Did the timing belt and accessories belts change on our 99 AWD with just over 80K miles. All the old belts look new. I suspect Lexus designed these belts to last way over 100K miles but be on the safe side by setting the change interval at 90K miles. The Toyota dealer charged $375 to change out all the belts. They also charged me $90 to change out the power steering fluid and I just noticed how easy that was to do yourself on DYI section of this site.

 

Yeah,this isnt the first time I heard this,I will probably go well into 100k before I do the timing belt.

 

I keep harping on this .. the 90K replacement is based on 0 failure. There are lots and lts of other variables like, temp swings, idle time (belts wear even when you are not moving), driving conditions [more engine rpms when in low gear], and also manufacturer tries to match when you will come in for service. There are other parts in the drive train that need a good look around 90k too.

For the folks who want to risk it, keep in mind that the engine is interfering type, so you may get into more repairs ... if the belt stretches/break.

Salim

 

I too stayed on the safe side and got my timing belt and drive belts changed, it's not worth causing thousands in damage.

 

I understand Salimshah,but a little risk is what keeps life more interesting.... Plus it would be an excuse to port and polish the heads/intake...... of course you know I`m talking out of my A*^% right?? Plus I simply havn`t yet decided If I want to do it,or indipendant shop,or have the dealer do the job.

 

my 01 rx is nearing 90k and am debating where to do the service. lexus dealer quoting me 635ish for the 90k service which includes oil change, transmission fluid, check all bearings for steering, joints, etc. check the belts (not replacing them) spark plugs, wires, etc..

my question is should i take it to a toyota dealer instead? i live in san francisco and im not sure if the local toyota dealers here work on lexus. i want to get all the tune up stuf done and belts replaced in one shebang but don' t wanna spend that much,...

 

Very strange Lexus dealer quote. According to the Owner's Manual, the timing belt should be replaced at 90,000 mi. The spark plugs are to be replaced at 120,000 mi; and there are no spark plug wires to replace, since there is an individual coil on top of each spark plug. I'd ask again.

Some Toyota dealers will work on Lexus engines, and some won't. You probably need to check each Toyota dealer.

 

I've taken my RX to 2 different Toyota dealer in Dallas and Philly and they both gladly work on my RX. You should tell them exactly what you want done rather than saying I want the 90K service. I would ask them to change out all the fluid- oil, transmission, radiator, brake, power steering, and transfer cases if you have an AWD. Change out all the air filters. Replace the timing belt and the two accessories belts. The spark plugs are optional.

 

that and honestly you can save yourself a *****-ton of that money just by replacing most of that yourself. I havent done the belts yet and im considering just taking it to a lexus dealership to do the belts only, but the oil change, spark plugs and coil packs are easy to do yourself, for 635 bucks you could replace (not just check) most of that stuff and have some left over. Theres plenty of DIY guides on here and ive been following them myself and i cant even begin to calculate how much money ive saved and how much more freedom i have in what i want in my car (fluid/brand of parts/etc.)

My car has never run better and i have 212k miles on it. Our cars are pretty durable so i'd say only go to the dealership to go get something replaced and not just checked and only if its something you dont feel entirely comfortable doing yourself.

 

Spark plugs and transmission fluid you can DIY. I remember when I used to go up to Lexus from Mexico City that some things I would ask them to do and some things I would not. Timing belts/water pump are one thing that I would let the dealer/other mechanic do along with the accessory belts. The belts are the principal reason for the 90K service.

It doesn't hurt to try the Toyota dealer since its practically the brother of the 1st gen. V6 Highlander. Keep in mind, dealers are hurting for cash. The other day I went to look at a 4Runner with my girlfriend and I walked by their service bay and there wasn't much of anything in there. They need $$$.

 

If you're tech-savvy like LexMex, then you can try to tackle the spark plugs, but those three in the back are a real "B" to get out. If this is your first time, and you have two hours to kill, then do the spark plugs, but "regular Joe" DIY mechanics, I would say on the RX keep to:

Oil/filter change
Transmission fluid change
Air filter
Brakes
PCV valve

Timing belt and spark plugs, I would bring to your local shop and have them do it. Just get the parts from Toyota/Lexus and bring in.

 

dont get me wrong, those back 3 SUCK but that was probably the first time id ever really done more to a car than change an air filter and i was able to do it