mommyrox

My Lexus LX470 has been mostly diven in the city & has only about 41k miles.
Recently took it to Lexus for finishing work on recalls & was advised the following!
* Replace timing belt & water pump
* Boot, Drive Axle replace both sides (they said can only see grease after high speed!) possibly Axle Boots are torn?
Should I be getting these repairs done as cost is almost 3k.

Please advise.
Thanks,
Regards,

hankinid

Timing belt needs replacement, the truck is 12+ years old...so you go by time and not by mileage. Same deal on the water pump as it has to be removed to get to the timing belt...you may as well replace it with a new one during reassembly.

Same with the boots and axles...it's a matter of time, not mileage.

hth

Steve

NTH

hankinid

That, or see if you can find an independent shop that specializes in Toyota / Lexus. A post in the 200 series section of MUD should get you what you need...ih8mud.com 200 series tech forum

$3K imo is borderline in the rape-and-pillage category, imo.

And YES, you need to get the repairs done. If repairs are not done, bigger repairs are around the corner headed your way.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

we fixed my moms 04LX front passenger axle boot yesterday. We bought the OEM repair kit instead of completely replacing the axle, comes with new boots, bands and grease

yes while you are replacing the belt, do the water pump also. Or else later the water pump goes and you have to take everything apart again

cwmoser

My 2002 LX470 just turned 40K miles.
Screw them ... I'm not going to change the Timing Belt - I bet its still got a lot of life left with it.

hankinid

Go for it. What could go wrong with 15-16 year old rubber belt??

Google "interference engine" when you get minute or 2.

Kira X

iTrader: (24)

I would order an OEM timing belt kit off of eBay. As far as the other parts go you could look on there or try getting them through a Toyota dealership.

In the past I've paid $250 to do a timing belt, water pump, and spark plugs on my LS430. Labor at a dealership is very pricey.

Where at in Texas are you located?

cwmoser

Some time ago I had done some reading about this "interference engine" and it appears most survived belt failure. I think there is a difference between a belt with 150K miles and driven off road versus an older one that is 15 year old "Mall Cruiser". I've had past experiences having things repaired on cars that were well f-ed up. Its a lot of disassembly getting down to the Timing Belt. If my Water Pump was leaking or I needed my Starter Motor replaced I would go ahead and have the Timing Belt replace. But my LX470 runs great - why mess up a good thing. In any case, this Summer I plan on removing the Timing Case cover on the right side to take a look at the condition of my Timing Belt. I expect it to look just fine, not dry rotted, or frayed and very clean - but I'll see. Personally I think the 10 year/90K recommendation is worst case Toyota suggestion. I hardly think my LX470 has been subjected to worst case usage.

toddmorr

agree with cwmoser, that belt is highly likely to go a lot longer. No need to rush out and get it replaced immediately. I'm at 98k on an '05 and not too concerned, I'll probably replace mine at end of the year, all the while keeping a close eye on water pump health.

hankinid

Worst case usage or not, Toyota recommends every 90K or every 7 years.

If I were buying a used 100 series and found that the timing belt was not replaced per Toyota's recommendation, I'd wonder what other regular maintenance was blown off.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

A timing belt is only a grand, why risk at the very least $5k worth of damage for a grand

toddmorr

because it's a completely reasonable risk to take, with well understood ways to mitigate the risk. Why spend the $1000 when you don't have to quite so soon

cwmoser

Ditto. My LX470 now has just over 40K miles and is 16 years old, original Timing Belt.
Have a friend with a 2003 Tundra (same engine) with 170K on original timing belt.
Couple years ago sold our 1999 Sienna with 138K miles, original timing belt.

In addition there is a lot of discussion about whether these 4.7L engines are really interference.
Reports of Timing Belts breaking but not damaging engine.
Makes me wonder if its the Water Pump we should be worrying about as it apparently can
stop suddenly snapping the Timing Belt. So, when I hear the water pump or see water leakage
I will do the Timing Belt too as everything is already opened up.
Check the ih8mud,com - 100 forum.