I was pleasantly surprised to hear from a Lexus mechanic the LS460 does not have a timing belt but a timing chain. He also said after a certain year, is it 07, all Lexus's did not have timing belts. Always thought the price to change the belt was a ripoff

 

Hum? Are your sure you heard correctly?

Both my 2009 LS460 and 2008 sc430 Maintenance Manuals have listed, "Replace Timing Belt" at the 90,000 mile service interval.

JR

 

I did find this site which talks about it:

http://www.carparts.com/roadtests/lexusls460



Four overhead cams with VVT-iE (Dual Variable Valve Timing with Intelligence) and the first use of an electrically controlled valve timing system help maximize intake efficiency, especially during cold starts. The camshafts are of a new, hollow design and are now driven by a chain instead of a timing belt for improved reliability and reduced maintenance costs.

Will research some more.



Hum? Are your sure you heard correctly?

Both my 2009 LS460 and 2008 sc430 Maintenance Manuals have listed, "Replace Timing Belt" at the 90,000 mile service interval.

JR[/quote]

 

Also found this link for a Lexus timing chain for a 2009:

http://www.dealerdirectparts.com/200...-ls460-l-4.htm

 

I stand corrected.

The online maintenance manual is a combined manual for multiple models. In the 90k service interval for the 2009 models it states to replace timing belt (SC) I missed the ((SC). The ES, GS, IS and LS State timing chain, no inspection interval required.

So all I have to worry about is my SC at 90k.

Thanks for the education

JR

 

The LS uses a chain!

 

Is there any specific maintainance for the timing chain? Mileage benchmarks?

 

Never have to worry about a timing chain. No $ out of your pocket!

 

Lexus warns against checking the timing chain & transmission fluid.

You must have missed the sign that says: "excessive inspection of the car's components is the leading cause of wasting your resources and may render your warranty void (conditions apply)."

 

I am not sure about the LS engine, but some timing chains have tensioners made of plastic that over time can wear or crack and then fail. This could cause the chain to jump a spocket and of course change the timing. I'm a long way from having to worry about it, but I suppose at some point I'll have to check into it.

 

This is exactly why I finally got rid of my BMW 740iL and got into a Lexus!

Failed timing chain guides.

 

And how about those $4,000 water cooled alternators?

 

Not necessarily true, My 2007 Ls460 has just come back from the machanic after having a timing chaiin and slippers replaced as chain was stretched, cost me $3,400 and car has only done 60,000 km. Had a real hassle obtaining parts,had to order from Japan and with Covid19 I had to wait 3 months to get them. Only 1 belt was stretched but they did both as normal precedure

 

I find it very hard to believe. Are you sure your car has 60k km? Because I would expect to have a stretched out timing chain at 200k+ miles.

 

yep, car was fixed at the local Lexus Dealer and they had the service history on computer. When I brought the car 18 mths ago it had a "Certified Correct Speedo" rating including all the service manuals and inspection sheets dating back to the start. Maybe I got a lemon but the purchase price paid was $24,995 So now its running sweet again I can enjoy cruisin' the highway again.