artbuc

This is from a Camry forum. Thought you all would be interested since we have had so many discussions here about TB and WP life.

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Last Man Standing, Water Pump versus Timing Belt

Now the final result is known. Being that my 1MZ-FE is a non interference engine, I did not feel overly compelled to change the timing belt and water pump too early. I thought the worst case scenario maybe an inconvenience if I were running for the airport or if one hundred miles or so away from home. While sitting in my drive way, on startup the engine water pump bearing made a death rattle sound and then seized. With only 299,700 miles on the odometer the water pump had died and the temperature gauge then went through normal range and into the hot range. I later found the water pump bearing had seized and was leaking coolant. The timing belt still looked pretty good although it was worn down to the fabric on the nubby side much like a bald tire. The timing belt may have easily gone to 300,000 miles and beyond if not for the interruption by the water pump failure.

1994 Camry V6 SE Coupe

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code58

Thanks for posting that Art. As I've always stated, the belt is good for a whole lot more than the recommended replacement interval. If you saw the innards of the water pump like I did when I replaced it on my DIL's RX at 120+k mi. (cut it apart with a die grinder and cutoff blade) you'd wonder how they would ever wear out. One of the finest pieces of engineering I've ever seen.

mroxas

how about the alternator and power steering belt ?
What is the lexus recommended interval of change of these belts ?

I have 1999 RX300 AWD with 103Kmiles. 1st owner car history (I check at lexus Online) shows that TB and WP was change, but did not show they change the alternator and power steering belt...

Thanks,
Mike

bob2200

I think they very likely were replaced along with the timing belt. My accessory belts started sqeaking (and were replaced) long before the 90K-mi point.