wkinley@gm

I took my 98 LS400 with 64k miles to the dealer today for an oil change and asked what it will cost to replace the timing belt and water pump when the car reaches 90k miles. The service writer's coment was since the car is nine years old, I shouldn't wait until 90k miles. I believe he was serious and not just trying to sell me the repair job. My brother-in-law has a 99 RX300 with 58k and is wondering the same thing.

What are the thoughts of you people.


(I posted this as a reply in an old thread, but thought it might not be seen, I hope I didn't break any rules reposting it)

RI-Lex

iTrader: (4)

B.S wait till 90k or so, there trying to take your money now, as a matter of fact have a reliable toyota mechanic do the job, screw the dealer.

sonyman

He isn't trying to scam you or anything like that. There is a time interval stated for changing the timing belt in addition to the mileage limit. However, 9 years is not old for these belts unless the car was abused its entire life. A quick visual check under the cam belt covers should suffice to show its condition.

trukn1

Agree with the time statement on the timing belt, however you really are not in an immediate need of a change, it would be a good idea. It's simple, the dealer is following the manufacturers' specified time interval for servicing certain components in your car. This information can readily be found in your owners manual, and this is the strict schedule that all dealers follow. So dont let it stress you out at this very moment. Even though WE, as owners, know that we can squeeze about 90K out of the belt before it is seriously time to replace, to a dealer the service interval is like the Bible. Like Sonyman states above,, a quick check under the the cam belt cover will reveal the condition of your belt and you can make an decision from there. As far as the dealer goes,, save yourself some money and take it to a Toyota dealer or a reputable mechanic

wkinley@gm

Lexus of Orlando quoted me a price of about $1150, don't remember the exact amount, but something like $700 for the TB & $450 for the water pump. Actually I thought it might be be more, but $450 for the water pump seems pricey, since the only labor would be going over the parts counter to get it...

What should I expect a Toyota dealer or independent garage to charge? I started to say the LS is significantly different than any Toyota, then I remembered their large trucks and SUVs have V8's too, so I guess their techs would be qualified to work on the V8. The techs at the Lexus dealer would have more experience though.

The car is still in excellent condition and I will probably keep it several more years, The TB will have to be changed at some point, so I guess it really doesn't matter if it is at 70k or 90k. I only drive the car about 7k miles a year, so it will be almost four years before it reaches 90k.

Lexmex

90K for timing and water belt, though it can go longer, don't put any cash/time into this until 90K.

CK6Speed

iTrader: (1)

I would probably wait a little longer. Not sure I personally would wait much past 10 years though as reaching 90K mike take you a while since your car only has 64K. On the older LS or like on my old SC400, I would probably have waited a real long time since those were non interference engines, but I believe since the vvt-i engines came out they were all interference engines. That means while the t-belt should more than last past 9 years and 90K miles, if it does break (Usually the belt doesn't break in two, but just strip a tooth or two causing timing to jump) it probably will bend the valves. This is a gamble. While the odds are probably in your favor, you never know. If it breaks or skips, you are looking at valve job and resurfacing the heads at a minimum. I would say that is a $2000-$3000 job.

I will say this. It is rare for the belt to break early even if the age is beyond the recomended time frame. However, I have heard of belts breaking on all makes of cars due to whatever reason. Defective belt, dry rot in the rubber, wear and tear. Like I mentioned above, most don't break in two, but just some of the teeth on the belt strip causing timing to go way off.

CO-LS400

I'd wait till 90k..

I would recommend a poll asking how many people had it snap and at what miles.

akxx

iTrader: (1)

I don't think I've ever heard of an LS400 timing belt breaking from time alone. I had mine for 17 years and 83k miles before replacing, and it was just fine.

steveski

I think waiting until 90k miles is not a bad idea. My Father-in-Law's 99 GS had 93,000 miles. He paid $1,100 to get it and the front of the engine parts (water pump, etc.) replaced and the timing belt was in perfect condition - no cracks or wear.

I have over 180k miles and will wait until 200k to change it all again. I guess if it's something you are concerned about just spend the cash for the piece of mind

akxx

iTrader: (1)

Keep in mind that the 1LS owners can afford to be a little less cautious since we're not running interference engines.

steveski

This is true - if yours breaks then you are out towing costs and a headache versus the 95+ = towing expenses, new valves and then some.