martin0820

The timing belt (but not the water pump) was changed in 2012 at 26,000 (not a typo!) miles.

The car now has 46,000 miles and leads a very easy existence - suburban driving and the occasional 200+ mile trip. Not much stop and go traffic, minimal idling, no towing.

All the owner's manual says is to replace the timing belt at 90K if the car is subjected to severe service (use as a taxi or police vehicle, extensive idling, towing, etc.) The manual doesn't address changing the belt under normal use or changing it due to age. (In contrast, the manual for my '02 Acura says 7 years.)

So at 7 years / 20,000 miles does it need to be changed again, or should I plan for it at some other specific age?

Nad1370

You’re fine.
Toyota/Lexus T-belts are pretty durable.
Unless they are contaminated by an oil leak, i personally wouldnt replace it till around the 10yr mark.
(You obviously wont hit the mileage for recommended replacement)

MidniteGX

Might be a good idea to inspect the belt and if it looks good to keep checking when doing regular maintenance. Oem recommends 90k miles or 72 months with the added advise to take vehicle usage into account.

salimshah

I second the advise about inspection. The rubber parts tend to build a 'history' based own them being fixed in a location and when it is moved, it does not like it. If you notice the path of the belt, it hugs an inside and outside gears/rollers. Although with low use the roading off and the running stress will be less (over time) the history based flex will be lot more.

I would open inspect the belt and make sure you crank 4-7 cycles of the main pulley to observe the full periphery of the belt {just put a mark) and spin it through. Look for stress cracks. Better still run it for few minutes and then inspect (after cooling).

Salim

fastnoypi

I'd consider changing it between 7 and 10 years considering you are in NJ and not in a desert heat. If you have the means, inspect it and look for signs of any wear as well as oil dripping behind the cover from the pulley oil seals and/or coolant weeping from your water pump. If any of those conditions are found...just do the whole timing belt job.

ricco750

Advice needed: my 99RX got a new short block and rebuild from the local Lexus dealer in Springfield MO in June of 2009,,,she now has 50,000 miles on that rebuild, along with 10 years. Runs like a top. Do you think I should replace the TB as an item of age?

MidniteGX

If your inspection reveals signs of age/wear, I’d say yes. Belts do deteriorate over time and can harden and crack.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

If it comes to it, change it in 2022

ricco750

Thanks. Inspection mandates the removal of the TB cover, right? which is almost as much as a PIA as doing the whole job, right?

MidniteGX

Well, that depends. Do you have small hands?
The RX is pretty tight for space. There’s a few things that need to be removed before you can remove the top plate.

salimshah

Timing belt cover is really 4 (or is 5) pieces. The first cover, is the left cam cover that comes off [next to radiator on the top] . There is a piece attached to he timing belt cover (main body) called inspection cover. I dont know how too knock it out to inspect, but it is positioned half way down the side and the reason I remember is that I forgot to install it. Lucky for me that I was not too far ahead at that time.

Salim

martin0820

I appreciate the input. I'm going to get the timing belt (and maybe the water pump) replaced soon. As pointed out in a response, the car isn't going to hit a timing belt replacement mileage milestone anytime soon

ricco750

I like your advice How's you come up with a 13 year interval?

ricco750

Small hands, no...I had to remove the plenum to do spark plugs.

ricco750

Thanks. You are confirming that if I want to see the condition of the belt, I just need to go ahead and do the job. My sense is that I should do the belt only, since the WP, tensioner, and pulleys only have 50K on them, and are not time-sensitive?