Timing belt tips
Timing belt tips
I did the timing belt today in my GS400. Lexus recommends a change at 90k. I presently just turned a bit more than that (been busy). The old belt still looked good.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much simpler it was vs. my 93 SC400 and 92 SC300. I'm not sure what the book time is , but it took me 4 hours from start to finish, including a nice detail of the various engine components since they were off.
Some tips:
You do not have to remove the radiator. You should remove the fan assembly-5 minutes. Drain a little coolant out of the radiator first because the top hose must be removed to facilitate the fan removal.
Remove the crank bolt with an impact gun. Using the crank tool with a breaker bar is a pain and can be dangerous or damaging to yourself or the vehicle. An impact gun will fit nicely if the fan assembly is removed and then ZAP-bolt off. Life is simple.
This is the time to replace the water pump since you are going to be in there.
Plus they only run around 100.00. If you can swing it, change the belt rollers-60.00 each. Not required-just good insurance.
The power steering pump does not have to be removed-only the pulley.
The alternator does need to be unbolted. Don't take it out if the car, just remove the 2 bolts the alternator will slide forward just enough to remove the bracket located behind it,
The AC compressor does require unbolting, however do not remove the AC lines. Just sort of let it hang off to the side with a coat hanger or similar holding it to prevent stress.
Line up the timing marks BEFORE you remove the old belt. The new belt will have the marks on it that will match up to the timing indents on the 3 pulleys.
Check to ensure your new timing belt is 211 teeth and not the older 209 tooth belt found on pre 98 V8's. Some suppliers get them mixed up. You want to ensure that you have the right belt before you start the project.
I also did an oil change, trans fluid change, and coolant change. Hey-I was already dirty so what the heck.
If anyone needs detailed instructions on the timing belt-feel free to email me. Just a note-you do not want to mess up the timing belt by even one tooth or else you could end up with a damaged engine. So if you are not comfortable-take it to someone qualified.
I was pleasantly surprised at how much simpler it was vs. my 93 SC400 and 92 SC300. I'm not sure what the book time is , but it took me 4 hours from start to finish, including a nice detail of the various engine components since they were off.
Some tips:
You do not have to remove the radiator. You should remove the fan assembly-5 minutes. Drain a little coolant out of the radiator first because the top hose must be removed to facilitate the fan removal.
Remove the crank bolt with an impact gun. Using the crank tool with a breaker bar is a pain and can be dangerous or damaging to yourself or the vehicle. An impact gun will fit nicely if the fan assembly is removed and then ZAP-bolt off. Life is simple.
This is the time to replace the water pump since you are going to be in there.
Plus they only run around 100.00. If you can swing it, change the belt rollers-60.00 each. Not required-just good insurance.
The power steering pump does not have to be removed-only the pulley.
The alternator does need to be unbolted. Don't take it out if the car, just remove the 2 bolts the alternator will slide forward just enough to remove the bracket located behind it,
The AC compressor does require unbolting, however do not remove the AC lines. Just sort of let it hang off to the side with a coat hanger or similar holding it to prevent stress.
Line up the timing marks BEFORE you remove the old belt. The new belt will have the marks on it that will match up to the timing indents on the 3 pulleys.
Check to ensure your new timing belt is 211 teeth and not the older 209 tooth belt found on pre 98 V8's. Some suppliers get them mixed up. You want to ensure that you have the right belt before you start the project.
I also did an oil change, trans fluid change, and coolant change. Hey-I was already dirty so what the heck.
If anyone needs detailed instructions on the timing belt-feel free to email me. Just a note-you do not want to mess up the timing belt by even one tooth or else you could end up with a damaged engine. So if you are not comfortable-take it to someone qualified.
Last edited by Pearlpower; Feb 9, 2003 at 01:42 AM.
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