Hi. I am a new member and I have a question about the timing belt in my 02 LS430. It was changed at 90,000 by the dealer along with the water pump. I now have 158,000 miles on the car. When will I need to replace it again? I am really hoping to keep this car for a long time.

 

I believe the factory recommendation is every 90K or 6 years. It sounds like you will hit 180K miles before your car is 12 years old. Welcome, and good luck!

 

I thought it might be every 90,000 but I wasn't sure. I am trying to do more of my own maintenance now but I think the belt may be over my head. Anyway, thanks for the info.

 

My 99 GS400 timing belt service was done at 90k, the car now has 210k on it and I have not changed the timing belt as of yet. My question, is this an interference engine, what happens if the belt breaks before I can get it replaced? The car is in great condition except for peeling clear coat on the hood and is my wife's daily driver, don't want to risk leaving her carless but can't afford to do the job right now.

 

^^^
Yes, yours is also an interference engine and is overdue. Belt breaks = valves bent. Get it replaced ASAP.

 

So, you're at 120K on the current belt. Keep in mind this is just me, and based upon what I've seen from Toyota timing belts (and assuming it was replace with an OEM Toyota belt at 90K), but I wouldn't be biting my nails about it yet. But, I'd feel better about going any longer if I could get a peek at the belt itself. I've never looked to see how much trouble it would be to partially remove a section of the timing belt cover, but if it were mine and I really didn't think I could spring for the replacement, I'd try to get a look at the belt to see if it's showing much sign of fatigue. I've seen Toyota belts with 200K on them and they were still servicable, but in any given case, who knows?

I plan to replace the belt on my GX470 soon (will probably have about 102K by then) and look forward to examining the belt and comparing it with the new one.

 

Then there are Cadillac 3.6L engine timing CHAINS that stretch...

 

LOL The "Our car has a timing CHAIN instead of a cheap belt" is often used as a marketing tool, but I'd just as soon, if not rather, have a belt. There's really nothing wrong with a well-designed belt system, IMO.

 

Was at the dealer for two items. I have 55K on the clock and the service writer "recommended" that I change the belt because it's been over 5-years. Are you kidding me ?!?!? I told him I'll come back at a later time to do it. I know they need to make money, but seriously...

I actually thought about the belts driving there and thought "I know that they're going to ask to replace it...."

 

A small truck I have has timing gears. I really like that as it is a work vehicle that I almost never drive.

 

I think the timing belt at 90K miles is a preventative maint measure. They probably did lab tests and 1 out of 1000 broke early, so they recommend this interval because of the severity of damages that happens when one breaks. My friend just got one done on his acura which has to be done around 100k miles, he did it at about 175k and they were hard driven high reving miles. All in all I feel it's ok to go over 10k miles or so but better safe than sorry so get it done sooner then later

 

I had local Toyota dealer do my timing belt,water pump,sepertine belt,clean throttle body,injectors and an oil change @ 84k miles



cost: $901

lexus dealer wanted $1625+


love my toyota dealer



~Carmine


ps.
while I was at the lexus dealer for my last warranty repair last week (exp 3/20/2010 or 100,000)

I requested some prices for work.


this is the email I got back

Here is the estimate you've requested.

90.000 mile service $770.00
Trans Flush $130.00
Spark Plugs $319.95
P/S flush $139.88
Brake flush $129.00
Coolant flush $149.95


We've also ordered your front door speakers they are covered. Your driver's door
glass isn't covered and would cost $819.95+tax to replace.


the driver door issue is the seperation in the center bottom