Timing belt / water pump
#1
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Good day all! Just getting ready have the timing belt and water pump service done on my 2004 Ultra, and I'm wondering if there are any general maintenance items in there that should be done while my Lexus master tech is "already in there"? I already have the crank/cam/oil pump seals marked down for replacement, just for some additional peace of mind. The air suspension was also swapped out pre-emptively in favour of a conventional LS430 Sport Suspension, so I think I'm sorted for that "big question mark".
For the record, I'm at around 170,000 miles and this will be the car's second timing belt change (last one was done at about 85,000mi in 2012).
Thanks in advance!
For the record, I'm at around 170,000 miles and this will be the car's second timing belt change (last one was done at about 85,000mi in 2012).
Thanks in advance!
#2
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Given the mileage, the tensioner and idlers should be replaced at same time along with the TB/water pump.
#3
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Good day all! Just getting ready have the timing belt and water pump service done on my 2004 Ultra, and I'm wondering if there are any general maintenance items in there that should be done while my Lexus master tech is "already in there"? I already have the crank/cam/oil pump seals marked down for replacement, just for some additional peace of mind. The air suspension was also swapped out pre-emptively in favour of a conventional LS430 Sport Suspension, so I think I'm sorted for that "big question mark".
For the record, I'm at around 170,000 miles and this will be the car's second timing belt change (last one was done at about 85,000mi in 2012).
Thanks in advance!
For the record, I'm at around 170,000 miles and this will be the car's second timing belt change (last one was done at about 85,000mi in 2012).
Thanks in advance!
#4
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Debateable but my indie said no need to do thermostat, it's your money, we'd tell you to replace it if we thought it were a good idea. But we'll replace anything you want. So I left mine. My Maxima is going on 21 y.o. and original water pump and thermostat...one of my motivations for not doing the thermostat is I knew exactly what the temp was pre-TB job, and I would expect it to be unchanged afterwards.
#5
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Perfect, I appreciate that! It'll be a somewhat expensive spring since all three cars need a routine service (the other two are winter stored, so a spring refresh always costs a few dollars), but thankfully my Honda S2000 never needs anything more than basic fluids.
#6
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Agreed...it depends but indies might do this at 90k...where as the dealer normally does not...I figure why do all that and have an unlikely scenario where the tensioner or idlers go bad. I think the kit cost is only $30 more? Actually the only difference is the tensioner, but true the dealer 90k does not do these and the price is around $1,400.
Debateable but my indie said no need to do thermostat, it's your money, we'd tell you to replace it if we thought it were a good idea. But we'll replace anything you want. So I left mine. My Maxima is going on 21 y.o. and original water pump and thermostat...one of my motivations for not doing the thermostat is I knew exactly what the temp was pre-TB job, and I would expect it to be unchanged afterwards.
Debateable but my indie said no need to do thermostat, it's your money, we'd tell you to replace it if we thought it were a good idea. But we'll replace anything you want. So I left mine. My Maxima is going on 21 y.o. and original water pump and thermostat...one of my motivations for not doing the thermostat is I knew exactly what the temp was pre-TB job, and I would expect it to be unchanged afterwards.
#7
Moderator
![](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/ranks/rank-mod2.gif)
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Vantage;
They may mention the Cam seals needing to be replaced, but tread lightly here... That involves pulling the cams out, which can get costly. If they aren't leaking, I'm not so sure I would dig into replacing them. It is a recommended replacement item on the 2nd TB service, but you'll have to decide if you want to have it done.
When I did my 2001's belt at 200K, the cam seals looked fine, so I let it ride...
They may mention the Cam seals needing to be replaced, but tread lightly here... That involves pulling the cams out, which can get costly. If they aren't leaking, I'm not so sure I would dig into replacing them. It is a recommended replacement item on the 2nd TB service, but you'll have to decide if you want to have it done.
When I did my 2001's belt at 200K, the cam seals looked fine, so I let it ride...
Trending Topics
#8
Driver School Candidate
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Hi Vantage, just curious how much did it cost for you to get your timing belt and water pump changed by a Lexus master tech? And did that include all the tensioners and idlers etc.?
