Have you replaced the timing belt in your RX300? Any issues afterwards?

I am getting close to 90K on my 2002 RX300, about time to get the timing belt replaced according to the schedule. Yet the engine runs so fine, and just about all my Lexus' problems were caused by mechanics... so I am tempted to skip it.

No, money is not an issue.

 

I had Lexus do it back in Dec. 2004 (a few months after I started putting my RX out on the track) and also had the water pump changed at the same time. Did not notice anything different and have not had any issues. Did not notice anything beforehand either.

 

Reccomended replacement is based on mean-time to failure with gaurd-band, so that early failures are also covered.

So if you want to take the risk of not changing it then you need to be preapred for the consequences.

1. Time, location aggravation when the failure happens. [at higway speeds, middle of no-where, who else is with you in the RX, out of use at a time of not your choice, towing, etc etc].

2. Determine the level of damage the failure will cause. Interfering vs. non-interfering ... valves, pistons etc. Translate that into extra $$.


Preempitve maintenance: I have not seen anywhere reccomended replacement milage for water-pump [due to lack of mean-time to failure data]. Since the failure can happen any time, the question is should you change it at the same time as you change the t.belt to save on labor charge. Jury is out and most change it.

My personal reccomendation is to have it changed. I have previously changed t. blet on a 4 cylender transverse mounted engine and since then decided to part with the money than do this myself. Have not regretted making this choice last year when RX odo rolled over to 90K.

Salim

 

While I would certainly replace the tbelt at 90k or before, is the RX engine an interference engine? I know this had been debated before!!

 

Always a good question. RX300 does not have an interference engine.

 

Just had it replaced and water pump with no issues before or after at 106,000miles...

 

A question: How do you tell that the mechanic has actually replaced the timing belt? Thanks.

 

Service record. Dealer will also place a decal near radiator.

Like any other part, you have to trust the mechanic once the mechanic says it was replaced.

One can mark the belt (or any other part) before taking it in to the mechanic and confirm afterwards by asking for the old part back.

If the belt has square teeth, then over time one can spot rounding off. Some one told me that the lexus T belt have rounded teeth. Maybe some wear marks are there.

To visually inspect the T belt, I think valve cover has to be opened up.


Salim

 

I had mine replaced by the Toyota dealer at 90K for around $320 with no issues.

 

Thanks. I'll look for the decal. I plan on doing it at Lexus next month. Toyota is slightly cheaper, but no loaner car.

And I appreciate everyone's input.