Hey all. I am replacing the timing belt and water pump in a couple weeks, and want to know what brand of timing belt kits and water pumps you have had success with? Or should I just stick with an over priced Lexus timing belt kit. Thanks in advance. Its a 1996 ES

 

Sewell Lexus has the hook up on the timing belt kits. Look them up.

 

Thanks.. I will give them a call.

 

On such critical part, I always stick with Toyota/Lexus parts.

 

Complete kit, same as OEM except for the accessory belts.

Aisin kit
Aisin Kit

 

I bought my kit from ebay. All the parts were brand new and looked just as nice as Toyota stuff at a fraction of the price.

Don't waste your money on the high priced Toyota stuff. Trust me, the ebay parts are just as good.

 

Oem>ebay. Just sayin.

 

I'm sorry, but some ebay parts are crap...

I'm sorry, but there are ebay parts just as good as OEM...

 

Unless someone has extensive experience using some particular aftermarket parts, I would rather stick with Toyota/Lexus when dealing with critical engine components (i.e. timing belt and water pump). What works for someone might not always work for another person.

It is hard to justify saving a few hundred dollars to risk doing this +$1000 job.

 

+1
stick with oem parts.

 

The kits I linked to are not aftermarket parts, except the accessory belts (although they are the same supplier to Toyota among others). They are in fact identical except for the box. But if you want to pay more from a dealer, no one is going to stop you.

 

I agree with you. I laugh all the way to the bank when I read posts like these. I guess people can do whatever they want with their money if it makes them feel better. I'm just glad I know better.

 

question about the kits from ebay, i remember reading somewhere, where someone was having issues with the waterpump gasket where it would leak, i think they had to rebuy it from toyota/lexus. does anyone know if it is still an issue, or if it was an isolated event. (dont quite remember, read it a while ago)

 

A gasket is a gasket. If you install it correctly, you won't have any problems.

I used the ebay water pump and gasket. Put a light coating of gray RTV on both sides and bolted it up. No leaks.

 

unless it is proven that non-oem parts are as "durable" as oem, always go oem.