I bought 2004 Lexus LS430 and it has 81K miles and timing belt was replaced in 2015 , do I need to replaace ?

 

You will probably hear conflicting opinions. Some say do it as that is Lexus’ recommendation others say age does not matter as much as mileage. Mine was replaced 7 years 16K miles ago and I am sure I will have to make a hard decision soon.

 

What was the mileage when it was replaced?
Did it have 25k miles in 2015 or 65k miles? Either way time is very much on your side.
Mileage generates heat, time does not. Heat accelerates component wear.
Timing belts are much more robust than most people realize. They are reinforced internally with aramid (Kevlar) and or fiberglass bands.
Aramid is 5 to 6 times stronger than steel. Def not a glass slipper that will explode at midnight (aka 90k miles and/or 10 years).
Use your best judgement and don’t ignore it.

 

Most would say it's the supporting parts (water pump, idler pulley, tensioner pulley and tensioner) and not the belt that is more at-risk. I don't have an opinion either way.

This timing belt was only a few weeks old. The tension pulley seized. It's from a Toyota 7A-FE (Corolla, non-interference).

 

It had 45K miles in 2015 when timing belt was changed

thank you for helping me here as I checked and cost is coming around $1.5K plus

[


QUOTE=bradland;11820106]What was the mileage when it was replaced?
Did it have 25k miles in 2015 or 65k miles? Either way time is very much on your side.
Mileage generates heat, time does not. Heat accelerates component wear.
Timing belts are much more robust than most people realize. They are reinforced internally with aramid (Kevlar) and or fiberglass bands.
Aramid is 5 to 6 times stronger than steel. Def not a glass slipper that will explode at midnight (aka 90k miles and/or 10 years).
Use your best judgement and don’t ignore it.[/QUOTE]

 

Who replaced it? What all did they replace when they did it? What kind of parts were used?

For me, I would replace it plus a few other things that are very easy while you're in there. Why chance it?

 

Thank you so much for your reply , It was done at lexus dealership as per service record I find in lexus app, these are the services done you can see in this image

 

Timing belt is pretty vague though TBH. Some dealers won't do the tensioner or bearings until the second service. That being said, I would want a clean slate where you know exactly what parts were replaced. Remember, these are interference engines so if the belt breaks (unlikely), the pistons will hit the valves.

If you do it yourself or find a solid indy mechanic, it really isn't that much for a full proper timing belt service along with thermostat, radiator, hoses, and a few other things.