Another Timing Belt question
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,050
Likes: 151
From: fl
Another Timing Belt question
I have a 2004 RX with 60K on it and after looking at new cars have decided we will probably keep the RX and trade in our other vehicle-a newer Nissan. My question is, is it possible to see what kind of shape the timing belt is in before dishing out $$$ to have it and the water pump changed? I've seen both pros and cons on this board. I'd like to keep this vehicle maybe another couple of years, so not sure if I should bite the bullet or what. Waiting for the new NX to come out so then maybe we will have 2 Lexus (Lexi?), as I can't seem to find anything comparable to the RX except another RX- but want to go smaller.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 234
Likes: 3
From: IT
Out of curiosity, does anyone know if the valves geometry/aperture is such that IF the belt actually breaks, pistons and valves are going to be damaged or not?
I'm aware that In most engines the answer is yes, but I would think that the cams profile shouldn't be very aggressive on our V6, so maybe the valves are never going to hit the pistons regardless of their position...?
Just a thought, that would make a big difference in peace of mind!
My personal interest is for the 400h engine, but I would think that the answer should be the same as for the 330.
I'm aware that In most engines the answer is yes, but I would think that the cams profile shouldn't be very aggressive on our V6, so maybe the valves are never going to hit the pistons regardless of their position...?
Just a thought, that would make a big difference in peace of mind!
My personal interest is for the 400h engine, but I would think that the answer should be the same as for the 330.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,724
Likes: 114
From: NJ
Out of curiosity, does anyone know if the valves geometry/aperture is such that IF the belt actually breaks, pistons and valves are going to be damaged or not?
I'm aware that In most engines the answer is yes, but I would think that the cams profile shouldn't be very aggressive on our V6, so maybe the valves are never going to hit the pistons regardless of their position...?
Just a thought, that would make a big difference in peace of mind!
My personal interest is for the 400h engine, but I would think that the answer should be the same as for the 330.
I'm aware that In most engines the answer is yes, but I would think that the cams profile shouldn't be very aggressive on our V6, so maybe the valves are never going to hit the pistons regardless of their position...?
Just a thought, that would make a big difference in peace of mind!
My personal interest is for the 400h engine, but I would think that the answer should be the same as for the 330.
Keep in mind, even a non-interference engine can get damaged if the belt breaks due to carbon buildup and such.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,724
Likes: 114
From: NJ
It's 90k miles OR 72 months (6 years). Whichever comes first!
If it's a risk you are willing to take you can not change it, however it's an expensive gamble. Proceed with caution.
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Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 234
Likes: 3
From: IT
Are you sure? My dealer told me either 120k Kms (approximately 75k miles) or 8 years.
I can't see why there should be such difference, particularly the latter, between EU and US models...
Oh, and thanks for the confirmation re. the engine type.
Sounds like pushing luck on the belt replacement is indeed risky...
I can't see why there should be such difference, particularly the latter, between EU and US models...
Oh, and thanks for the confirmation re. the engine type.
Sounds like pushing luck on the belt replacement is indeed risky...
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Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,724
Likes: 114
From: NJ
Are you sure? My dealer told me either 120k Kms (approximately 75k miles) or 8 years.
I can't see why there should be such difference, particularly the latter, between EU and US models...
Oh, and thanks for the confirmation re. the engine type.
Sounds like pushing luck on the belt replacement is indeed risky...
I can't see why there should be such difference, particularly the latter, between EU and US models...
Oh, and thanks for the confirmation re. the engine type.
Sounds like pushing luck on the belt replacement is indeed risky...
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,999
Likes: 37
From: FL
Check your Owner's Manual, spacecraft. Here in the US it says for the timing belt to be changed at 90,000 Miles or 72 Months. Personally, I will have mine changed at 120K miles or 10 years. Will have the water pump, seals, accessory belts, coolant flush, etc. done at the same time.
Pit Crew
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 234
Likes: 3
From: IT
Thanks folks, I'll check the manual and post my findings, just in case I made anyone curious, though I see no reason why there should be any difference between EU and US on the very same engine.
I won't be able to do that for a while though, I'm away from home at the moment.
RX330InFL, you seem very confident in extending the factory deadlines.
I understand that it makes sense to do the pump at the same time of the belt, but using the belt for 30k miles or 4 years more than recommended sounds risky on an interference engine.
Do you know something we don't?
I won't be able to do that for a while though, I'm away from home at the moment.
RX330InFL, you seem very confident in extending the factory deadlines.
I understand that it makes sense to do the pump at the same time of the belt, but using the belt for 30k miles or 4 years more than recommended sounds risky on an interference engine.
Do you know something we don't?
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,050
Likes: 151
From: fl
ok, now maybe I'll check with the Toyota dealership here in Tampa to see what it would run. Our Lexus dealership is high $ on everything! After further discussion at home seems we may go ahead and keep it, and since it still runs & looks like new, I think I'll get an estimate on getting the other hoses/belts changed also. I thought those may also be nearing the end of their life & get it all taken care of at once
Lead Lap
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,999
Likes: 37
From: FL
ok, now maybe I'll check with the Toyota dealership here in Tampa to see what it would run. Our Lexus dealership is high $ on everything! After further discussion at home seems we may go ahead and keep it, and since it still runs & looks like new, I think I'll get an estimate on getting the other hoses/belts changed also. I thought those may also be nearing the end of their life & get it all taken care of at once
Check with the Toyota dealership up in WC for a quote as well. They run a shuttle to the mall and to Saddlebrook.
Driver
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 122
Likes: 2
From: Ontario
You can have the only belt replaced. Pump could be inspected at the same time.
I found independent mechanic who replaced the timing belt + two other serpentine belts for $350. Pump was OK (as he said).
At least no worry about catastrophic failure.
I found independent mechanic who replaced the timing belt + two other serpentine belts for $350. Pump was OK (as he said).
At least no worry about catastrophic failure.