nasafan

Not an advertisement for this dealership but the cost seem fairly reasonable. It is nice they have a Lexus cost schedule ready to go. $ 369 for timing belt replacement seems good although I do not think it includes the water pump. Looks like 90000 mile service and timing belt runs about $1098.

hlthlnk

Great price! I live in the northern Va area and was quoted $670 for the timing belt & $550 for the water pump from a Lexus dealer for the 2002 sc430.

kjcole

Does that price include just the belt, or other wear items in this crucial system? IN addition to the belt itself, the items that combine to increase the risk of a timing belt failure or jumping teeth as the miles/years add up are the hydraulic tensioner, the tensioner pulley, and the idler pulley. From what I've seen the belt will probably last a long time as long as the tensioner keeps force on the belt, and as long as the pulley bearings don't get sloppy and/or seize. An otherwise good belt won't be much good if any of those other items start failing. After 90K I'd sleep better with an OEM tensioner and pulleys tucked in there to keep the belt company. And by the time you've got all the layers of parts pulled off (dang thing is like a jigsaw puzzle) and finally see the waterpump, you'll say what the heck and toss a new one in as well. Such a fantastic engine and car deserves a tensioner, pulleys, and waterpump after serving so well over the miles and years, right?

jzwu

The sc430 timing belt kit has the belt, tensioner pulley and the idler.

kjcole

And if you shop around you'll find kits for decent prices that also include the hydraulic tensioner, and waterpump (both OEM). One of the benefits of Toyota's use of this basic engine in other vehicles. I should add that the hydraulic tensioners seem to have the reputation of holding up well in this engine (across Toyotas and Lexus'), as do the waterpumps (as per Toyota service techs I've talked with). But the thought of the tensioner gradually reducing in the force of its push on the tensioner pulley, and the effect of that reduced tension in the belt while being pulled by the crank pulley and while dragging along the cam pulleys, all via beveled teeth just a few mm deep, just wouldn't let me sleep at night. Especially as I think about the times when you really need to tap into that great V8 power.

mandyfig

All inclusive will around around $700~$750 tops done by Toyota tech outside shop for our SC's from a couple of sources.

Yes

That's a good price if the price is still good. The ad you posted is dated 2009.

nasafan

Price should be good, he gave it to me last week when I was in for my 55,000 mile service.

Elegal

Greetings all...I just purchased a 2006 SC430 (smoky granite/camel) that had 95,000 miles but no evidence of 90,000 mile service done. Had my longtime mechanic replace the timing belt, tensioners, water pump (he said it had started to leak), et al for less than $1,100. I live in the Dallas area. Updated the DVD NAV with one from a Miami dealership (ebay item). My only aargh item was a new tire that cost me over $300. I am very concerned about having no spare. The trunk has a place for one (perhaps I need the spare kit??) My wheels are 18" beautiful aftermarket chromes. Tires are 245/40 z18 (these are NOT run-flats). My other issue is that the AM stations are very weak. This car does have an aftermarket XM radio installed in the (former) ashtray. Could this be part of my problem? I am very excited about "Smoky"--probably one of the best color-combinations I have ever seen. I would like to get my sports station back, though...ideas?

kjcole

The AM radio question should get moved to its own thread.... but, When you change stations do you ever see the antenna change position?

huy33

Yay, another member in the Dallas area. Pics please!

Harold57

Elegal, welcome to the forum and DFW owners.

The AM stations are weak on our radios. We have a Camry also and the AM stations are weak on it also. I still only have my stock SC430 radio. So the long and short of it are, the AM stations are weak here and tend to get walked on by nearby stations.

Regarding having no spare, check the stickies and do some searches, there are different methods that folks have dealt with having no spare while not having run flats. (I added the spare. It was fairly easy and took about 45 minutes after buying the various parts required.)

ChicagoRX

I paid $1105 to replace my timing belt and water pump and drive belts for my 2005 RX330 at a Chicago suburb.
My water pump broke at only 65K miles. I am so upset with the Lexus quality - may be I'll buy a Kia next time with 10yr/100K warranty!

texsexlex

iTrader: (3)

...had my timing belt,water pump,tentioner pulley,etc.., done about a week before the car was hit. Bought the timing belt kit from Sewell Direct (312.00 + tax), then had it done @ an independent toyota/lexus shop in Cedar Hill for $450.00....out of pocket about $800 total

JPBJR

If you need this service check out Hotshots in Aurora in the Denver area. Superb independent shop that does fantastic work. They did my timing belt , pump and everything else including a serpentine belt for $950 out the door. Also included a loaner car for no charge! All parts used were OEM for added peace of mind! Also checked out the car since I had just bought it and said it looked new (04 with 44K). I am pleased.