Hi guys.

I have a question about the basics that need to be done at the 90,000 interval. The dealer of course wants to do a crap load of extra things, but I am wondering what really needs to be done. I know the timing-belt and water pump. I am also guessing that spark plugs should be done as well? I am wondering if there is anything else I should have them do?

 

In the oficial maintenance schedule, there are only two items that are unique to the 90K maintenance:
Inspect drive belt
Replace timing belt
However, the 5K, 10K, 15K, and 30K items should also be performed.
Coolant replacement is scheduled at 100K, and spark plugs at 120K miles.
You can probably save substantial money by replacing other items when you decide to change the timing belt.

You can sign on to lexus.com, create a userID, and request a free copy of the owner's manual, maintenance schedule, etc. You can also download PDFs of the same documents.

In my opinion, the timing belt can be deferred to 100K with very little probability of failure. It is a very robust belt.
However, if it does break, the repair is quite expensive (read - probably cheaper to replace the engine with a used one.).

 

I am preparing for my 90K service next week. Discussed with my Lexus service advisor. The timing belt and water pump will be changed. He said they do not routinely replace pulleys and tensioners. Nor do they replace the thermostat. Advised against changing the transmission. They would inspect the spark plugs to see if they need to be changed. I will just have them changed now, no sense in taking them out, looking at them, and reinserting. Just as well be putting in new ones. Coolant will of course be changed as they have to drain and remove the radiator.

In addition I will have them do the normal 30K items, such as oil/filter (Mobile 1 of course), change brake fluid, change rear differential fluid, and clean the throttle body. I will change the engine air filter and the cabin air filters myself.

Don't anticipate any other service.

 

Why do they have to drain and remove the radiator to do the 90k service? that doesn't make any sense.

 

You change coolant because you have to remove the waterpump anyway, what I changed were the timing belt, waterpump, drive belt, cant remember 2 or 3 pulleys, timing belt tensioner, spark plugs, air filter, brake fluid change, power steering fluid, and thermostat. And only use oem parts!

 

They have to remove the radiator to have room to access the timing belt change.

 

Thanks so much for the info guys. I really appreciate it.

 

you do not need to remove the radiator for timing belt changes.

 

The radiator definitely does NOT have to be removed to replace the timing belt. If your mechanic says it does, he doesn't know what he is doing.

 

Ditto that.