Bob04

Easiest belt change I've ever done. No way someone should pay a dealer to do that. Anybody changed their own timing belts yet?

truongsean

hi Bob04,
I am planning to do mine. Is it just 1 belt, like a Serpentine belt where you pull/push the tensioner to release the belt?

How much did it cost you for the belt?

thanks,
Sean

CG lover

did you change the tensioner also,, have heard they also should be changed when doing the belt,,???

teamplayer

iTrader: (2)

The drive belt tensioner does NOT require replacement with the drive belt replacement.

The tensioner you are refering to it the timing belt tensioner. Those are normally "recommended" during timing belt replacement (along with water pumps, cam and crank seals, etc) due to the fact that all those components are easily accessable with everything apart. If the tensioner or the water pump fails or if the cam or crank seals begins leaking after the timing belt was replaced, everything needs to be removed to repair/replace there components. Basically, it gives you peace of mind and saves you money and headaches in the long run.

Bob04

Yes, it is the one serpentine belt. My local parts store had 2 options, one for $25 and one for $40. I got the one that was $40 upon his recommendation. There is a label under the hood telling you which pulley to use to release the old belt. It is a left handed bolt, so pull to the left as if you were gonna tighten and it will release. Belt comes off easy with the other hand. The label also shows how the belt should be routed just in case you forget. Takes just a couple of minutes to get the other belt routed and back on the pulley that is spring loaded.

sonyman

If the tensioner for the timing belt fails the timing belt could skip a tooth and either cause the engine to run poorly, or cause valve/piston interference and necessitate an engine rebuild. It's something that should without question be replaced when the timing belt is changed.

teamplayer

iTrader: (2)

Yes. Agreed. That's why we always recommend a "complete" timing belt service (as opposed to just the timing belt replacement).

joe42276

if you are ok with hand tools... then timing belt is cake.
last week I did major service on my mom's LS430 (100k miles).
Basically, I changed:

-timing belt +tensioner +pulleys
-thermostat + gasket (you'll need a silicone gasket maker too (in tube)).
-water pump + Toyota LLC coolant (2.5 gal?)
-drive belt +tensioner + pulleys
-oem iridium spark plugs
-pcv valve
-ATF drain/fill (Amsoil synthetic ATF)
-differential fluid (Amsoil heavy duty synthetic gear oil 70w-90)
-steering fluid (Amsoil synthtic ATF)
-oil + oem filter (mobile1 synthetic 10w-30)
-cleaned air mass sensor
-cleaned K&N air filter (drop-in)

The whole procedure was painless. I have to admit, removing all the screws for the underbelly pan was annoying, but beside that, it was actually enjoyable. Everything went well.

Some notes:
-Make sure to have the crankshaft pulley bolt removing tool handy
-Timing belt has marks on it to goof-proof timing belt installation.. so easy!
-Original parts are awsome quality.. probably don't need to replace pulleys.
( I already had new ones in my hand, so I repalced them.. but the old parts
were still in great shape and felt like they have lots of life left.
-Silicone gasket maker is used on thermostat housing. Just one part.. easy.
-Make sure to drain the coolant in the block too. The valve fitting allows you
to attach a tube to it, so you can direct the coolant right into a bottle. Nice
and neat.

After all this, the car feels great! Drive like new again... and saved a few bucks~

(I did the same service on '04 LX470 last month... and it is much more involved. The LS was a breeze)