Let me clarify .. removing the cam cover is 1/16th the work of taking the whole timing cover off and also the most difficult part of removing the main pulley is not involved. Test the water before jumping in.

Another major consideration is that age. All things get stuck or brittle over time. When you work on old vehicles there is an increased chance of collateral damage. I am a strong proponent of dont mess with things that dont need to be messed with.

Salim

 

Taking the no. 2 timing cover off to inspect would be my goal. If it’s cracked, deformed or frayed, you’ve got 1/16th of the work done!

 

Toyota/Lexus T-belts are very durable.
Did my neighbors 2003 Highlander with 99k miles on it over the weekend.
T-belt looks superb considering the age and Midwest weather.
No signs of cracks and even still shows line up marks.
Drivebelts are trashed since its exposed to the elements.
Shows cracks and very dry rotted.
Not saying you can wait 16yrs to replace one.
This is just what i came accross.
Pretty amazing i think.

 

If you do the belt, do the pump too. At 180,000 miles on my IS300 I did just the belt because I was lazy. Well, at 250,000 miles my water pump began leaking. If I didnt queue into the gurgling coming from my heater core, I would have run too low on coolant and overheated. So with only 70,000 on the new belt, I had to do the whole job over again. On the RX300, its not a job you want to do any sooner than you need to. It was a royal pain in the butt. Consider doing the cam and crank seals too.