I purchased a 2002 SC a year ago with 53K miles, well maintained. How/when do you know to have the timing belt/water pump changed?

 

By miles (90k) or by age (9 years) whichever comes first.

 

so i guess at 19 years I am due. Thanks.

 

Do a search of the forum and you will find a ton of info. Which one to buy and what to buy and where to buy the kits.

Dennis

 

Long story short, if you are going to DIY it, do a search on this forum for the kit and instructions. If you are going to pay to have it done, find a good indie shop to handle it. A dealer will probably charge $1200 to $1500ish and an indie should be anywhere from $600 to $900. Just be sure that the indie is familiar (with experience) with the SC430.

 

Congratulations on your purchase.
I have a 2002 SC430 with 257,000 miles - original engine and transmission and going strong.
I live about 45 outside of Washington DC, had my timing belt done about 7 months ago and the dealer wanted $2600 with belt, water pump, pulley, tensioner, Hydraulic Tensioner, accessory belt and fluids.
The same job at an independent shop family owned for 45 years charged me $1300.

Before I paid to have it done I contemplated doing it myself...LOL, after seeing all the parts I needed to take off and make sure I had the timing correct and put it back together I'm glad went with paying for this job. The timing kits run from $200 to $300 aftermarket.

Hope this helps and good luck!

 

I paid last year for the parts:

$27 for the waterpump from Amazon warehouse deals. It was an open box return but the pump, gasket, and o-rings are still sealed and unopened.

$20 for the timing belt tensionser. Also, open box but still sealed in the plastic

$50 for the timing belt:

$41 for the serpentine belt. Unfortunately it's double that now

And $77 (now $94)

And $77 (now $97)

And $12 for the front crank seal:

$304 total using genuine lexus/toyota parts.

I know it's scary the first time doing this job but if you take your time and are patient, it's actually pretty easy. In over a 2 million miles driving cars in the last 30 years, I've saved 10's of thousands that grew in the stock market. My networth is easily $100K more now just because I did my own major services. I haven't even calculated how much I've saved over the decades for every oil change and repair I've ever done on my own rather than getting ripped off by the dealer.

Doing my timing belt next weekend.

BTW, I strongly advice you subscribe to TIS for a day ($15).

 

I agree Sorka...I too have saved a few pennies over the years turning wrenches...that and a debt free lifestyle have allowed my wife and I the luxury of retiring early.
July 2021...mid 50s

we are in the market for a traveling car...been looking for a 2018-2019 LS500
man they are nice!

 

As well, I've been saving big-bucks my whole life by doing my own work! One of the other advantages is I know the work is being done right, with the best parts, and with the least amount of BS and inconvenience to my family and me. While I appreciate what I'm doing for the family, I don't get the feeling they appreciate it. I've been doing it for so long they take it for granted.

 

Isn't that what Dad stands for?! We're all with you. I wish i had appreciated my dad more when i had the chance but life gets in the way.

CATS IN THE CRADLE....

 

Happy is to be the dad that can do everything for his children. They will understand and appreciate when their turn to be parents.

 

I could not agree more with knowing that the work is being done correctly with the best parts, in addition to saving money. Clearly, within this forum, there are several or many birds of a feather that flock together.