OK, I didn't realize you only had the car for three weeks. Your first post implied (to me) that you were planning to stick with the green stuff.


That is correct, you CAN use either coolant (pink or red). BUT, the mistake some people make is to use the pink coolant (extra long life) in cars designed for red coolant (long life), and switch the coolant changeover interval to 100K instead of 30K. Toyota tells you NOT to do that:

So you can use either coolant, but stick with the 30K interval. As for using Zerex, I am not too familiar with it, but personally I spend the extra few bucks and use the Toyota brand coolant.

 

not necessary true. At the end of the day, dealers are out to make money off of us. Just think about the horrible ball joints that they have been putting on our GS since it came out. I didn't replace the ball joints on my infiniti until 200k. But I see where you are coming from. The red fluid is too expensive. What color is the zerex? Why did you go back?

 

To each their own I guess. Replaced my ball joints at 150k (even if its still ok) with OEM's. I've put 40k on it so far and still in good shape. The Zerex is pink in color. I went back because my dad who works for toyota wants me to change it back to dealer fluids (except for power steering).

 

My car is 98 GS300 and is due for timing belt replacement @ 120K. any knowledege as to the need to replace the WP also. Do you guys buy your parts at Lexus dealer to be OEM or simply replacement parts from Autozone, Kragen, O'Reilley, etc... Thanks for your reply.

 

Its way past due the timing belt replacement. Should be 90k miles. I would replace the WP if I were you due to the miles and year of your car. Most buy parts from Sewell. They offer discount for being a CL member. I believe $260 for timing belt kit. Don't buy from those parts store. Mostly made in china and poor quality.

 

True, or he can go on eBay and purchase the OEM timing belt kit for around $150. Owel, since you have a GS3, I wouldn't change the WP unless it's leaking. The WP is serviced by the drive belt, so you can easily change the WP if it leaks in the future. The WP will come with the timing belt kit (what I plan to purchase), I won't install the WP unless mine start leaking when it's time to do the timing belt change. I also recommend to change the drive belt also.

 

Ebay parts wouldn't necesarily be my first choice when it comes to good quality parts. To save a couple of bucks doesn't seem worth it to me. The car already lasted 120k miles without timing belts breaking, now to put parts that are not really proven reliable to last 100k miles just doesn't make sense to me especially if your life depends on it. There are parts that I would buy non-OEM but definitely this is not one of them. But that's just my opinion. Owel, if you enjoy doing the same job twice, then do as he says. I believe in doing it once and and doing it right. Again, that's just me...

 

Thanks for your advice, guys. I intend to compare the dealer's price vs sewell and go from there. I looked at my manual again and it indicates a change at 120K miles for gs3. The one for 90K is for es3 model. anyway, it is still time to replace. Thanks again.

 

When I did my timing belt, I got al my parts from Lexus of Pembroke Pines, it was by far the cheapest source at the time. http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...82&catalogid=0

You might also want to double check the 120K, I know the GS4 requires it at 90K.

 

Did you not read my ORIGINAL response!?! If you did, you will NOTICE I SAID that he can buy the OEM TIMING BELT KIT from eBay! I didn't say he should purchase some off brand, generic timing belt kit, I STATED purchase the OEM TIMING BELT KIT! There ARE some kits offered on eBay that has the SAME OEM PARTS that you will purchase from the dealer. The only difference between the two is that you are not paying the dealer's mark up price. You act like Lexus makes it's own parts. They send out their specs for bids, different manufactures send back their bid quotes and they accept the lowest bid and let them manufacture...just FYI if you didn't know.


I think its well know that our OEM timing belt is made by Mitsubosh, the WP is made by AISIN, the tensioner is made by Koyo...all of which can be purchase off eBay. If you are afraid of eBay, you can try RockAuto and purchase the OEM TB kit for cheaper too.

 

never seen this site. Will take a look now. thanks.

 

This is not true. It's 90k but the belt can last to 120k, but it's stated in the manual at 90k. Just looked at mine yesterday.

 

wow, some anger in this one.


Anyone changing the timing belt on the GS3, do yourself a favor and buy a Gates Racing timing belt. Same as the Greddy/HKS but less than half the cost, and it will last much longer than an OE timing belt.

 

^ yep! Every car I've owned I have used Gates...excellent quality

 

wow! great prices!!!!! Thanks!