2004 RX330 driven in NE US has 113k miles. Decided to change timing belt because I had not changed the 2 drive belts (p/s and a/c). I read the boards, called local Lexus ~$800, called local Toyota $400 special. Asked 2 or 3 local mechanics who have done work for me before. All would be more than $400 with the belts. I do some maintenance myself, but when it comes to special tools, very heavy or extremely hard to reach repairs, I really consider having a pro mechanic do it.

Had the local Toyota do the belts. They beat me hard to change water pump. I decided NOT to do wp as the Lexus boards and dealer said wp should not fail under 200k mi.

Here are pics of the belts. The timing belt looks brand new. Absolutely no signs of wear. The drive belts did have normal wear. Toyota called me in under 2 hours from drop off that they were done. I know they do a lot! So it was $400 well spent.

I’m thinking 5 years I’ll replace drive belts myself, and 8 years or 110k more miles have timing belt and water pump replaced. Hope this helps others who are debating when to change and who to trust.

 

I tried telling people here that the RX motor`s are easy on TB`s. Glad you posted this.

 

$400 for a TB? That's awesome. And they supplied the belts?

 

If you don't replace the water pump, the Toyota/Lexus shop I uses charges $189 plus tax for a timing belt replacement. I had ours changed at 92K and it looked to be in very good shape.

 

$220 down here in FL, however, still almost half the price of the Lexus shop for the same part for the same engine. Same with replacing the plugs.

 

if your suv were under warranty, would the warranty be void if you did the timing belt, water pump at a local show? other than Toyota or Lexus dealership.

The dealership cost alot to do maintenance and changing parts.