sanjoe

I've seen a few threads about the timing belt for an SC 430 but most are old and don't answer my question. I own an 2003 SC 430 with 25,000 miles on it. The dealer told me that I should have the timing belt replaced at 30,000 miles because the car is more than 6 years old even though the schedule for this service is 70,000 to 80,000 miles. He said, if the timing belt breaks during operstion that the engine will be damaged. I live in southern California, which is a mild climate and 30,000 miles is a long way from 80,000. Do I really need this expensive service or can it wait another few years at about 45,000 miles? I don't expect to have 70,000 miles on this car for another 5 years.

Thanks

VVTiBob

Guess you need to weigh the cost of replacing the belt versus the cost of repairing the damage that could be caused by a belt that fails.

tromly

Reace of mind is priceless , I would do it, do you know the price of our SC430 engine ?

Poqman

I made the decision to replace my timing belt before the recommended 90k mileage, but older than the six years for peace of mind. I deferred the additional cost of replacing idler pulleys, water pump and oil seals. The Lexus mechanic inspected them and said they appeared to be fine. With your low mileage, I suspect this would be the same for your car. This brought the cost of the repair to $570, which is far less than the damage from a broken timing belt. Also, your serpentine belt should be replaced if it is still original based on age. BTW, when you get ready to sell, people look for this maintenance to have been done.

PHXSC

the Toyota dealers here are running specials to do this service. A V-8 is $450. You likely won't have to do water pump, idler, front seal, etc. since you do have low miles.

Solman

I'm in the same boat as you. 2002 with 29K miles and I did it last month. My SC has a warranty on it and I don't want any excuses in case I have any other problems. and as others have said it is peace of mind. I also had the water pump, idler, front seal, and serpentine belt replaced since I was only charged for parts since it could be done with the belt.

SteadyEddy

iTrader: (1)

I was always under the impression, that you wouldn't get any damage to the engine (other than the broken belt) if it was coupled with an automatic transmission. The reason is that the engine isn't still being driven through the transmission, it just stops. Is this wrong? Or right?

martini3

holy shiznit! i gots 82K on mine running on the original timing belt.
i have an '03.

it's still running strong.

martini3

Poqman

SteadyEddy, The engine doesn't "immediately" stop when the belt breaks. When the belt breaks, the overhead cams driving the valves are no longer synchronized with the position of the crankshaft. What happens is a valve will be left open resting against the cam when the piston is driven up by the moving crankshaft. The two collide resulting in bent or broken valve stems and possibly a hole in the piston top and a bent rod. Transmission type won't prevent this.

VVTiBob

That, my friends, is the reason to do the recommended maintenance.

SteadyEddy

iTrader: (1)

Thank you Poqman for your explanation.

mrblister

God with all of the gizmos on our car why not make the timeing belt out of titanuim. instead of rubber or some synthetic fibre. In the days of metal timing chains you knew
just when the chain was going bad . It made a lot of noise for a lot of miles. It was also hard to set the timimg when it was stretched.

scdroptop

iTrader: (1)

I would do it on a 2002-2003 regarless of mines for piece of mind. We are looking at 7-9 year cars depending on when they were put in service! Better to be safe then sorry!

good tip on the toyo dealer...to one up that, take that toyo dealer ad or coupon and take it to lexus dealer and see if they would match with a loaner car and free car wash! Lol i'm a pig! oink oink

tfeni52355

Do whatever makes you feel good and sleep well at night. Timing belts have been the excuse for STEALERSHIP gouging for years. In all of my time driving (~40 years) I have never personally known one person or for that matter knew someone who knew someone that had a timing belt break...... I'd love to hear the reports from those that have......

I personally have a problem pulling apart a motor at 30K miles to do "scheduled maintenance" like this. Sounds like a license to steal! I will be rolling the dice on our 2002 with 30K miles. Thanks martini3 for the real world feedback! I say the odds are on my side.

vietpr1nce

iTrader: (2)

If I can give you more motivation to get it done because it just isnt worth the outcome if the belt breaks. I got the belts, ALL fluids, and water pump changed out at about 21k miles. My car is a 02 and now has about 24k on it.