ApexLex

Although I've owned my RX300 since 2002, I never joined the forum. I didn't know what I was missing! Because of reading so much here, the mechanic asked me if I want a job!

I'm getting a new timing belt, water pump, and after reading this forum decided I better replace the transmission fluid. (I checked with the mechanic and they drop the pan and check the filter.) They will also replace the other minor belts (power steering and air conditioning) and replace a couple of seals. Is there anything else that I should have them do while the engine is apart? $870 seems like alot of money, but I know there is alot of labor involved. I want to keep my Lexus running for many years. (BTW, thanks to this forum, I saved $60 by replacing my own cabin filter. Difficulty 1 tasks are right up my alley!)

Thanks!

salimshah

The only suggestion I would make is ask the mechanic to drain the trasfluid from the two spot (pan & the transaxle (check old posts I may have the wrong name))

If he finds metal particles only then drop the transmission pan for more cleaning, else it will be of very little advantage.


Also, if you have long life spark plugs, 90k may be the right time to replace them.

Also check if the coolant needs to be replaced. Stick to Toyota/Lexus coolant.

Price seems good. Just check to make sure, yours is not the first RX that will be worked upon.

Salim

lexus114

Actually salim,Plugs are supposed to be good for 120,000 miles.I pulled one of mine last year @ 78,000 miles,and it still looked brand new.(and it`s a job to prolong anyway) the back row is not easy.

thomas1

I agree the original iridium plugs would probably go an easy 170k miles, I did mine at 125 and they looked absolutely perfect. iridium is a very hard metal.

ecrane

my wife's 2001 RX is coming up on 90,000. Is the water pump done routinely in these vehicles as part of the timing belt change? What else is commonly done? I don't follow this board as close as I should and am curious about what is typically done at 90,000. I'll handle the filters (air and cabin) myself. I have a trusted tire store that does my oil changes and brake work so I don't need those "look see" inspections used to run up the bill. What needs to be done by the dealer be it a Lexus dealer, or more likely in my case as there is no local Lexus dealer, a Toyota dealer?

Thanks for your comments

Ed Crane
Fayetteville, NC

FUZION

iTrader: (2)

lexus charges 1700 for the 90k on my sc300, i hauled *** outta there.

thomas1

Some of us do the water pump, because they are already in there and the waterpump is driven by the timing belt.

thomas1

The timing belt is a critical thing, You may trust the tire store, but if it were me I would take it to a toyota dealership and have them do it. They are half the price of Lexus and they have the experience of doing the timing belt on this engine. My local Toyota dealership did the waterpump and timing belt for under $500...Lexus wanted $1200

thomas1

I just wanted to let everyone know with rising gas prices, maintenance is a item that folks are either letting go longer, or they are driving less. Businesses out there are loosing a lot of business, and may be more competitive on their prices because of it. Keep that in mind when you shop around for work that you need done. Have a great day everyone.

ecrane

no, no. Tire store won't do timing belt. There appeared to be a lot of brake and suspension cks in the manual those are what seem to add up at the dealer and my tire dealer can handle those. I had another car where the water pump was done as a matter of course with a timing belt replacement.

How about tranmission fluid? I haven't been here in a long time and was surprised about all the transmission posts! I hate to mess with something that seems to be doing fine at present calling into play the "law of unintended consequences". I don't drive this car much as it's my wife's. At the risk of being a heretic on this board I don't even like it that much!

thanks for comments

salimshah

Water pump is NOT replaced routinely in Rx. It is a preemptive change. I attribute the not required to change the pump to the coolant used in Lexus/Toyota.

If you do it then you may loose some money but may make you feel good for another 90k.

Salim