Is it necessary to replace the timing belt? 101000 miles on a 2002. Thanks

 

Yes, without question. And the water pump, too. It was due at 90,0000.
SC430 has an interference engine. Timing belt failure = very expensive engine damage, far worse than cost of TB and water pump replacement.

 

Hey, thanks for the info. It is what I suspected. Taking care of things this week. Should be able to save on labor when they do the pump while disassembling for the belt. Thanks again.

 

I have read a few articles about timing belts degrading without having high miles on them.
I would change it.

 

Actually, it was due in 2012! I put more emphasis on miles over time, and I'm willing to risk pushing one over the other, but not both.

The OP should ask the dealer for an itemized quote on the "parts kit" used by dealer mechanics, and then use that list to buy the parts from an on-line Lexus discount parts dealer. Otherwise, it is too easy to get pseudo-OEM, or even counterfeit-OEM, buying on Amazon and Ebay. This is a labor intensive job that one doesn't want to do over in a few years because the parts didn't hold up.

 

Good morning and thanks for taking the time to respond. It is being done as we speak. Belt and pump.

 

Goodmorning. Great advice. My mechanic is on it TODAY! Feel much better and relieved not to have to worry about this ticking timebomb