I saw some past threads saying dealers said to replace old timing belts even if they were not failing or posing an issue. Any truth to that or let the belt fail then replace? Also any idea what a mechanic would charge for such a job?

correction timing belt

 

You don't have a chain but a belt.

My local Lexus/Toyota shop charged me $660 for the service and I provided the parts for my LS430.

 

You DON’T want to wait til the belt fails. Your engine will be destroyed.

Replace the belt every 80-90 K miles or 9 years which ever comes first. You should also replace the water pump and the belt tensioner.

 

Got it and I see you can buy an entire OEM kit with the water pump and idler wheel. Any idea of labor costs? I just don't want to get ripped off.

 

labor is really expensive now…expect up to $1k.
BTW, replace every part they remove if you plan to keep the car…that’s my opinion. 😉

 

Called a local mechanic and he quoted me $1900 with out parts. I have not tried the Lexus dealer yet and get an estimate from them today. I have to believe they are more.

 

$1,900 is steep. If you get a decent quote for half of it with a trusted mechanic, you are golden. You buy the parts, though. Still save $500 at least.

 

I thought so too and he said it was a 10hr job.

 

First off it is a 5 hour job. Not 10. I have had multiple shops say that over the years. Secondly, that is still $190 per hour. I don't know about your area but in my area labor is still about 90-100 per hour.

 

For that price, I’ll go to the dealer. Get few more quotes. My mechanic charged $350 for the labor, 3 years ago. Most of members here paid approx 1k for the job, part and labor. With the current inflation, you probably have to pay around $1500.

 

Where in Texas are you and got the estimate?

 

I live in Houston. I called another place (lexus cert) and they quoted me $1200 including parts. The place that quoted me 1900 for labor was PEP Boys.

 

That’s about right. Do research on the shop for reputations

 

Yes great advice and thanks for the wake up call!!

 

Unfortunately, I don't have any knowledge of shops there in Houston to recommend. Perhaps some of the Houston members can speak to that.