Timing Belt Service - Need Advice
#1
Instructor
Thread Starter
Timing Belt Service - Need Advice
At 210K my 1999 RX300 is overdue for its 2nd timing belt service. My independent mechanic has quoted me $875 for the job using OE parts. However, cash is limited and other areas of the car are demanding attention: air mix servo, valve cover leaks, door lock, etc. How ill-advised would it be to simply ask him to change the timing belt and skip the other aspects of the job? How much would I likely save? TIA
#2
Moderator
At 210K my 1999 RX300 is overdue for its 2nd timing belt service. My independent mechanic has quoted me $875 for the job using OE parts. However, cash is limited and other areas of the car are demanding attention: air mix servo, valve cover leaks, door lock, etc. How ill-advised would it be to simply ask him to change the timing belt and skip the other aspects of the job? How much would I likely save? TIA
t-belt
ideller
tensioner
water pump
Oil-seals for cams
Crank-shaft front oil seal
Coolant
Oil
V-belts.
Also what was or was not replaced at 90k
Door lock and air-servo are comfort things.
Salim
Last edited by salimshah; 11-14-12 at 10:41 PM. Reason: added cranck shaft seal
#4
I'm scared now because I don't know if I have ever had my timing belt done (unless it would have been done in connection with the transmission replacement).
Salim, are all of the things you listed, the things that need to be done in connection with the timing belt service?
Also, are we allowed to ask for/give recommendations for mechanics? I'm in Los Angeles and would prefer not to have to go to Lexus for this service.
Salim, are all of the things you listed, the things that need to be done in connection with the timing belt service?
Also, are we allowed to ask for/give recommendations for mechanics? I'm in Los Angeles and would prefer not to have to go to Lexus for this service.
#5
Moderator
I am always confused when people talk about t-belt change and quote 300 to 1200 for service and I prefer to see the cost broken down to actual parts and labor. The dealer also performs other service(s) that can increase the bill.
For me, the T-belt change should be the belt only. Idellers, tensioner, water-pump, seals should be inspection items and changed only if needed.
For my 90k service, t-belt and ideller were the only things that got replaced. For 180k service, I would most likely replace the tensioner, water-pump and the t-belt. Ideller and seals would be inspection based replacement items. I expect 200k from water-pump. I might even do preemptive ideller change (the original lasted only 90k.
That would be my course of action.
Vbelts, lock and servo can be done when more cash is available.
Salim
For me, the T-belt change should be the belt only. Idellers, tensioner, water-pump, seals should be inspection items and changed only if needed.
For my 90k service, t-belt and ideller were the only things that got replaced. For 180k service, I would most likely replace the tensioner, water-pump and the t-belt. Ideller and seals would be inspection based replacement items. I expect 200k from water-pump. I might even do preemptive ideller change (the original lasted only 90k.
That would be my course of action.
Vbelts, lock and servo can be done when more cash is available.
Salim
#6
Hey Forum
I just reached the 90K mile mark, and have a quote from the Toyota dealer for the 90K service:
water pump kit 122
timing belt 76
vane pump belt 8
v-ribbed belt 31
antifreeze 29.41
labor 379
parts 265
total 685
Additionally, I can have the seals replaced on the cams and crankshaft for an addiitonal $190
Also the thermostat,hoses, etc etc etc.
Or, I can just get the timing belt only for a total of $389.
I am thinking it if it ain't broke, dont fix it, the only thing I need is to replace the timing belt so the engine
does not get damaged if it breaks. True I can save a little by doing it all at the same time, but it seems
to me all the other stuff will last well past 90K, is this a reasonable assumption?
I just reached the 90K mile mark, and have a quote from the Toyota dealer for the 90K service:
water pump kit 122
timing belt 76
vane pump belt 8
v-ribbed belt 31
antifreeze 29.41
labor 379
parts 265
total 685
Additionally, I can have the seals replaced on the cams and crankshaft for an addiitonal $190
Also the thermostat,hoses, etc etc etc.
Or, I can just get the timing belt only for a total of $389.
I am thinking it if it ain't broke, dont fix it, the only thing I need is to replace the timing belt so the engine
does not get damaged if it breaks. True I can save a little by doing it all at the same time, but it seems
to me all the other stuff will last well past 90K, is this a reasonable assumption?
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#8
I am always confused when people talk about t-belt change and quote 300 to 1200 for service and I prefer to see the cost broken down to actual parts and labor. The dealer also performs other service(s) that can increase the bill.
For me, the T-belt change should be the belt only. Idellers, tensioner, water-pump, seals should be inspection items and changed only if needed.
For my 90k service, t-belt and ideller were the only things that got replaced. For 180k service, I would most likely replace the tensioner, water-pump and the t-belt. Ideller and seals would be inspection based replacement items. I expect 200k from water-pump. I might even do preemptive ideller change (the original lasted only 90k.
That would be my course of action.
Vbelts, lock and servo can be done when more cash is available.
Salim
For me, the T-belt change should be the belt only. Idellers, tensioner, water-pump, seals should be inspection items and changed only if needed.
