Timing Belt
#1
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Hello all,
I have a 1998 GS300 with about 87,000 miles. I don't kill my car at all. I am a pretty conservative driver. Anyway, do I really need to change my timing belt at this time? The dealer of course tells me YES but I have heard from many people that I can easily wait until I get to about 100-110K.
What are your thoughts on this?
Thanks all!
I have a 1998 GS300 with about 87,000 miles. I don't kill my car at all. I am a pretty conservative driver. Anyway, do I really need to change my timing belt at this time? The dealer of course tells me YES but I have heard from many people that I can easily wait until I get to about 100-110K.
What are your thoughts on this?
Thanks all!
#5
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Originally Posted by gmendoza
Hello all,
I have a 1998 GS300 with about 87,000 miles. I don't kill my car at all. I am a pretty conservative driver. Anyway, do I really need to change my timing belt at this time? The dealer of course tells me YES but I have heard from many people that I can easily wait until I get to about 100-110K.
What are your thoughts on this?
Thanks all!
I have a 1998 GS300 with about 87,000 miles. I don't kill my car at all. I am a pretty conservative driver. Anyway, do I really need to change my timing belt at this time? The dealer of course tells me YES but I have heard from many people that I can easily wait until I get to about 100-110K.
What are your thoughts on this?
Thanks all!
Will
#6
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I would love to perform that visual check, but can you tell us what to look for? How can I estimate the condition?
I also heard that in the GS300 the engine is designed so that if the belt were to break, no damage would result... unlike most engines where there would be all kinds of damage.
thanks!
I also heard that in the GS300 the engine is designed so that if the belt were to break, no damage would result... unlike most engines where there would be all kinds of damage.
thanks!
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I did mine at around 110K miles. I didn't sense any problem with the car before taking it in. Though I wouldn't recommend it.
Do the water pump at the same time...it'll save ya some $$ on labor and incidental charge since they'll be accessing the same area and need to drain the cooling system to the timing belt.
Do the water pump at the same time...it'll save ya some $$ on labor and incidental charge since they'll be accessing the same area and need to drain the cooling system to the timing belt.
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#8
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Originally Posted by bmgs400
I did mine at around 110K miles. I didn't sense any problem with the car before taking it in. Though I wouldn't recommend it.
Do the water pump at the same time...it'll save ya some $$ on labor and incidental charge since they'll be accessing the same area and need to drain the cooling system to the timing belt.
Do the water pump at the same time...it'll save ya some $$ on labor and incidental charge since they'll be accessing the same area and need to drain the cooling system to the timing belt.
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Anyone know of a reputable place in Los Angeles where I can get this done? I called one Lexus dealer and they are charging me about $1000 for the 90K service on my 1998 GS300!
Has anyone ever been to FOLAMI AUTOMOTIVE in Los Angeles? www.lexustoyotarepair.com
Thanks!
Has anyone ever been to FOLAMI AUTOMOTIVE in Los Angeles? www.lexustoyotarepair.com
Thanks!
#10
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Hi, I'm not trying to hijack the thread but for those of you who had their timing belt changed, did you guys notice some change in the ride quality? In my case, when pressing on the gas, it does not feel "smooth" anymore. It feels like it's vibrating really fast. Anybody has this problem? Thanks.
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No problems with mine. I couldn't sense any difference before and after...car still performs like a dream.
Did you take it to a dealer for work. If so, have them check it out.
Did you take it to a dealer for work. If so, have them check it out.
#12
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Originally Posted by gmendoza
Anyone know of a reputable place in Los Angeles where I can get this done? I called one Lexus dealer and they are charging me about $1000 for the 90K service on my 1998 GS300!
Has anyone ever been to FOLAMI AUTOMOTIVE in Los Angeles? www.lexustoyotarepair.com
Thanks!
Has anyone ever been to FOLAMI AUTOMOTIVE in Los Angeles? www.lexustoyotarepair.com
Thanks!
#13
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Originally Posted by lostinthew
I would love to perform that visual check, but can you tell us what to look for? How can I estimate the condition?
I also heard that in the GS300 the engine is designed so that if the belt were to break, no damage would result... unlike most engines where there would be all kinds of damage.
thanks!
I also heard that in the GS300 the engine is designed so that if the belt were to break, no damage would result... unlike most engines where there would be all kinds of damage.
thanks!
You would look for any cracks on the top and the backside of the belt, shiney lines on top of the belt, caused by the teeth on the cam sprockets, water pump and the crank sprocket. Also, as the belt degrades, fibers from the belt start coming off and collect under that plastic cover. It would appear as a fuzzy film. These are definate signs of wear. Change it soon.
Btw, correct me if I'm wrong. On the engines with VVT-i, if the belt breaks, yes you could still bend some valves. Thats why the factory recommends that the T-belt be replaced at 90k. It would also be recommended that the water pump, and the front crank seal be replaced at the same time, since the front of the engine is already appart. Have fun inspecting your T-belt.
Will
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Originally Posted by rominl
email todd@tmengineering.net about the service. he's a vendor here, does good work
Brent