lexuskim

Hi there, I'm not ABOUT to say I know more than the other people that posted, BUT, I did have my timing belt etc. job just done on my 97 LS400. The last time it (timing component kit, including the WP) was done was 5 years ago @ 90k miles. It now has 200k miles and after learning from not only Club Lexus but even my own mechanic that, because of the hours for just the timing belt.etc. since they're already in there, do the WP also. After 140+k miles and 18 years the WP WILL go out and you will most likely pay for 5 hours again, or close, when they were already in there for the TB job. Time and mileage wrecks havoc, and as they said, The WP goes out and unless you're on top of things (I'm sure you are far more than me) and if it does, it can seize up the engine. A good dealership should have suggested it. Since they didn't, it sounds like they knew what they were doing. $$$ for them. P.S. Sorry, the TB job would take maybe 2 hours? The TB tensioner is @ $280 ish. If your WP goes out & car overheats, you're looking @ for a used engine $1,700-$3k and for new $4-5k.

neostar43

I know and agree actually. this was my logic (good or bad). right now i dont have 1500 to put into a car i paid 2500 for. with the visible cracks in the belt, i am in "just repair what is needed" mode.

So, I am taking a chance that the water pump will last. if it does not, and it does not destroy the engine then I will still be under $1400 i was quoted to do the whole and complete job.

If something goes wrong before i have a chance to do the waterpump then I will admit my error for others to learn from.

This car and my 300zx will be the last cars that I buy with timing belts. From now on I am only dealing with cars that have timing chains. I have yet to understand the benefit considering it cost $1000 to $2000 to change a timing belt and nothing for a timing chain that will last the life of the engine (with good maintenance)

RA40

iTrader: (6)

A timing chain on a 1UZ...that would be monsterous.

Wanderson

I think the big advantage of timing belts over chains is less noise and smaller packaging. But with most of today's engines being interference engines i prefer timing chains as well. It's the Price we Pay for Perfection.

Wanderson

My '99 is at an independent shop now for timing belt/water pump/serpentine belt for $670, that doesn't include the belt tensioner if needed. Lexus of Greenville quoted me $500 to $600 in labor alone for just the timing belt if I bring in the parts. When I asked how much extra to replace water pump as well I was told an additional $400.

williamb82

this is why i do everything myself. timing belt is ~$30, water pump is like $100, and the 3 seals are another $20ish. not sure on the tensioner or idler pullies as mine were fine so i didnt replace them. my waterpump was replaced sometime before i got the car. spun smooth and i could see the new sealant around it etc.. so i didnt bother pulling it.

an extra $400 to change the water pump while it is apart for the timing belt is a ripoff. at most its an extra 30min, hour tops if they take their sweet old time cleaning the old gasket sealer off. labor isnt $400/hr.

also, i guess you guys have never seen a stretched timing chain? ive seen dozens on old v8's. plus they are heavy. i cant imagine how heavy it would be for one long enough for the 1uz. timing belt changes arnt that hard and only needed every 90k miles. seriously. thats a really long time between changes. most people wont own the car long enough to need to change it.

Bill Dowd

I change the timing belt at 120,000 miles and change everything in the area including the crank seal I also change the anti freeze I have my tech drain the block and radiator no flushing just replacle the anti freeze using Toyota red anti freeze and distilled water 50/50 mix my LS 400 is a 1991 with the orginal radiator and hoses with 258,000 miles and I use mobil one synthetic oil in everything and nothing has worn out as yet power steering trans rearend or motor I learned this info from the tech's at Lexus here in So Cal the new LS 460 in now running all synthetic oil from what I hear

vollandt

I purchased an oem "ultimate" TB kit off ebay that included the works: tb, wp, idlers, tensioner, cam and crank seals, serpentine belt, thermostat, upper and lower hoses. I had a local mechanic install everything. cost was 350 for the kit, and 250 labor to install. total 600

Wanderson

yea, after I was quoted an additional $400 for the water pump when I knew it was coming off anyways I knew they weren't getting my business. The independent shop I'm using is only charging me the cost of parts to replace the radiator hoses & thermostat as well.