TLW

http://www.troublecodes.net/tbelt/lexustb.shtml

Lexus Timing Belts
Engine

Recommended Interval

2.5L


60,000 Mi.

3.0L Inline 6 (92-97)


(26)

3.0L Inline 6 VVT-i (98-00)


(26)

3.0L V6


(52)

4.0L*


(26)

4.7L*


90,000 Mi.

* - Interference engine.

(26) - On 1995 & prior models, replace at 60,000 mile intervals. On 1996 & later models replace every 90,000 miles or 72 months under normal service, or every 60,000 miles in severe service.

(52) - On 1990-95 models replace every 60,000 miles. On 1996-98 models except E5300 replace every 90,000 miles or 72 months under normal service, or every 60,000 miles in severe service. On 1996 & later ES300 replace every 90,000 miles or 72 months. On 1999 & later RX3OO replace every 90,000 miles if vehicle operates under severe conditions such as low speed driving for extended ranges, door-to-door deliveries, taxi or law enforcement situations.

Hameed

This clearly means I need to change mine (99 GS400) even though it only has 45K miles on it............

Thanks for the info Johnny!

TLW

well Hameed i checked mine still looks strong

im going to replace this winter though

dont know if i will attempt by my self though lol

somethings are better left to pros

i might have to take off all the S/C stuff though

Billh2

I wouldn't put too much faith in simply looking at the belt. I have looked at a couple of timing belts with teeth stripped off that looked great everyware else. Would you trust an aftermarket belt, or stay with one from the Lexus parts department?

AUGuy21

So is a timing belt another name for a serpentine belt? I've never been quite sure. If so, replacing this rubber belt is easy to do by yourself, right?

Billh2

They are two different belts. The serpentine belt runs the accessories (Air conditioning, Power Steering Pump, Alternator) and water pump. The timing belt turns the camshafts. The Serpentine belt is easier to replace, if it breaks you will lose your power steering but usually does not cause other damage. (Unless you drive the car with no water pump) The fact that if it's improperly installed engine damage occurs, (Bent valves) the timing belt is best left to a professional, or at least someone who knows how to do it. I have done a number of them on non-interference engines. I don't think I will tackle the one on my GS430.

cxp2001

iTrader: (1)

I would just replace it. With the heat and age it will be worth it..

LEXUS_KID

iTrader: (4)

They always say it better to be safe than sorry. It's a car we drive in almost every day well most of us any ways. I would definitely say change it. I'm a firm believer in that kind of stuff. The better you take care of it the better it last. I hope HIGHMILES chimes in to give us his input he went 318000 miles so that's like 5 timing belts.

tmf2004

iTrader: (15)

Yes i would definitely want to know highmiles secret on getting that many miles out of his car. Plus, car still looks awesome... Tony

ntran18

iTrader: (27)

The V8 engine is a non-interference engine. Right from the horse's mouth, see attached.
... a depression is built into the piston head to prevent interference with the valves.

I just had a t-belt replace after 170K & 9 yrs last summer and it was cracking. You can easily check the condition of the t-belt by removing the ignition wire cover on the driver side. It's more work on the passenger side. I am not recommending anything, just do what you are comfortable with.

Billh2

I have been told that the orginal 1UZFE is non-interference at 10-1 compression. In 1995 They increased compression, going to 10.4-1 and it is an interference engine. With the 10.5-1 VVTi in the GS400, SC400 and LS400 from 1998 on engines are all interference.

Ice350

iTrader: (1)

I know this is the GS section but I'll add my 2 cents anyway. Had my valve cover gaskets replaced at 45K miles. The timing belt was inspected and looked new. The technician didn't even consider changing it....and he's always recommending everything. Car now has 56K miles and the last technician who worked on the car said the way I baby my car, he wouldn't recommend changing it until around 100K miles.
I'm not gonna wait that long but I'm in no hurry either.

DrewGS4

Well, I will have mine replaced in the coming days. If you are doing timing belt, you would be a fool not to do the water pump as well. The pump is only another 100 bucks or so...but its the labor that kills you.

I am getting some of my front suspension replaced as well. All new control arms, ball joints, tie rods, during this service.
I wished daizen had those control arms made. Was really hoping to get those installed instead of OEM.

TLW

id stay with Lexus/toyota

when it comes to important stuff like this

serpentine ..id go with any reputable company

Lextreme

How to Replace Serpentine Belt I hope this will some of you guys....