ruger

Just got a 2004 sc430 that I have been looking for a while..Question is the timing belt replacement..
The car has a clean one owner carfax but no mention of timing belt service..Even with only 27000
miles the car us still a 2004...Should I have this done as well as a trans fluid change Ill be looking at over a thousand dollars but I need some advise as should it be done or not..The owner had a maintinance check at a Lexus dealer on the carfax last year but he no belt change he knows of..I can use some input on this matter and would be much appreciated...Thanks

mandyfig

Here’s my recommendation: If you are serious about owning an SC430 and will keep it until you cannot drive anymore, please change the T belt now. Peace of mind.

If you envision on selling it eventually, then at this mileage, you can wait at least up to 60K.

ruger

May concern was the age of the belt other than the miles, same for new trans fluid??

OBP

just do a trans fluid drain refill rather than a full flush. After 3 oil changes coupled with the tranny fluid drain refill, you should be in good shape and will not need one like that for about 30-40 k miles.

SlvBullet

iTrader: (8)

You definitely need to change the timing belt due to age. The manufacturer of the belt states it should be changed with 7-8 years age. With that, there is an entire kit including tensioners, water pump and thermostat that should be changed. Do the serpintine belt too. With that low mileage the car sat a lot so I would also fully flush the transmission, brakes and steering to start with everything fresh. Fluids get old, absorb water and lose viscocity with time.

ruger

How about the trans filter??? thanks for reply

Bgw70

I do all of my own maintenance and I was going to change the filter but only decided to change the fluid on a regular interval. I do it every 10-12k miles or every three oil changes.
I have a filter and may change it someday but for now it is on the shelf.
Keeping the fluid bright red (new) is the key.
These are my opinions and others may have a different view...
BTW, never force flush a transmission...some car manufacturers actually say to never do it.
Only drain and refill.

The first time I replaced all of the fluid.
I pulled the transmission cooling line off the radiator, started the car and let it drain a gallon of fluid, stopped the engine, refilled on gallon, then repeated three more times.
My fluid looks brand new and bright red.