I want to replace the timing belt on my ‘00 RX300 and have mostly just basic tools. 1) Haynes
manual says to get #1 cylinder to top dead center with the help of a compression gauge, which I
don’t have. Can I do this without a gauge? 2) My impact wrench is ½"...will I be able to get by
with this to remove the crank pulley bolt? Thank you.

 

You can find TDC by putting a very long dowl or a long screw driver down the spark plug hole and watch to see when it stops at it's peak travel point. However , you still need to know which stroke you'd be on. Either the compression stroke or the end of the exhaust stroke.
The crank pulley should be marked, as well as the timing belt will have marks on it to show when you've hit TDC on #1 (probably 2 little dots on the edge of the belt which coinside to the cam gear. IIR.....

You can remove the bolt with a long breaker bar, but you'll need a gear puller to get the pulley off

Here's some info someone posted that may be useful;
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ml#post5211646

 

Welcome to CL.

Please look through our stick DIY index thread for timing belt. Secure a RX workshop manual Vol 2 if you can.

There are videos floating around on the internet.

Then decide how you will accomplish them. Some items look like a piece of cake, but each situation is different. Having an array of tools at your disposal can make a difference.
Tool to hold the pulley to tighten/loosen pulley bolt.
Puller to remove the pulley
Torque wrench med range and high range.

For planning you may like to figure out what items you will replace [some are optional]

Timing Belt.
Idllers (one or both) .. you will need thread lock (locktite etc)
Water pump + gasket... most likely will need star socket and stud removing tool,
Main front seal [tool to remove and something to seat the new one]
cam seals [ same as above]
Coolant
thermostat + gasket
spark plugs [110k miles]
Accessory belt
Steering pump belt.

Salim

 

Thank you, 2KHarrier and Salim! I will use your suggestions.

 

If you are near an Autozone, you can rent a compression tester for free as well as other helpful tools for the job.

 

Thanks, fastnoypi....I didn't know that and will check into that.

 

I thought I’d change the timing belt due to some noise somewhere behind the timing belt cover.
But when I removed the cover I can see the belt looks pretty new. (I bought this RX300 last year
and don’t know its history.) Can I just strap the existing belt in place and replace the tensioner
and/or pulleys only? Which of these parts would likely be making the noise? Thank you.

 

I wouldn't think any of those parts would be making noise. If it did, my first guess would be steering pump or water pump.. You can mark the belt on every pulley, strap the belt with zipties then remove the hydraulic tensioner, but I would highly recommend to replace the belt too for peace of mind. Check the water pump for any leak.

 

Thank you! Will check out those pumps.

 

T-Belt is not too expensive (compared to re-assurance and time and energy), so I would spend the extra $40.

If the belt is to be re-used, Bring the engine to #1 TDC and mark the belt on both cams and main pulley. Then take the belt off. It will make your life much easier at the time of install.

During install, the marks will help, but remember the marks only help as you install the belt. Once the crank is spun, on the next TDC the marks on the belt will not line up, but you have to ensure the gears all match up to the marks.


Looking at the posted picture, it seems you have leak in the steering pump.

Salim

 

Please do not reuse the TB but if you do, make sure you reinstall it going in the same direction. If you buy a new one, make sure you get OEM, eg Mitsuboshi. Do not waste your money on an aftermarket belt, including Gates (unless you get a Gates-Unitta made in Japan).

 

Thank you all. Maybe the steering pump is causing the noise.