Bigman711

My water pump just went out I was wondering how hard it is to change and if I would have to change the timing belt also

TriC

There are lots of threads here on your issue as well as a sticky or two about TB service. Read those and you can decide if it is something you want to tackle yourself.

By all means, change the timing belt and related hardware at the same time as doing the water pump.

Johnhav430

I have not attempted to date....hope to.

Most people consider this a straightforward job and doable if you have time and patience, plus there is a complete video on YouTube by that guy Nick.

On the other hand, if you pay an indie to do it, the worst it should be is $750 to $900, if you choose not to DIY.

p.s. what is the history of your car, is there a last known date of a timing belt/water pump job? Be curious to know how long the WP lasted...

bloomwcjkl

Get the Aisin kit. Water pump, timing belt, tensioner, idler and the other bits.

I did not dare to do this myself.

One other item you may consider. Change the radiator at the same time.

When you put the new waterpump in, it will have better flow. More pressure. About 3 months after doing my timing belt/water pump, my radiator developed a leak on a seam just below the radiator cap.

Would have been easier to just add that to the list. The radiator was ~$80, so not a lot additional. Plus labor of course.

2KHarrier

Exactly what I did when I did the TB on my 2001. Ordered a replacement rad via Amazon and dropped it in.

We'll see if the OP responds with vehicle info...

Bigman711

I really don't know the last time it was changed. I bought it from a guy that owns a title loan company for 1500$. I've had it about 4 years it my daily driver I drive about 80 miles a day. I just drove it 2 and half our drive to Tennessee and then 2 and a half back. I've kept everything else serviced.

this kit any good?
https://m.ebay.com/itm/Timing-Belt-kit-with-water-pump-for-2001-2007-Lexus-GS430-LS430-4-3L-V8-DOHC-/282437285820?fits=Year%3A2001%7CMake%3ALexus%7CModel%3ALS430%7CTrim%3ABase%20Sedan%204-Door%7CSubmodel%3ABase%7CEngine%3A4.3L%204293CC%20V8%20GAS%20DOHC%20Naturally%20Aspirated%7CEngine%20-%20Liter_Display%3A4.3L

2KHarrier

Negative. Don't use a cheap kit for the timing belt and water pump. There are a few things you can cheap out on with this car, but the TB is not one of them.

I purchased the Aisin kit off Amazon and it was about 170.00 dollars.

It's the go-to kit for this car.

2KHarrier

And how many miles are on the car?

Bigman711

Last I checked it was about 340000 on it.

2KHarrier

Wow.. I would say it's due for a timing belt and the water pump...

Nice to hear of another owner who has driven the snot out of an LS..

Bigman711

yea we take it everywhere only other mode of transportation we have is a pickup it's a 98 dodge ram 1500 v6 with right at 490000 on it.

2KHarrier

Sounds like our stables are similar.

1998 Dakota with a V6 is my workhorse.

It'll be interesting to see what the timing belt and pump look like on your LS.

Bigman711

I'm goin to attempt it as soon as it comes in. I've never changed one like this so it's goin to be a job for sure.

2KHarrier

The Youtube video that was mentioned by John is a huge help. There's also a step by step tutorial here on the forum. I've done 2 of these in the last couple months and really, it's a no brainer. Follow the steps laid out in the thread and plan on about 6-8 hours total time.

I'd grab a radiator while you're ordering parts. It's 70 dollar insurance.

Look at getting an idler pulley as well as the tensioner pulley and the Serpentine belt.

Bigman711

Thank I just replaced the belt not to long ago when I changed the alternator. I figured i had it off might as well put a new one on.