer for you but you still have to decide so here it is: I have a 2000 LS400 w/ only 45K miles & the timing belt/water pump were still original so last year, after 17 years, I've decided to replace them so I can sleep better at night. The serpentine belt show lots of small cracks under the grooves, however the timing belt was in pristine, like new condition. Now unlike the 2nd generation Lexus LS400's, I believe yours is a non-interference engine so even if the belt snap on you,the damage to the engine won't be detrimental but you will be stranded so it's something that you'll have to decide. Good luck.
Since your '92 is a non-interference engine, I personally would not be in any rush at all to replace it. Only 20k miles and 13 years on the belt. If your belt breaks your engine will stop, but there will be no damage. Some will say that it is a safety issue if you were to suddenly lose the engine. But there are about a dozen other things in your car that can make you lose the engine, so I don't buy the fear factor on that one.
Also, regarding age (this goes for tires as well) of rubber components, I believe it to be very important as to whether the rubber was exposed to UV light (sun) or temperature variations (e.g., parked outside in Arizona or parked in a garage in NorCal) during that aging process.
03-17-18, 11:03 AM
Timing belt Question
