jonas's RX

Hi Gang

I just paid $ 800 to get the timing belt, water pump, tensioner
Idler, coolant and drive belts changed on a 04 RX 330

And the belt look almost brand new and could have easily gone another
50K easy . The water pump also look good with no leaks !!

I know the mileage was only at 50K but the age was my concern

I guess if you guys have not change the T/B , maybe the age issue
is over blown and go with mileage rather than age on the belt

Cheers everyone

robbyk

I am a little over 98,000 miles on our 05 RX330, the other day I was changing the oil and while I was i decide to take a peak at the timing belt. After removing a few bolts holding the plastic timing belt cover I was able to see the timing belt in very good condition. It almost like new, of course, this does not mean I am going to take any chances or even abuse it but I have the peace of mind that I can go a few more months before taking the plunge and replace it with a new one.

ericg

I just had the timing belt, water pump etc replaced on my 2005 with 65000 miles. The belt looked to be in excellent condition as did the water pump.
I would rather not take any chances, so now there is one less thing to be concerned with.

LSBen

My independent Toyota mechanic says you can go 110 miles - 120k miles before getting it done. But of course, it is good to have peace of mind.

RX3302004

I changed the belt on my 04 at around 60k miles to be safe. I'm sure it could have lasted longer but for me the age was the factor.

iluvny

My wife's '04 just turned 40k miles, so I found the op very informative. Thanks

I'm also wondering about the tires. Plenty of thread left, however, also 11 yrs old.

roadbike56

I usually wear tires out before they time out. However, I also have a performance car that I put only a few thousand miles on each year. I've been told that the tires should be changed after 6 years. BUT, that's to maintain the performance capabilities. Still, 11 years old is very old for tires and they do have 40K on them. If it were me, I'd inspect them carefully for cracks or degredation. Any sign of age related issues and I'd change them. Maybe others can add more.

ThomasGS4

iTrader: (19)

It's not so much the timing belt you have to worry about, but more so the water pump seizing.

mylexbaby

I'm like you and don't want to spend unnecessary $ on tires. The 6 year mark seems to be based on most tire warranties, counting from the date of sale rather the date of manufacture.

But because tire rubber oxidizes and hardens over time, I use 10 years as a nice round easy to remember number for the longest to keep tires. I think the time can be a little longer or shorter depending on factors that age the rubber, like temperature where the car lives and garage vs outdoors.

Hard and less responsive tires negatively affect grip safety for you and others on the road.

fastnoypi

Agreed, also i've seen idler pulleys seize as well.

jonas's RX

For tires , I would strongly recommend you change them regardless
Of low mileage if they are over 6 yrs old

I live in CA where the climate is cool and my RX tires with less than 25 K on them
In 6 yrs are showing to be cracking

It is just not worth a mess if the tires go while you are driving
I plan to change them all out in maybe 2-3 months

jbl-1985

Good Info. Thanks for posting.

LazarusLng

Interesting. My mechanic who owns and services mainly asian imports, (drives a lexus) told me that if the water pump isn't leaking at 90K that it will be good for another 90K.