250kGoal

1997 Lexus ES 300 with 186k miles

The timing belt was last changed 8/2006 at 124k (not sure if it was 1st or 2nd change) right before I bought it.
I'm only at 186k, now.
Owner's Manual recommends every 90,000 or 72months (whichever comes 1st).
Is it really necessary to replace it now (since it's been 6 years) when I could drive another 28,000k based on the 90k rule??

I've heard differing opinions based on whether it has an "interference" or "non-interference" engine.

JSM

Yes I would change. It's based on either for a reason. Mileage is not the only thing that deteriates the belt.

This goes the same with tires. Dry rot can happen on any rubber.

I had a 6 yr old motorcycle tire that began to seperate even though the tread was fine and no evidence of dry rot.

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

I agree. You have to understand that the location of the timing belt causes it to experience extreme temperatures. This cycle of going from extremely hot to cold will wear out the rubber even faster than a tire. From what I've heard, our engines are of the interference type.

TOLex168

If it is not VVTi, then drive unti it breaks. My experience, first time at 30K/7yr and gave up second time at 187K/10yr.

250kGoal

Thank you, to all 3 of you for your advice!!

I'm a woman that knows 'more than the average girl' but, still, VERY LITTLE about cars :-)

250kGoal

TOLex168,

Do you mean that yours BROKE at 30k/7yr and 187k/10yr or that is when you chose to REPLACE them?
Was this on the same vehicle (157k without a change is impressive) or just 2 separate examples?
What yr model car(s)?

Sorry for 20 ?'s, you peaked my interest.

OceanView

my 98 has 110K miles on the current timing belt.
Looking to push it to 150K miles as my engine has a non interference engine.

Power6

I guess I am different, I'd replace it. For me it would be sure to break at the worst possible time. Isn't part of "luxury" and "reliability" having a car that doesn't quit halfway to your destination...

03 ES

If I were you I would go by time (# of months).
I have 110k on my 2003 and have not changed my belt yet....I'm a toyota dealership technician and i regularly check the belt at each oil change and it shows virtually no wear and the water pump is not leaking. I'm going to change the belt in the coming months. The condition of the current belt barely deems it necessary, but I'm doing it to be safe.
Better safe than sorry.

MikeLex

Same age here. non VVTi. Still original timing belt.

TOLex168

No, mine did not break. First timing belt at 30K/7yr. I gave up at 187K miles/10yr after first timing belt. The car was driving well when I said good bye and let it goes.

If it is not none-interference, then drive until it breaks. The worst case would tow to garage, and it would not damaged the engine. If it is interference, then you should not do it and would damage the engine.

ADAguy

Thank you one and all,

Bought my 97 in 09' with 37,000 original miles, all service at South Bay Lexus, one owner.
Now have 57,000. Car is a 9.9.

Had break fluid changed today as it was discolored. Dealer also recommended changing trans fluid (what is expected life, what it it doesn't smell burned yet? Does it degrade with age?)

Dealer recommended timing belt and if doing it, also waterpump and seals at (? cam shafts or?)

Concensus seems to be if it ain't broke don't fix it, but what of aging with so little miles?

It appears from comment that you can see it to check flexability, if so, is there a conditioner you could rub the belt with?

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Yes it does. It should be changed every 20k or so. My first one was a 90k-ish by the look of it. I would've done it earlier had i known and been driving the car prior to 90k. I strive for once a year since i only bang out mayb 15-20k/yr
As part of a package, is what it should be... So yes, waterpump, hydraulic tensioner, the belt, cam seals.
If it were me, i would've had it changed in '09 upon purchase of the car...
Absolutely not, no 'belt dressing'. Adverse affects if anything. No good comes out of those garbage products.

tomf

How in the heck do you check the timing belt? Don't you have to basically do everything required of a timing belt change with the exception of actually removing the belt in order to check the timing belt. If I did all that work I'd just change the belt and be done with it.

BDSL

You can remove the timing belt cover to see the timing belt.