Another Timing belt question
Driver
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 157
Likes: 0
From: ca
There certainly are people who keep rolling past 90k I read somewhere on the forums one guy had 170k on the timing belt to the point teeth were stripping on the belt. I'm sure the Lexus recommendation is conservative, think of the unhappy customers that would result from belts breaking at 80k. I'm guessing that the belt is certainly good to 110k to 140k (so about 50% above recommendation) before the belt becomes critical.
However, remember that on the 430 engine the valves will hit the pistons if failure occurs so basically the top half of your engine will be destroyed. The head will have to be pulled and valves replaced at a minimum, so you are talking big $$$$$. Much better to change at 90k and have peace of mind. I plan on doing mine myself for about $400 in parts, I think I can tackle the job I've done it on other cars.
However, remember that on the 430 engine the valves will hit the pistons if failure occurs so basically the top half of your engine will be destroyed. The head will have to be pulled and valves replaced at a minimum, so you are talking big $$$$$. Much better to change at 90k and have peace of mind. I plan on doing mine myself for about $400 in parts, I think I can tackle the job I've done it on other cars.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 235
Likes: 10
From: FL
I have an 05 LS430 with 106,000. I am scheduled to get this service done for just over $1,000 within 2 weeks. I will ask them to keep the belt so I can see it and maybe I'll take a picture if there is any damage or noticeable wear. This was a leased car from Miami and I got it with 64,000.
Rookie
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 81
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma
Driver
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 168
Likes: 0
From: new york
Belts don't break that often unless you really put on the miles but they do stretch. Once it stretches too much the tensioner cannot take up the slack and its just as bad. The guy that said he had 170K without a change is full of crap. I doubt a belt would last that long.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,680
Likes: 302
It's funny how I see many 15+ year old Lexus models on the road with windows that don't operate, A/C that don't blow cold, fenders pushed in and yet they are still chugging along. It might have been a high end car when new but they are now used by many who can't afford a later model car but still want reliability. These people don't have money for repairs and for the most part our cars are not "break down" cars and will continue to start up and drive. Maintenance items will go neglected on many of these cars which proves how well they are built.
Last edited by Bocatrip; Mar 13, 2011 at 06:46 PM.
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 235
Likes: 10
From: FL
I got the timing belt, water pump, serpentine belt, spark plugs, front brake pads, trans fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, some other minors... all for $1260. I have the old belt and it has one minor worn tooth. I'll post a picture in a few days. Back to worry free motoring.
I believe the Toyota engineers specified a belt with strength to last well more than 90,000 miles and recommend that interval to replace the 1-2% outliers that will fail early. there is no way the average life is anywhere close to 90,000.
Rookie
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 56
Likes: 0
From: PA
I replaced the TB/WP in the '98 LS400 at around 85k miles and it was in fine shape. Interestingly, when I sent for the parts, the parts guy commented that "I have 130k on my Lexus... I should replace the TB soon!"
