Hi Guys,

First of all I would like to say thank you to all of you who have posted many technical and DIY threads and I have learn a lot in the last few days.
I have a 1998 GS400 with 30000 miles on it . Since it is 12 years old car so I will replace the timing belt very soon. My question is should I change out the water pump while working on the timing belt or not?
Any input will be appreciated.

I am glad to be a member of great forum.
Thanks,

 

I would change the pump. Had a car (not a Lexus) that was in for a timing belt, asked them about the pump. They said it was fine. THE NEXT DAY after getting it back the pump started leaking! They wanted $450.00 labor and full bore retail for the pump. Bought the pump on line, changed it my self. After 100K, most water pumps are on borrowed time.

 

The manufacturer recommends at 90K. Honestly, IME, the timing belt and water pump can go up to 130K.

 

Did you ment 30k or 300k? (sometime people forget tha exta "0" lol) If it is 30k I have to say that is very nice! If so just leav the pump alone. They are ment to last you 90k or more. My service guy at the dealer even told me (off the record cuz it will be a DIY) to only have it replace if it looks bad.

12 years with that kind of milage abuse you should be fine.

 

if your going to do the timing belt.. change the pump as well.. its only like 4 bolts away and saves you a headache.

 

If you change the timing belt, change the water pump as well (and vice-versa).

Have a 2004 GS300 and while my car was in for 60K service earlier this year, my mechanic told me the water pump needed to be changed. Changed the timing belt at the same time so no worries at 90K.

 

I did mine at 150k with the timing belt despite my parts guy at lexus saying I didn't need to. He also questioned me replacing the tensioner also since it's not normally done but I did it anyway. I did not fell like opening that thing back up to do it again.

 

is the 4.0L water pump on the accessory serp belt like the 3.0L?

then its really up to u if it is, because its relatively easy. unlike some cars that have the waterpump run off the timing belt.

 

It has only 30K that is why I have a hard time to make the decision. I talk to several of my friends at work and half say yes and half say no I saw Ebay has AISIN water pump for about 95 bucks shipped so I am going to buy one in the next few days.
Thanks to all for your inputs.

 

No, 4.0L water pump on the timing belt not the accessory serp belt.

 

Personally I would as a precautionary thing. a friend of mine who is a mechanic recommended it as save mula should it go later on. In reality, its only the price of the part your paying.

 

there's also the changing your coolant every 30k miles. usually your water pump will last forever if you do this.

i think changing the coolant every 30k miles is still the cheaper route, especially when a gallon of toyota red is about $20 + your own distilled water.