Hello,

We own a 2004 RX330 that just turned 70,000 miles. We have performed 85% of the scheduled maintenance, ran synthetic oil, etc. My dealer is bugging me for a timing belt/water pump replacement at a cost of over $2,000 due to it being way over the 72 months. I realize the damage, etc. but wonder if the belt really needs to be replaced prior to the 90,000 mile mark? I have read posts where the belts still look great at 120,000 miles.

Thanks,
Rich

 

I just had my timing belt, water pump, tensioner, cam seals, crank seals, both idler pulleys replaced for $550. $250 for the kit, and $300 for the labor.

The belt had 103k miles on it, and looked very good. The only visible wear was that the "toyota" written on the outside part of the belt was starting to wear away. The water pump looked great. Aisin water pump is very well built, and will easily last till you do the timing belt the second time around rather than the 1st time.

I say take it to 90k miles, but at your own risk. You know what awaits on the other side if the belt breaks.

 

Thanks. Yes I realize the risks and appreciate the reply. It's been a great vehicle and still runs great. I am leaning towards just waiting for the mileage to expire and not worry about the time interval.

 

P.S. Did you have it done non-dealer? The price sounds like it

 

Timing Belt
Replace every 90,000 miles or 72 months. A qualified
technician should perform this operation.

Page 63 (PDF Page 9)
http://drivers.lexus.com/t3Portal/do...p/2004lexu.pdf

So, Lexus is saying to replace in time or distance. Personally, I am going 10 years or 120K miles more than likely with the timing belt on my 2004 RX330. I have yet to hit 90K miles and have owned since new.

When it comes time for this service I would recommend you talk to a Toyota shop to see what they would charge you. Same V6 3.3L engine used in the Highlander and RAV4 of similar vintage.

 

I've got all three belts (including timing) replaced at 146,000 km. They looked OK. But I spent only $350 for independent mechanic (price included belts). I gave him authorization to replace pump in case it needed, but he said it was OK.

 

Yeah, had my uncle an ASE certified mechanic do it for me.

 

Thanks for replying. They are saying I am over the 72 months (by 36 months).

 

Thanks. It sounded like a great price

 

Thanks. 90,000 seems to be the number. I am going to forget about the 72 months.

 

Our delivery date was 2/24/2004, with 16 miles. So we just passed 9 years.

 

I would just wait until your 90k you should be okay.

 

My wife's 2006 has 105k miles now. I plan to do it this fall when it has ~110k miles. I will do it myself.

 

I just had my 04 in for other repairs and asked the dealer to give it the once-over from front to back as we just got it. It only has 47k on it but they said the belts were dry and cracking. Rather than take a chance on having an issue, I had them replace the timing belt and 2 drive belts for $438 including labor.

 

I have done 5 of these jobs. 3 at around 90 K, 1 around 110, and 1 at 122,000 miles.
hold up
ALL THE BELTS LOOKED EXTREMELY GOOD. There was little to no wear on the belts what so ever.

120K is not even a stretch for the life of these belts. I did mine at 90K, and I now have nearly 200K on mine, and won't even touch it until 210K or maybe 220K. The factory belts are extremely good and hold up very well.