Timing belt time frame?
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Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 15
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From: ILLINOIS
Timing belt time frame?
I recently purchased a 2006 ML LS430 with 61k miles. The timing belt has not yet been done or the water pump from what I can tell or along with the transmission fluid.
Question is would you guys recommend replacing the timing belt and water pump at this point of time since the vehicle is 10 years old? or would you wait until the 90k miles mark?
Question is would you guys recommend replacing the timing belt and water pump at this point of time since the vehicle is 10 years old? or would you wait until the 90k miles mark?
Pole Position
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,086
Likes: 242
i would have the belt and water pump done.if not for piece of mind alone.
if belt were to break, engine shot.
i have 44k miles on my timing belt on my 93 sc400 and 12 years,however if that belt were to break no damage will be done to the engine.
if belt were to break, engine shot.
i have 44k miles on my timing belt on my 93 sc400 and 12 years,however if that belt were to break no damage will be done to the engine.
Thread Starter
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: ILLINOIS
Yea, I feel like doing it for peace of mind. I am just wondering if I can get away with another 6-8 months until I collect other parts so that I can just get everything done all at once at the shop. Tbelt, Waterpump, tune up, tfluid change, coilovers and a few other things rather than multiple trips to the shop.
Lead Lap
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 651
Likes: 24
From: WI
The timing belt will be fine as long as the water pump does not spring a leak. If there are zero signs of coolant leak at the pump, I would wait on doing the TB. You could go in to a Toyota dealer and have them do a coolant change. Personally I would only be concerned with the coolant getting replaced... I just did the TB and pump change on my 2006 LS 430 4 months ago at 86K miles and the mechanic said the timing belt looked like new and the pump was really clean. My only concern was really the additives in the coolant wearing down over 10 years...
Rookie
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 36
Likes: 1
From: GA
I had mine changed on my 2002 LS430 at 123,000 miles. It was 10 years old at the time. The belt looked almost brand new as well as the water pump.
I think you can definitely wait on getting it done, however the risk is great if it breaks!
The decision is yours but I think your early on this one.
I think you can definitely wait on getting it done, however the risk is great if it breaks!
The decision is yours but I think your early on this one.
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,682
Likes: 304
I had mine changed on my 2002 LS430 at 123,000 miles. It was 10 years old at the time. The belt looked almost brand new as well as the water pump.
I think you can definitely wait on getting it done, however the risk is great if it breaks!
The decision is yours but I think your early on this one.
I think you can definitely wait on getting it done, however the risk is great if it breaks!
The decision is yours but I think your early on this one.
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Lead Lap
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 714
Likes: 6
From: md
I would wait personally. I have 90k on my 2005 and dont plan on doing the belt til at least 100-120k miles.
My manager at work has a 2003 LS430 with almost 200k miles on the original belt and waterpump with no issues.
Every toyota tech ive spoken with said wait til 150k unless you notice any leaks.
My manager at work has a 2003 LS430 with almost 200k miles on the original belt and waterpump with no issues.
Every toyota tech ive spoken with said wait til 150k unless you notice any leaks.
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Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,682
Likes: 304
I would wait personally. I have 90k on my 2005 and dont plan on doing the belt til at least 100-120k miles.
My manager at work has a 2003 LS430 with almost 200k miles on the original belt and waterpump with no issues.
Every toyota tech ive spoken with said wait til 150k unless you notice any leaks.
My manager at work has a 2003 LS430 with almost 200k miles on the original belt and waterpump with no issues.
Every toyota tech ive spoken with said wait til 150k unless you notice any leaks.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 878
Likes: 232
From: Arizona
Higher mileage belts "look new" until you compare them to a new one. My 112k mile belt looked great but when I held it and the new one together the difference was obvious. The old belt was considerably thinner. Remember these belts wear on both sides (teeth on the cams and crank, smooth side on the water pump and idlers). These belts run in a protected environment so they will look new right up until they break.
Another thing to keep in mind is that timing belt failure isn't always just a belt failure. An idler bearing, water pump issue, or leaking cam seals can also cause a failure. One of my idlers was quite noisy at 112k.
Another thing to keep in mind is that timing belt failure isn't always just a belt failure. An idler bearing, water pump issue, or leaking cam seals can also cause a failure. One of my idlers was quite noisy at 112k.
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