BigFoot123

Looked at the videos, looks simple enough. How hard is it really and what special tools to I need, especially if it makes it much easier. I am thinking electric ratchet, seal puller, and timing pulley holder, which I think I can get from autozone rental program. The video I looked at used a seal press to put the seals back in. How important is that and does autozone rent those?

Any tips or links to good videos or write ups? What is the best kit to get. My main goal is the three seals as I think one of them is my main oil leak problem.

Thanks Chris

maxSteel

This is what I bought: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...l#post11314081

This was my experience: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...l#post11320504

I used the paint lid tool to get the seals out but it was a pain. Next time I will get something like this: https://www.lislecorp.com/specialty-...pe-seal-puller

I pressed the seals in using this approach: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ml#post9965353, essentially a piece of PVC, a washer, and the bolt

salimshah

PVC pipe fittings is the way to go. I had to make a few trips to plumbing supply/big-box stores.

Make sure you record/estimate how deep the seal sits before taking them out and position the new ones accordingly. Folks and even techs do not replace the cam seals. I would suggest changing them every other T belt service. I did mess up on the one next to firewall [blame it on poor line of sight ... not a problem with a phone camera].

I would suggest doing the valve cover and plug seals as well ... all Toyotas/Lexus I know leak at 100k miles.

I would strongly urge to go with OEM from reputable seller [or better still Lexus dealers who do online sales].

Torque wrench is a must and I stay away from thread lockers [unless the service manual asks for it]
Salim

BigFoot123

Oil leak is the only reason I am digging into it so all three seals is a must. Oil is leaking out of the timing case right above the oil pressure sensor. Any one of the seals could be leaking and slinging around by the belt. I replaced the front valve cover gasket, it was not leaking there.

Dyslexi

Just to add to this.. I bought this camshaft and crankshaft seal tool kit and was well worth it. Especially if you have several cars that you might need to replace oil seals. A bit pricey but well worth it cause removing and installing oil seals was so easy and absolutely no risk of damaging the shaft. I used this when i replaced the timing belt, oil seals, etc on my rx300.

carguy75

It is good a seal puller set. I bought same set for my 2007 Highlander 3.3V6 timing belt and cam seal change. Helped made the job of swapping the seals very easy.

Dyslexi

Yes! made the job very easy especially on tight spaces like the camshaft oil seal that's close to the firewall. That will be a pain to replace if you don't have the right tools

carguy75

So true.

Having the right tools for a repair makes it sooo much easier; even if you have to pay a bit more money to get the job done to get the tools. I learn that lesson over the years and I still usually end up saving money if I do buy specialty tools doing the repair myself than if I was paying a shop to do the work.

Now you can buy cheap specialty tools online that may only last a couple uses, but gets the job done for the occasional repairs most DIY owners may perform. I do not need a professional Snap-On grade tool set since I may only do some repairs like a timing belt every few years or so.