smitty2919

My wife's 08 IS250 AWD has the notorious cold start rattle caused by the intake VVTi cam gear issue.

Has anyone had this replaced and if so could you share some ballpark repair costs?

Thank you!

2013FSport

iTrader: (2)

I can't give you number but can speak to the labor. My only question is if someone is capable of pulling VVTi components without pulling Timing cover? If yes, valve covers come off and VVTi replaced. If no, it's gets expensive to pull the timing cover as you have to pull the engine.

R&R:
* Engine
* Oil pan
* Valve covers
* Timing cover
* Timing chains
* VVTi gears
* reinstall everything.

Likely need upper end gaskets, new chains and guides. Water pump if due?

Something like that. Call around and get a couple quotes.

smitty2919

When you say "My only question is if someone is capable of pulling VVTi components without pulling Timing cover?" meaning if they are savvy enough to know how to do this? By the book method I assume is engine removal but that doesn't mean that's the only way to do things. I thought I saw a video of someone just doing the valve cover/cam gear.

And water pump??? There is an interval they should be changed? At 187k mi I'm not sure it has ever been replaced...

The car may only be "worth" $5000...if I'm looking at a $2-3000 repair it may have just be "it is what it is" lol.