lexus114

Does any one know what model year the RX went from the timing belt,to timing chain?

code58

I wasn't aware that they had. ??? Is that the 350 or 400?

AlexusAnja

Do you mean Toyota/Lexus in general, or just the RX300? The RX300 was, and I'm pretty sure the RX330/350 was also, unless the 3rd generation went chain, always a belt.

I know that Nissan likes using chains in their engines, but Toyotas not so much, if any.

My '04 LS430 is still a belt, so if any, they would be current generation models.

AlexusAnja

Did a quick search online, and the "newer" 3.5L V6 engines, along with the 4.7L in the Tundra are using chains. Also, the Corolla's little 4-cylinder seems to use chains too.

So, I would think the 3rd gen. RX350 probably has a chain then.

Cruiter

The RX350 and RX450h are both part of a new engine family starting with the third generation of RX's now out or coming out lat this month (450h). More fuel economy and less maintenance. In the case of the RX450h, it looks like (from the owners manual) the most expensive maintenance will be at 120,000 miles which includes spark plugs.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

BMW was one of the first major manufacturers to revert wholesale from belts to chains back in 1991 (they also moved from solid to hydraulic lifters at the same time). This was, as stated above, for reliability and reduced maintenance requirements. Chains are a little noisier than belts but they rarely break.

I didn't know Toyota was doing the same with it's recent engine families.

lexus114

WOW!! you guy`s are really on the ball.Thanx for all the info. I`m kicking around the idea of trading up to an 04-05,or put new struts and eventually a new timing belt etc.on mine.

sktn77a

iTrader: (2)

New shocks and timimg belt at the dealer ~ $2000-$2500.

Trade in your 99/00 RX300 for an 04/05 RX330 at the dealer ~ $15000-$20000.

code58

Value of not ever again having to worry about replacing timing belt again (or whether it's interference or non-interference) PRICELESS!

salimshah

you do get the headache of oil leaks through the timing chain cover. There are always pros and cons. My favorite about chain is, that you can drive from both sides, while the belt has cogs on the inside.

Salim