Hello! I am VERY new here (today). My son is driving his grandpa's 2004 RX 330, which until he started driving it was maintained at the local dealer in Santa Monica, CA. We honestly didn't think he'd be driving it as long as he has, so I haven't done a ton of maintenance other than oil changes (and changing out the hydraulic spring to hold up the hood). Only other thing we did was change out the stereo to add Bluetooth.

It now has about 100,000 miles, so I assume it must be time to do the water pump/timing belt service. I am thinking that the hoses need changing too (though I noticed the hoses and belts look good and the belt is a Gates ... yet there is no record of them being changed).

I've seen videos on the timing belt and water pump and think I can tackle that fine, though I understand it will take about four hours. Interestingly, I have yet to find info on changing the heater hoses. Radiator hoses look easy. Has anyone changed heater hoses? I can see where they fit on the firewall ... are they hard to reach on the engine side?

Any other items to look at with this mileage? Spark plugs?

Sorry for so many ignorant questions. I am definitely new to Toyota/Lexus.

Richard

 

-Definitely replace the timing belt, water pump, tensioner
-Check steering rack (right side) for leaks
-If you can do the spark plugs (those back plugs are difficult for sure), that would be a good idea as they are typically due around 100-120k
-The hoses should last a very long time (ours are original at almost 280k)

 

THANK YOU! Interesting what you say about the hoses... on my truck ('99 Silverado) I changed them at 150,000 miles or so, just because they were old, and they came off looking as good as new with no soft spots. I guess the hoses and drive belts are much better than years ago.

No leaks on the rack, but I did notice some oil below the valve cover (camshaft cover?) ... might need to take care of that. Nothing makes it to the ground ... yet.

 

change all your fluids, power steering fluid, ATF drain and fill,rear differential fluid, front transfer case fluid coolant, brake fluid

 

Thanks! That was all done (except the transfer case… its RWD) at about 65,000. Would it be recommended again?

 

if the fluids still have a good color to them , you should be okay for now,