Hi, need some inputs, as to when exactly does the timing belt gets changed, and is it replaced the same time as the Fan belt on the exterior at 90,000 miles. Has anybody done so, I do not know about GX as i have done my LS in my garage, I am thinking to do it after your inputs would be that complicated, the structure from the front looks similar to the other lexus the alternators , radiators and the water pump and related accessories tagged along while removal. Is there anything I should look at. Also one more thing what is the interval of this timing belt replacement.

 

Timing belt interval = 90K

I've no idea on DIY but I can't imagine it being too hard.

 

thanks... i will prepare to do the the groundwork.

 

GX has pretty good ground clearance, so I dont think its going to be that hard. Are you going to replace water pump as well? If yes I wonder how much it cost all the parts?

 

Yes.. I have today completed the whole stuff replacing the timing belt.. Phew...blimey..that was a long job...2 days... I was just going by the sequence of removal to the LS..except there were Cam Shaft sensors.
Ok here what had to be replaced...As I check with one ace mechanic...also. While replacing the timing belt..you have to replace the Timing belt Idler pulley(2) , Water Pump housing, Chain Tensioner Assy( had mild traces of oil contents).

to replace the above..as usual the radiator, front whatever stuff has to be off, this was a pain...As i had to write down in sequence of removal. So that is why it took such long time...and thanks to my friend Gibson who was an invaluable support. Now I am back on the road,

 

and how much it cost in total ? all the parts and works

 

In real world, Are you change it every 90K mile ?

 

Would like to know also since we are close to hitting 85k.

 

Mine was replaced by the PO at 90K miles. You should change it between 90-100K. Could you go longer, more than likely yes, but why risk it?? A timing belt is alot cheaper than a new / used engine if the old one breaks.

 

does anybody know if timing belts are prone to break over time... for example a car with 30k miles but is 15 years old, what would be a good mileage or time point to replace timing belts in general?

 

When I got my car's timing belt replaced at ~90k miles, the mechanic said that it could have gone a lot longer since it was in very good condition. However the water pump had developed a minor leak so I was glad to get it done at the recommended time.. As with other things, prevention is better than cure.

 

I have read many topics about this and i agree if its time to do it get it done. What confused me was the cost involved. I think there are some threads that dealerships were charging thousands of dollars to get this job done. Others that were going to Toyota dealerships were saving but still about 1500 dollars. I just hit 105k miles and i really need to see what i'm up against.

 

Mine was around $600 done at Toyota - family discount saved $100. I also waited until 115k miles. I don't advise that, but I'm sure Lexus included a buffer with the 90k mile recommendation. In other words, you can probably go for a while past 90k, but shouldn't.

 

We purchased a 2003 with 109K miles few months ago. I couldn’t find any records of the timing belt being changed so I negotiated a new timing belt into the deal with the dealership. It turns out it hadn’t been replaced so I’m glad I made a big stink about it during negotiations. It was a used car dealer, not a Lexus dealer, and their service department changed the timing belt. When I signed the repair receipt it had a total of around $600 for parts and labor on the repair. I paid for a new water pump out of pocket, which was around $230, and they installed it for free at the same time as the timing belt. I don’t have anything to compare it to but the original timing belt with 109K miles didn’t seem to have any obvious signs of wear.

 

I shopped around for prices on the TB job, some mechanics said they didn't have the needed tool that keeps the timing mechanism in place, what tool is needed besides the obvious socket set?