NSG

When do I need to bite the bullet and have the timing belt (& water pump) changed in my SC430? It’s a 2003, with “only” 60K mikes. The factory says 90K miles or 6 years, I believe... so I’m well past on the calendar!

GmanSC

Harold57

GmanSC is right. At this point, age is the enemy of rubber and plastic parts as much as use. The timing belt is so critical to the health of your car that you can't afford to take a chance on it. If it dies, you're likely looking at needing to replace your engine.

Prasha

Welcome! I think you know the risk is engine replacement $1.5k - 2k (?)

alruner

I am in a similar situation.. My 2003 has a total of 56K miles on it.. Belt was replaced
at 40K miles, BUT that was in 2010! Local shop wants $881.00 + tax. Lexus dealer
is $200.00 more.. Both include: water pump kit, Timing belt, Drive belt, Coolant,
Idler and Tension bearing belts..Local guy shows an estimate of $400 parts, and
Labor at $480.00 ( 6hrs x $80 per hour). I will have it changed.. trying to decide if
it's best to have the Lexus dealer do it., or my local guy..

Also.. it appears this is your first post.. I am also a newbie here.. Very fortunate
that I found this forum.. Great people sharing a wealth of information.

Welcome and best of luck with you SC!

Al

Hyper15125

Avmanager

I think for the little bit extra I would have Lexus do it. That is unless you really trust your other local shop. