After reading the perpetual debates on when to replace the timing belt & water pump, I decided not to tempt fate on my 2006 LS 430 (w/ 72K miles). I use a very good independent mechanic in Austin and quote was $1000 - about what I expected. Parts are about $500.

My question: seems I can get a kit for a few hundred less and have him install. Any thoughts on this and if so, where to purchase!

Thanks!

 

I've had this saved in my cart on Amazon for a while.

 

Just be sure to get original equipment brand. Some sellers have the oem brand that doesn't come in the Toyota box which makes it cheaper.

 

This is the kit to get - Aisin brand is OEM ~ $172.98 with free shipping > http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listi...&condition=new

 

AISIN TKT021 INCLUDES WATER PUMP
Hydraulic Tensioner: Included; w/ Hydraulic Tensioner

$165.99

http://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo....416642&jsn=344

 

I decided to get a few quotes from local shops w/ kits that they would order - one specializes in Toyota repairs and they use an Aisin kit but it says "T-belt tension adjuster - damper only." What does "damper only" mean? Also, should the idler pulleys be replaced? Thx.

 

Not sure why that kit is so much less than what Sewell used to sell for their premium timing belt kit with water pump. I've got one stored up in the basement that I'm about to use during my next service

Sewell's was Timing Belt & Water Pump Kit-Premium Kit LX01TBK and was over $400.

Searching the forum their kit included
Timing Belt
Water Pump w/Gasket
2 Idler Pulleys
2 O-Rings
Coolant
Timing Belt Tensionor
2 Cam Seals
1 Crank Seal

 

Some of those cheaper kits don't have the items to do the cam seals. I'm wondering if this is commonly skipped?

 

Just wondering (a) whether it is advisable to have the idler pulleys done, and (b) what replacing tensioner "damper only" means?

 

Yes, do the idler pulleys too. They are more likely to fail than the belt itself. The tensioner works by putting pressure on one of the idler pulleys but they are separate pieces. The Aisin kit tkt-021 has everything you need and is all oem parts. I wouldn't recommend the cam seals unless they are leaking. They are a lot more labor.

 

"Damper" may very possibly mean the "Idler". The timing belt tensioner pushes on a pivoting arm of the idler which maintain a steady tension on the timing belt. So maybe they are telling you that the existing tensioner will be reused.

 

That pic shows both idlers and the tensioner. They are all included with the Aisin kit. Dust boot too.