lexus114

that was your second belt,not the original right?

jimmouse

I am a little cheap. But they should be the original, unless someone replaced it before I bot it at 57k miles.

m1tk4

As a follow up - I submitted a question at AAA's "Ask Pete" (one of the many benefits of AAA membership) and here is what I got back:

"Sorry I can’t be of much help on this one as two of my sources tell me it is NOT an interference engine while one source indicates it is. I would error on the side of safe and just make sure it gets changed every 90,000 or 72 months. It is always better to change it on your terms versus its. Because of the conflicting industry information, I would want to gamble that it is not only to find out that it is. Better safe than sorry!"

I think I agree. Toyota Mall of GA quoted me $350 for timing belt change + new drive belt, and I'm going to do this next week.

Thank you all!

lexus114

Lexmex is correct, the vvt-i engine is interference.

Barryst

Lexmex is correct!

Interference engine!

I have done my own timing belt, and it IS!

When you have the engine at cylinder #1 TDC, and take the belt off, be aware the back camshaft will want to "crash" into the top of the piston, thats why you have to back off 50 degrees or so on the crankshaft.-

Been there, and beyond, and done it!

-Barryst

I love my rx!!!

lexus114

Thanx for the extra info Barry,since I have not done mine yet.

m1tk4

Thank you all, just had my timing belt done at 91K miles at a local Toyota (Toyota Mall of Georgia), $353 for timing belt + drive belts replacement.

The Lexus folks wanted $650.

Pep Boys wanted ~$400 labor only.

A couple of indie guys wanted $800 with water pump replacement.

lexus114

I think these should be a double chain,and be done with it.

hoonami

my 02 Es300 is getting worked by local toyota
they want 720 plus tax for
timingbelt, waterpump, and drive belts
which i think is kinda high
what do you guys think?
what would lexus charge me?
i'm in chicagoland area with 10.25% tax rate now

Lexmex

I actually don't think that's too bad of a price.

salimshah

Give them a call and hear it from the horses mouth.

Salim

code58

Why, pray tell, would anyone ever take their car to Pep Boys for mechanical work. I just had to ask that because I have not been able to figure that out!

ffgarage

i need to replace my Timing belt and Etc, anyone knows a good spot in Socal area? thanks a lot for your comment

jcjr

Try your local Toyota dealer....

In todays economy.....the Toyota dealers will be Happy to do the work...

code58

X2- They work on the same engine all day long in the Avalon, Camry, etc., etc., they should be experienced. And I would be amazed if any of the Toyota dealers were as expensive as Lexus.