timmy0tool

iTrader: (7)

to answer the OP, yes those parts are same as OEM. i know b/c i did my TB/WP job a few months ago with parts i got of ebay at a fraction of the cost from the dealer. i don't skimp on parts and after LOTS of research i decided to go with the ebay parts for the following reasons:

-mitsuboshi is exactly the same as OEM, the timing marks line up perfectly
-accessory belt is the same as well, mine was made by mitsuboshi though
-OEM water pump is made by Aisin, same as on the ebay package, reason people think there is a slight difference between the original and this one is b/c this one has it's own metal/rubber gasket, where as the OE one was put in place using gasket sealer (FIPG) by the factory. same part, casted very nicely, fits like a glove, and has a better gasket design (no need for FIPG)
-idlers/tensioner is NOT the same, but still made in japan

the rest of the parts i got from the dealer, such as the caps/rotors, tensioner, and coolant. i got my spark plugs from autozone which is the exact same as the dealer as well, NGK iridiums.



my thread is here:
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/ls4...n-ls400-2.html

sethjon

You are completely incorrect. A trans filter will not blow the the tranny. Perhaps you had the old one and it way over due for a change. As far as other parts go, many aren't worth spit but most are if you buy them from a reputable place and not try to save money at Walmart or Sears.

sethjon

The Aisin pump is the same as OEM. They make the Lexus pumps. Not sure of Bando, Mitsubishi makes good timing belts. Check out ******************.com or Rock Auto and you will get good parts. OEM parts are good but way over priced.

jerryparks

iTrader: (1)

I think many non OEM parts are just as good as OEM. However, I would be concerned about counterfeits from China and elsewhere. With parts as important as timing belts and related parts, including the water pump, I would prefer to stick with OEM parts bought from a dealer or other good source. The loss of a poor quality timing belt would cost far far more in repair costs than the 10-20% savings obtained from buying questionable parts, not to mention the dangers that can occur from an untimely breakdown in a bad place. As for Autozone, I have bought many replacement parts from them and have not had any problems and I like their life time warrenty on most items and the free use of specialty tools to do a job.

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

buy from www.rockauto.com

Cheaper than eBay, and they only have Legit parts - no chance of them being fakes, i get all my stuff from there. Just got a kit last month for an RX TB, with misc. other stuffs

PureDrifter

iTrader: (10)

uhh they carry plenty of cheap crappy chinese-made parts...
you still need to pay attn. to what you're buying.

fixmiester

I just installed an AISIN TKT001 kit , complete with new water pump, Mitsuboshi belt, Koyo idler and tensioner pulleys and all gaskets, on my '99. The parts are identical to OEM. In fact the water pump even had the same casting markings as the original equipment, but neither pump had a manufacturer name on it. The old idler and tensioner used bearings marked Koyo. I got the kit from RockAuto for $159, and Beck-Arnley motor mounts for $66 ea. And, yes, they are the same identical hydraulic mounts as OEM. I am confident that these are of the highest quality, at less than half what the dealers charge, even with discount.

I searched around quite awhile to determine if these were OEM quality before I decided on these parts. Sure enough, they are. But, it does pay to be careful, especially with things that are so labor intensive, or critical.

Steve

LScowboyLS

The original timing belt on the LS400 is a Mitsuboshi (not to be confused with the huge company Mitsubishi) - Mitsuboshi is the largest maker of timing belts in Japan

The original idlers are Koyo on the LS400 - Koyo is the 2nd or 3rd largest bearing maker in Japan

As far as Aisin - the original water pump on ALL LS400's is an Aisin, as is the legendary transmission and many other parts of the car. - This particular Toyota partner probably builds the second highest number of parts on your Lexus after Nippon Denso

moat

Thank you for this info. Some of these names we have seen of course. I had no idea there was a timing belt company called Mitsuboshi and that it's not the same as the giant Mitsubishi.

Here is the timing belt company's English web site: http://www.mitsuboshi.com/

I recall seeing letterings on one of my drive belt where they printed both Mitsuboshi or Mitsubishi (and Toyota) on it. I'll go to my garage later to see if it's Mitsuboshi or Mitsubishi on that drive belt.

What about BANDO drive belts? What's BANDO's reputation when it comes to drive belts in Lexus or Toyota vehicles?

01LEXPL

iTrader: (10)

Oh, they carry white box parts? Didn't think so.

Where they're made is irrelevant since all the worlds **** comes from China anyways. I feel more comfortable buying a Beck/Arnley pulley [made in China, but has a good brand association] vs. a cheap Napa special at the same or more cost.

LScowboyLS

Mitsuboshi (no relation to the more famous huge corporation Mitsubishi)

another Toyota OEM and equally awesome!