I bought my LS with 89K miles, it has 95K and only has had the oil changed thus far. Based on dealer record, it got the full 60K service. I do not plan on using the dealer for any of this service.

1) My bro-in-law builds cars and says he'll tackle the timing belt. What parts should I make sure I have for him? The belt of course but that's where my knowledge of the change stops. And where should I get the parts?

2) What fluids should be not be neglected as well? Brake? PS? Trans? Being such an inept car mechanic myself, I want to make sure I know what to tell my local mechanic and what to have done that he may advise.

TIA!

 

1. Timing belt service. You'll need to buy the following (prices are approx. DISCOUNTED prices--not retail prices, as dealer prices are about 20% higher):

-timing belt (~$42)
-timing belt tensioner (~$40)
-L idler timing pulley (~$64)
-R idler timing pulley (~$64)
-water pump ($100) [not required, but if you have all of the other parts out, it's HIGHLY recommended that you change this as well--if it seizes at any time, your belt (new or old) will break]

2. Other services

**spark plugs (if they haven't been changed recently (check dealer record)--about $10/each for OEM plug)
**ATF flush or drain/refill (drain and refill about 2-3x initially; if it's dark, then also do so during every oil change for another 3-4x)
**rear differential oil change
**brake fluid bleed
**air filter change (~$22)
**incabin A/C filter change (~$32)

That is probably the brunt if it, and might be a few more things. But it should cover most of your bases.

WHERE TO BUY PARTS

www.carsontoyota.com
1-800-908-6968

-Ask for the parts dept., then you can above parts for the approx prices described (they give you a 20% discount off retail). They are all friendly and helpful.

 

Hey thanks for taking the time to post all that.

 

No problem.

By the way, check out BananaGS's website for more info on some of the services--if anything, to give you an idea of how some things are done:

http://lexusmodz.netfirms.com/

 

Hey, I also was advised to change the "serpentine belt" as well. Think that's necessary?

 

If it's cracked, making noise, looking worn, you might want to do it as well. This is actually something that you can do quite easily and without having to worry about tensioning it properly as it has an auto tensioner--just loosen it by applying resistance, then when you replace the belt, it tensions it self.

HOW TO REMOVE GENERATOR DRIVE BELT
Loosen the belt tension by turning the drive belt tensioner counterclockwise, and remove the dive belt.
HINT: The tensioner pulley bolt has a left–hand thread.