ur2slow1

I just picked up a 2000 LS w/ 83K miles. The local Lexus dealer says don't worry about the belt till 90K but the manual says 90K or 72 mos. Should I be worried or should I drive it till 90K and then address this major service ? Comments and thoughts appreciated.

trukn1

Timing belt, by dealer recommendations, should be changed at 90K miles along with water pump and some other service maintenance (90K service). Is not URGENTLY important to do so at exactly 90k, as most belts have been known to last well past 120K. I only say not urgent because while it is important to change these items, it is an expensive repair(maintenance) unless you make friends with a trusted mechanic, and even then the number is steep. Changing the companents per the dealer recommended schedule, will not only ensure that your car stays performing at its' best, but will also give you peace of mind of knowing when these things were done. Car is not gonna shut done at exactly 90K, but don't wait TOO long past this to change these components, as a failed(broken) timing belt can cause some major problems under the hood. As close as your car is to its' 90K, if you can afford to do so, I would just proceed and have them changed anyway.

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

it will be fine if you let it go to 90k, but not more imho.

the time issue for Tbelts hasnt really been an problem.

python

iTrader: (4)

although what p/d and trukn 1 posted is true,belts can get old and crack,and ur belt is 9 years old....u got a very nice car, probably somewhere between a 10-15,000 dollar car,if ur belt breaks ur in for an expensive repair bill, and i mean expensive...get it replaced, u will have the peace of mind knowing its done and wont have to worry about it for a long time

cation

I was putting mine off until I hit 100k since the last timing belt change. I'm at a bit under 90k since the last belt change, and the belt seems to be making a whine noise probably due to a tensioner issue, so I just ordered up all the parts necessary to do the job. I'm driving it as little as possible until I can change the belt, tensioner, and idler pulleys.

This isn't something you want to put off.

Keep an eye on it and pay attention for any strange noises until you hit 90k then plan on having it changed.

ur2slow1

OK so I'm just going to go a head and have it done now. I know I'm going to replace the plugs, water pump, timing belt, and serpt belt but what else should I replace at the same time ?? Thanks

python

iTrader: (4)

all the components such as timing belt idlers and tensioners, get the parts at the dealer and see if they offer a timing kit,ask if the kit has everything in it

EUBT

As PD suggests, you could wait, on the other hand you can't go wrong by being early. In addition to the components Python mentions, have the shop check your cam seals. If they're leaking/wet replace.

DentGuyLS

When I bought my 96, Absolutely NOTHING had been done to the engine (tune up wise) and it had 156k. The timing belt, water pump and all the others, plugs, wires, all fluids were changed. It was a little costly at Lexus, but its ready for another 200k miles. The tech said the timing belt actually looked good even at 156k!

Jason

ur2slow1

Just did the t-belt, water pump, fan bracket, plugs, serpt belt and idler pulley last weekend. I mainly watched while a friend of mine who is a Honda master tech did all the work. All I can say is Holy ***** that's a time consuming and expensive job. Fortunately I just was only out the money for parts, my buddy insisted he didn't want a dime because he likes working on cars. From what I've been told you can't tell a thing by looking at a t-belt because he never gets cracks in it like a serpt belt, they are made of completely different materials. My tech has inspected t-belts that have broken and they didn't have a single crack, they just broke. We also cleaned out the power steering resvr and the car is much much quieter.

trukn1

Good deal,, make sure you keep that guy around. You thought that was a load of work, just wait until you have to finally change the starter. All I can say is make sure that your friendship with him is VERY STRONG.