banyan

can someone share instructions on how to replace the timing belt for an 05 rx330? I have 95K miles and planning for this task soon. any good CDs or online site recommendations would be appreciated as well.

HtownBlue

Friend, I wouldn't mess with it until 120K at least. I did mine at 97K and it was practically brand new. I have done this job 6 times (on the older RX300 and twice on the RX330 and nearly every time the belts looked in very good shape, even with high mileage.


As for tips and instructions, I would not recommend doing this unless you are an experienced mechanic (not saying you aren't). It is a decently complicated job and you have to be careful to align the crank and cam shafts correctly at top dead center (start at rear pulley, align that one on the belt mark/cam pulley mark, and work counter clock wise around to the other cam pulley).

Replace the water pump and the tensioner pulley as well as the guide pulley as well while your down there. All Data and Lexus recommend replacing the cam shaft position sensors while you have it apart, but that is not a necessity.

Oh and replace your belts (alt. and PS) while your at it because you will have them off at that time anyways, and you have to replace them at about 125 - 150 any ways.

If you need any advice, email me at htownblue@gmail.com and I can offer other tips etc.

mandyfig

There's a DIY here for timing belt, do a search.

banyan

Thank you both for your replies. I have tried searching but none came up. I am actually looking for step by step from those that have done it - diy.

I have a couple of other cars. A 560 sel and a 66 mustang conv. I have done quite a few complex diy including engine overhaul and timing chain replacement on my cars. But have not done so on the rx 330 and I am sure it has it's own challenges particularly for diyers, me included.

I am surprised there are not a lot of write-ups available. Though I know all data is a good source. The Toyota online I have heard might also be a good one.

Well, any other inputs would be very helpful. Thx

thomas1

here is a utube on the old RX300, Same basic engine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DI60MOkf168

banyan

thank you thomas1 for the youtube video.


I have a question for HtownBlue:

there is another youtube video - part 2 for the same car a 2000 rx 300.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7D_8u1GkRkM

since you have done quite a few on the rx300 and rx330, do you think these videos are also applicable to the RX330? are there any differences that we should watch out for?

thx

lexus114

You dont need it yet. Thats good for at least 120K.

mandyfig

RX350 has timing chain?

lexus114

Yep, the 3.5L motor is a chain.

HtownBlue

Yes they are very similar. The engine Mount and dog bone are slightly different, as is the power steering pump and a few other minor differences. Over all it was quite the same, except that getting to a few of the bolts were a bit more difficult. I recommend you have a small 1/4 inch drive ratchet and sockets for some of the timing cover bolts. Seems like there was less working room on the 330 than the 300.

RX350 has timing chain, which I haven't done fwiw.

hypervish

x2, you can go to at least 120k. It's not necessary to replace it this early. They look like new even at 120k.

banyan

Thank you htownblue. Appears doable, with patience for sure...

thomas1

the one difference is that the tensioner is a different part number....However the belt and idlers are the same as well as the waterpump....

banyan

i have heard there are also seals for the crank and the (2) camshafts that are sometimes replaced as well? anybody knows about this?

phillydude

Hey guys, need some advice - my '05 RX330 has only 52k miles, but now that its 8 yrs old, do i need to replace the timing belt and fluids? Don't drive much, about 8k a yr, but planning to keep the car for a long time, so wanna do the right thing.