Yesterday I was talking with a friend about my plans to buy the Lexus RX350 and to my surprise he siad "do you know that the engine does not have any belts?"....I was surprised because I thought I had done my "due deligence" about this wonderful SUV...obviously I did not!...later I recalled reading somewhere that the power steering unit is electrical (1 less belt) and I think I read something about the A/C unit, also about the internal timing belt being a chain type and not the rubber type....(if I remember)...can anyone show me the light?...thanks for the help

 

I can't say if the engine doesn't have ANY belts, but maintenance to over 300k does not mention replacing any belts, including any timing belt, nor does it mention adjusting any belts ant any point of service. "Your Lexus is designed to require as little service as possible" is the statement on the service schedule website. I just lifted the engine cover on mine, can't see a single belt.

 

The internal timing belt is a metal chain drive type. The belt for the water pump, altenator, and air conditioner compressor is made from the standard belt material.

 

Sorry, but he has lied to you.

 

He was probably talking about the RX 450h. It's true on that one, no belts at all. zip, natta. I have one.

Well, it does have seat belts I guess

 

RX 450H does indeed have one drive belt.
It's for the waterpump.

Look closely Cruiter.

 

At least you dont need to replace transmission oil. And metal timing belt never needs to be replace unless it breaks.

 

Wrong. No belt !!! It must be driven internally, but there is NO belt. I've looked. Neither is there a normal schedule to change it.

 

Not sure if hybrid is different than the gas only car.

 

It's way different than the gas only car. Different tranny (CVT), almost 300 HP, more trim, more standard features, more mpg (by a lot) and a lot going on inside when you drive it. Yes, it costs nearly 4 grand more, but some of that is equipment that if you ordered it on a gas only RX350, it would be a high cost option, such as VDIM.

Oh BTW, it doesn't even have a conventional starter motor. It starts by using the traction batteries and electric motor 1st. When the ICE (internal combustion engine) starts is like throwing a switch, it just starts running without the traditional grinding of a starter motor.

 

I'm not sure if it's internal or external, but there is a belt for the water pump. I saw the parts blow up on the computer. It did make the tech's think!

 

What you saw may have been for the 350. The 450h has no external belts. My guess is driven internally by the cam chain. The front of the block where normally there is a pulley with belts attached is just a plate bolted to the block. I've seen it on mine.

 

The 2010 Prius has no belts; surely the 2010 450H has no belts.

 

Hmmm... Called a local Lexus dealer--Part# 99367-C1550


http://na.tis.toyota.com/t3Portal/do...=1271983593974

Cruiter, can you post a pic of the front of your engine where the belt is suppose to be located, if any, in your RX?
I know you might have to take a plastic cover shroud to have a good look at it. But this will clear out some confusion.

Thanks.

 

The RX350 has a belt. The RX450h has NO belt. I've seen the plate. I'm not gonna pull the shroud off to take a picture and prove it to you. I'm just telling you. If you want to know that bad, take your camera, go to a dealer with one and check for yourself.