Obviously having an eleven year old SC 430 with only 53K miles you can safely assume it is not driven hard. I've replaced the run flats a couple times until i finally got fed up with their ride and now I am happy as can be with continental touring tires. Brake pads have been replaced twice and the radio antenna once. Otherwise all I've had to do is the prescribed maintenance. That is up til now. This year I seem to have my hands full with small but irritating problems. My Mark Levinson CD player has gone into a state of seizure and no longer accepts or ejects CD's from it's carousel; I blew a speaker in the passenger door; and today the dashboard light for a blown brake-light came on which prompted my joining this austere group this evening. I have read the procedure for changing the bulb and I will attempt it this weekend. I even intend to try replacing the blown door speaker (not sure about the CD changer). However I am now a bit more concerned than before about certain maintenance that i think may be advisable due to years other than mileage. Has anyone any thoughts about the timing chain and whether it is something I should consider changing. Major project pulling the front of the engine off but if it were to break due to age (yes I know it is rubber or vinyl) it could be a real headache.

Anyway just wanted to introduce myself and my ride ~ I welcome any commentary or thoughts.

 

Eleven years is way over the recommended time on your timing belt. I assume you have a 2002, as I do and I did mine 3 years ago. You will find many stories about seized engines from timing belts and at that point a lot of love is lost for their SC. Some have sold their SCs for a fraction of their price, while others spent a fortune for a NEW engine. Why take a chance? My SC just turned 40k and only had 32k on her when I did the belt (&water pump). Again it's not worth the risk. Mine still has a warranty on it, but no warranty will cover damage cause by a maintenance item you did NOT do. I bought my SC in 08 and purchased a 7 year warranty, so it has 2 years left on it- but it will be useless if you don't follow maintenance required by Lexus.

Btw- I would suggest using the search function of this forum. There are a whole lot of threads on timing belts.

Good luck with your SC! We all share the love of this great vehicle.

 

take solman advice do the belt and water pump, be smart

 

Thank you both for the advice - I actually had called Lexus last year regarding the timing belt and they didn't seem to stress the urgency. This was just my instincts taking over as i am a firm believer that once little things start to need repair it is an indication that the more serious things will surely follow.

I will also use the search feature here on this forums.

 

The timing belt manufacturers recommend changing between 7-8 years and it is good to also the water pump and related items such as the thermostat. You can get the parts for a discounted prices at sewell online parts (look in google for the url) - when you sign up at sewell you have to mention Club Lexus to get our discount. Recently I aksed the Lexus dealer's part dept. if they could give me their wholeprice which is available online and they sais ok - try that. After 11 years it is time to take care of the larger items so you can have another 11.

We love to see pictures of your SC. You will find much info here and very knowledgable members willing to share their experience.

 

Excellent post, hope he takes your advice!

 

You are likely not facing a blown speaker issue but a torn rubber round seal that is replaceable. ebay search sc430 speaker repair kit

 

I fixed all my door speakers with simple application of silicone

btw....my engine light, VSC, VSC off light were on and its was the catalytic converter, my mechanic checked it and its might just be the sensor. They states most of the time, its the sensor that failed

 

I also have a low mileage 2002 and am planning to change the timing belt and water pump. I checked the kit price on Sewell and it is $341 with the Club Lexus discount. i called a shop that works on Lexus in Marietta, GA to see what they will charge for Labor only and was told they won't do the job on a labor only basis and he proceeded to give a BS reason why. Does anyone know a good mechnic in the Atlanta/Marietta area that would install on a labor only basis?