salimshah

I cant speak for all engines but for this the valves open early while the piston is physically in the path. Note this engine has evolved and without VVTi it was non-interfering ... that is the reason for the confusion. ... I read the "i" in VVTi as interfering

Salim

ftw

The i in VVT-i stands for intelligence.

lexus114

Salim was only kidding,he know`s that.

pauljcl

How VeryVeryTrue!

dco5000

I posted pics of my replaced timing belt as well as a story about why I choose the Toyota dealer to replace it. In summary, with (2004 RX330 AWD driven in NE US) 113k mi and 7 years old, my belt still looked new. I will wait 120k mi before next change. Note I did not change water pump based on Lexus service said they don't see a need/problem. Plan to have wp replaced at next timing belt (another 120k mi, for 240k mi total on RX330). Drive belts I will probably change at 60k mi intervals (hopefully myself).

Please PM me or search by my username if my previous timing belt pics may help you.

Dodoma

If it looks like a rat, runs like a rat, smells like a rat, than it is a rat. So if your belt looks like a timing belt, looks like a new after 107k miles, has no cracks or stress marks, then the belt has more life left. Even a new belt can fail. Don't we see new cars breaking down on the street? Replacing the belt is based on the belief that a new thing would not break down immediately. However, there is always some possibility that it may break.

VanGuy10

I have a pearl white 2004 lexus RX330. Has over 120,000 miles on it. I have NOT replaced the timing belt. I did the 60,000 checkup. or the one that cost around $500. But to be honest, the stuff they charge you for is really bs. If you really look at it, all they do is visually inspect alot of the car. check fluid, NOT flush the system or refill. prolly top it off if anything. After hearing what they charge, i thought it was ridiculous. Maybe its just me, but if they can do it then so can i.if i mess up, then hey, would have had to pay it anyhow right? might as well learn something lol
Basically, if ur check engine light isnt on, no funny noises, no steam/ smoke. then your basically fine. Though, it wouldnt hurt to pay $150 or however much it is for them to do a complete diagnostic of the car. i do it every 5 or 6 months. and especially before a road trip. check if tires r balding too. Man, tires on these babies are crippling. at least they last for four years though.
anyhow, thats wat i did with my subwoofer. didnt like the price they quoted me about $2000. so im doing it myself. definitely not gonna pay you $600 to make a box, car toys retard. installing em tomorrow

lexus114

if you have 120k on it,and didnt do the tb yet.......i`d get their real soon. that`s about all i would push it. 120 is when i plan on doing mine as well. and as for the 60k etc. check up`s, you are absolutely right. it`s all a bunch of check this,check that bologna. i have found that for the MOST part,they are reliable vehicles.

cdnewton

The 3.3L V6 is an interference engine, the timing belt should be replaced soon. As usual, YMMV.

phillydude

So, what about age? My '05 RX330 (5.5yrs old) has 37K miles, so my car will be around 9 yrs old when it reaches 60K. Is that when I should get all my services done?

DerekPdx

Suggest you to shop around & you don't need to get it done @ Lexus dealer. I have a trusted mechanic whom has worked on my multiple cars for many years. He replaced timing belt + cam shaft belts + water pump of my 04' Lexus RX330 for $520 (labor + parts) Original belts & water pump @93K were fine when he checked. But we want to have a peace of mind (& who will have time to check for timing belt's broken teeth & functional water pump monthly !?) Think about all of wear/tear accumulated on 90K+ mileage on the parts, if it's time to replace - replace it! I've seen car broken down due to broken timing belts & screwed-up water pump - it costs in thousands to make it right again. You have an expensive ride, use good judgement to protect your ride .. In turn, it will serve you well many years to come. Just my 2 cents !!

glassmanj

personally, the lexus/toyota timing belts have always been durable. i believe the normal change rate is 90k miles or 10 years.

MC5Wes

Ive been a Lexus RX owner for almost 10 years. And have been on these forums the whole time.

And I have never read one thread from someone who had their RX belt break.

I have however read numerous threads about the old belt looking just like the new belt. After it was changed.

Does anyone know someone who drove the RX till the belt broke?

RX330inFL

Perhaps someone in the First Generation section. Nothing I have seen here nor heard from techs. Not even on a RAV4 nor Highlander V6.

karenson

I am a city girl with little knowledge of cars. I have a 2004 ES330, which lives in a garage and has only 55,000 miles on it. I take for servicing every 5,000 miles, and just took it in. I am being told that I should have replaced the timing belt and water pump at 6 years, even though I am nowhere near 90,000 miles and the belt apparently looks fine. After searching this forum and others, I am more confused than ever about whether I should spend the $1,300 to do it now, or wait another 35,000 miles (or until the belt looks like it is wearing). Would love advice. Thanks!