I have a '99 GS 300 with 47,300 original miles on it.

When should I expect to have to change the timing belt and water pump?
What's the expected total cost to get this done?

Will I absolutely need to get the water pump replced or just the timing belt?

My car seems to be running fine now.

Thanks,

Ted

 

If you check the schedules in your owners manual, 90K is when you change the belt.
But now, do you have any record of maintenance? Was the 30K performed? Was the 45K performed? Does the transmission fluid look red and clear? Is the brake fluid look new? Does the coolant look fresh and red? How often was the oil changed and what weight and type?
All this should be documented in the owners manuals or maintenance book.

 

30K and 45K maintence was not performed.

I have changed oil every 3,000 miles but now I'm on valvoline synthetic and am going every 5,000 miles.

Transmission fluid defintaley needs to be changed.

I have synthetic brake fluid (Motul) and car has had 10,000 miles since brakes were redone and stainless steel lines put in etc.

 

Then your coolant and transmission are overdue. I'd stick with Toyota dealer for products in both replacements. Use or provide distilled water to flush with. Purchase enough Type IV trans fluid for two changes; 500 miles apart. Keeping in mind you may need one more change at another 500 miles to get the color cherry red, but I wouldn't purchase the fluid yet. I'd pass on a transmission flush at a dealer, just drain and fill the transmission.

 

I have ES 300 2000 year with 83000 miles. I have done my timing belt and water pump replacement at dealer in New Haven. They have excelent stuff and do nice job. I have checked the pricing of other places and they are the cheapest.

I spend 870$: labor, parts, tax. They give you a loaner too.

 

Wow, did you try to get a quote at Toyota? ES is Camry V6 and I am sure you can save a lot on labor.
ES has a None Interferencing engine, would not hurt to wait until at least 90K as recommended by Lexus.

 

I know, Lexus is not a Civic and for good quality you pay.

I think it is still cheap. Yes, parts - no savings, but labor - maybe.

Regular garage charges about 600$, so I would rather pay more and be save.

 

my car is in the shop to get its timing belt and water pump fixed. The wonder full part is that i only paid $350 to have it done. Not only are they fixing the timing belf for 350 they are replacing all other drive belts and replacing all engine seals except for the tanny seal (no more leaking).
also haveing all 3 tensioners replaces for another 100 bucks.

anyone in the atl, ga area want anymore info PM me.
peace

 

I just did serpentine belt, timing belt, water pump, front seals, all fluids throughout the car, TM spark plugs, filters, etc. I won't have to worry about maintenance for a long time now. Only cost me around $850 w/loaner. I waited until 120k and the mechanic said everything still looked pretty good.

 

man i did all that this past summer and all it cost me were parts and a couple of sunny days

 

I wish I had the time and the tools. Good job.

 

all you need is some jack stands,hydraulic jack, socket set and breaker bar

 

Timing belts cost $20, water pump $70. Labor is the majority of the cost for timing belt. In case you have not noticed, Lexus charge a ridiculous premium for labor performed by the same Toyota certified technician. Yes, Lexus gives you a loaner to make you feel overpaying labor is well justified. Amount of $ spent for a brand does not equate to quality.

 

yeah the dealer is just ridiculous with the amount of money they charge for some stuff