I have 140,000 on my 99 RX300 and am about to take a big trip in a few weeks. Was wondering if I needed to rebuild this puppy before the trip as a preventative measure? Do other see these alternators lasting into the 200k range??

 

No, you shouldn't need to do that. I can't remember anyone offhand having an issue with the alternator, but a few with the starter, but really rare.

 

My DIL's was replaced under warrantee before they got the car at 32k mi. At almost 130k there hasn't been a hickup since. If there was any way you could use a mirror to look in the end (probably isn't), the brushes are the most common of all problems. I wouldn't personally worry about it. Most all of the parts Toyota uses are very high quality and it could well go to 200k or more. (no guarantees) I have seen many alternators go to 200k and more, even on American cars, where the quality isn't generally as high as Japanese.

 

I just recently replaced an alternator, timing belt and water pump on my 2001 RX300 with 109K as a preventative measure. The timing belt was due to be replaced based on the months of ownership. I ordered to replace the other parts to save the cost of labour in the future.

 

Welcome to the Club.

 

My recollection is that Lexus recommends timing belt replacement at 90K-miles or 6 years, so I'm guessing you were slightly overdue. Unless you're at 109K -km and not miles.

 

Bob2200, yes 90k, however the belt looked like brand new at 100k when I did mine...

 

According to the Canadian maintenance schedule, the timing belt should be replaced at 110,000 kms. I did it few months earlier.

 

Aw,run her till she quit`s...... Yeah right?

 

im at 168,000 miles and i didn't need to change out the alternator. but if you have 4 12" or 2 15" subs then its going to burn up the alternator. with normal use you shouldn't have to change it.

 

Just don`t get it wet, alternator`s don`t seem to like to get wet. I cleaned my engine compartment last fall, and I got it a little wet. Now every so often it sounds like my old Chrysler Laser turbo when she was cold.

 

i lost that plastic splash guard below the engine compartment 2 winters ago, do you guys think i run a risk by not having it?

 

UNOHOO my boy, How the *&#$ did you loose that?? I was actually thinking about keeping mine off. Especially now, because I`m going to do an auto-RX treatment. I don`t think it hurt`s anything at all. Except it`s supposed to keep maximum air-flow through the radiator when driving. (you don`t loose any flow from underneath) That`s what I was told about the splash guard on my 87 300E. Weather it`s true or not,who know`s. But that`s Mercedes engineering. Mmm-Kay?

 

That splash guard protects some of the vacuum hoses down in that area, I would get a replacemnt and put it back...

 

Yeah but other than that,is their really a need for it?