#9
Pit Crew
Thread Starter
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Vantage;
They may mention the Cam seals needing to be replaced, but tread lightly here... That involves pulling the cams out, which can get costly. If they aren't leaking, I'm not so sure I would dig into replacing them. It is a recommended replacement item on the 2nd TB service, but you'll have to decide if you want to have it done.
When I did my 2001's belt at 200K, the cam seals looked fine, so I let it ride...
They may mention the Cam seals needing to be replaced, but tread lightly here... That involves pulling the cams out, which can get costly. If they aren't leaking, I'm not so sure I would dig into replacing them. It is a recommended replacement item on the 2nd TB service, but you'll have to decide if you want to have it done.
When I did my 2001's belt at 200K, the cam seals looked fine, so I let it ride...
I'm looking at about $950 USD when all is said and done and yes, it includes the tensioners and idlers. The car's going in a week from today, so I won't have a final breakdown until it's done. Will be sure to report back! The master tech has planned for one full day to have her done.
#10
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Thanks for the tip! I'll have it looked into. I might just go ahead and do it so the car is good to go for another few years, but it really depends on how they look.
I'm looking at about $950 USD when all is said and done and yes, it includes the tensioners and idlers. The car's going in a week from today, so I won't have a final breakdown until it's done. Will be sure to report back! The master tech has planned for one full day to have her done.
I'm looking at about $950 USD when all is said and done and yes, it includes the tensioners and idlers. The car's going in a week from today, so I won't have a final breakdown until it's done. Will be sure to report back! The master tech has planned for one full day to have her done.
#11
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Good day all! Just getting ready have the timing belt and water pump service done on my 2004 Ultra, and I'm wondering if there are any general maintenance items in there that should be done while my Lexus master tech is "already in there"? I already have the crank/cam/oil pump seals marked down for replacement, just for some additional peace of mind. The air suspension was also swapped out pre-emptively in favour of a conventional LS430 Sport Suspension, so I think I'm sorted for that "big question mark".
For the record, I'm at around 170,000 miles and this will be the car's second timing belt change (last one was done at about 85,000mi in 2012).
Thanks in advance!
For the record, I'm at around 170,000 miles and this will be the car's second timing belt change (last one was done at about 85,000mi in 2012).
Thanks in advance!
best to use aisin parts too
sounds like a decent price...a toyota dealership quoted me $2000 and that was just for the belt, no seals, pulleys, or tensioner...I went with my local mechanic instead
#12
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
I would only do the cam/crank seals if they show any signs of leaking. When I did mine everything was bone dry in there and there was no shot I was messing with the VVTI to get to the cam seals.
Most techs will tell you to go at the cam seals every other timing belt change.
Most techs will tell you to go at the cam seals every other timing belt change.
#13
Moderator
![](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/ranks/rank-mod2.gif)
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
ALWAYS replace the belt, tensioners, all idlers, cam seals and crank seals...everytime, never re-use the tensioner, if it fails you will snap the belt...if the seals leak it will degrade the belt. As for the water pump, at least the seal everytime and the pump every other...but really just go ahead and replace it every time. I've had a water pump last two t-belt changes but at the second one it was leaking.
best to use aisin parts too
sounds like a decent price...a toyota dealership quoted me $2000 and that was just for the belt, no seals, pulleys, or tensioner...I went with my local mechanic instead
best to use aisin parts too
sounds like a decent price...a toyota dealership quoted me $2000 and that was just for the belt, no seals, pulleys, or tensioner...I went with my local mechanic instead
#15
Lexus Fanatic
![Default](https://www.clublexus.com/forums/images/icons/icon1.gif)
Another indie on the Maxima (they were actually Porsche/Audi specialists but do Japanese) said to me, "You are perfectly capable of replacing a brake hose yourself. You already do ABS and calipers." I said but if I break the metal line, I'm not setup nor have I ever flared a line. "Ok, we'll be glad to take your money then."
My experience with indies is they are in business to make money, but they also value their integrity and reputation.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Prost
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
7
10-20-05 10:35 PM