For my 90k service, t-belt and ideller were the only things that got replaced. For 180k service, I would most likely replace the tensioner, water-pump and the t-belt. Ideller and seals would be inspection based replacement items. I expect 200k from water-pump. I might even do preemptive ideller change (the original lasted only 90k.
That would be my course of action.
Vbelts, lock and servo can be done when more cash is available.
Salim
#9
Moderator
True but on the flip side, one can premptively change things which can last another 90k miles.
Jab and others can decide where to draw a line. Some change water pump every 90k miles and some change the T-belt every 120k miles.
I can only suggest what I would do.
Salim
Jab and others can decide where to draw a line. Some change water pump every 90k miles and some change the T-belt every 120k miles.
I can only suggest what I would do.
Salim
#10
Moderator
Here are my thoughts on replacement of various things related to t-belt on RX300. Please note these are just my suggestions and there is no long-term analysis done by me, People should consult Lexus.
T-belt 95kmiles
water pump 190k miles (using Toyota coolant)
ideller 95k
tensioner & tensioner roller 190k
Cam seals 190k
Salim
T-belt 95kmiles
water pump 190k miles (using Toyota coolant)
ideller 95k
tensioner & tensioner roller 190k
Cam seals 190k
Salim
Last edited by salimshah; 11-14-12 at 04:14 PM.
#11
Here are my thoughts on replacement of various things related to t-belt on RX300. Please note these are just my suggestions and there is no long-term analysis done by me, People should consult Lexus.
T-belt 95kmiles
water pump 190k miles (using Toyota coolant)
ideller 95k
tensioner & tensioner roller 190k
Cam seals 190k
Salim
T-belt 95kmiles
water pump 190k miles (using Toyota coolant)
ideller 95k
tensioner & tensioner roller 190k
Cam seals 190k
Salim
But what about these other items? Could their failure cause significant damage? Would there be any warning before that damage occurred?
#12
Moderator
A torn belt will lead to interference of valves and piston.
Some of the other items may or may not cause catastrophic failure. In case of leaks (seal and pump), the down side is additional labor. You can get into more serious trouble if the tensioner fails or ideller, you may loose the belt. If the water pump seizes up, you can mess up the belt.
My ideller started squeeling and it was noisy, shortly before 90k miles.
Salim
Some of the other items may or may not cause catastrophic failure. In case of leaks (seal and pump), the down side is additional labor. You can get into more serious trouble if the tensioner fails or ideller, you may loose the belt. If the water pump seizes up, you can mess up the belt.
My ideller started squeeling and it was noisy, shortly before 90k miles.
Salim
#13
I am always confused when people talk about t-belt change and quote 300 to 1200 for service and I prefer to see the cost broken down to actual parts and labor. The dealer also performs other service(s) that can increase the bill.
For me, the T-belt change should be the belt only. Idellers, tensioner, water-pump, seals should be inspection items and changed only if needed.
For my 90k service, t-belt and ideller were the only things that got replaced. For 180k service, I would most likely replace the tensioner, water-pump and the t-belt. Ideller and seals would be inspection based replacement items. I expect 200k from water-pump. I might even do preemptive ideller change (the original lasted only 90k.
That would be my course of action.
Vbelts, lock and servo can be done when more cash is available.
Salim
For me, the T-belt change should be the belt only. Idellers, tensioner, water-pump, seals should be inspection items and changed only if needed.
For my 90k service, t-belt and ideller were the only things that got replaced. For 180k service, I would most likely replace the tensioner, water-pump and the t-belt. Ideller and seals would be inspection based replacement items. I expect 200k from water-pump. I might even do preemptive ideller change (the original lasted only 90k.
That would be my course of action.
Vbelts, lock and servo can be done when more cash is available.
Salim
If the car is at the dealership then one does not even get to see if the parts are really bad or not.
I am just wondering if even asking for the replaced part is helpful or not as they can always be broken manually.
Or may be i am too skeptical of auto mechanic industry
#14
Here are my thoughts on replacement of various things related to t-belt on RX300. Please note these are just my suggestions and there is no long-term analysis done by me, People should consult Lexus.
T-belt 95kmiles
water pump 190k miles (using Toyota coolant)
ideller 95k
tensioner & tensioner roller 190k
Cam seals 190k
Salim
T-belt 95kmiles
water pump 190k miles (using Toyota coolant)
ideller 95k
tensioner & tensioner roller 190k
Cam seals 190k
Salim
#15
Moderator
Other than the visual check on the hydraulic tensioner pin, one must do the test ... specified in the service manual.
Talking about dealership and major shops, they have to deal with many other issues.
1. Up selling to maximize profit and keep their staff, mechanics, parts etc in business.
2. Handling customers perception. This is where a DIY would most likely take the risk and not do all. The shops tend to reduce risk of return irate customers by doing more than necessary. Lately the shops try to put the burden on customers by saying we recommend these changes.
Salim
Talking about dealership and major shops, they have to deal with many other issues.
1. Up selling to maximize profit and keep their staff, mechanics, parts etc in business.
2. Handling customers perception. This is where a DIY would most likely take the risk and not do all. The shops tend to reduce risk of return irate customers by doing more than necessary. Lately the shops try to put the burden on customers by saying we recommend these changes.
Salim