I replaced my '01 LS430 and '04 Lx470 Timing belts and everything else that was recommended (and more) myself. Overall, it was pretty easy. Just a lot of steps, but no single step taht was extremely difficult.

As most mentioned, I was really suprised at the condition of the parts I was replacing. They really looked like they only had 20-30k miles on them (btw, I replaced my belts at 100k on both cars). Lexus is really overbuilt! in a good way of course.

Stuff I did:
-Timing belt, water pump, timing belt tensioner, idler pulleys, thermostat, spark plugs, coolant, and a few more things I can't recall.


I did have to get a special tool for the crankshaft pulley. This was very critical in making the timing belt DIY a success. Luckily the same tool worked on both vehicles.

Good luck!~

-Joe

 

Joe, what special tool do you have? Do you have a link or can you post a picture of it? I am curious as to what it is and what it looks like.

 

I had heard that the waterpumps in these cars are pretty much indestructable!

 

After you turn the crankgear to 50 degrees to prevent the pistons from being damaged how do you get it back so it's in time?

Thanks

 

When you turn the crank to 50 degrees ATDC the belt is still on. Therefore the cams rotate and are also at 50 degrees ATDC. But, more importantly, you align according to the marks on the crank and cams (the belt markings assist with this aspect) so that everything is in alignment despite the 50 degree offset.

 

Thanks for the reply. The left side cam is spring loaded and will move approx. 1/4 turn once the belt comes off. Prior to installing the new belt can I turn the left cam clockwise back to it's correct marks or does that screw everything up because it was moved and the other cam and crankshaft were not moved? That being said, can both cams and the crankshaft be moved independantly of each other (no belt on) as long as they are moved clockwise and end up on their timing marks?

Thanks

 

Does anyone know the answer to my questions above?

Thanks.

 

The LH cam should not turn 90 degrees once you remove the belt. My cam moved maybe 15-25 degrees. You are fine to move the cams back to their original pre-belt removal position. In fact, you have to. However do NOT rotate either cam 360 degrees. Nor do you move the crankshaft. Leave it at 50 degrees and work the cams slightly. Thats the reason for the 50 ATDC parking of the crank...it keeps reasonable clearance when the cams do rotate slightly. Just back up the cams to where they should be (aligning the white belt timing marks to the crank and both cams) when you install the belt and you should be good to go.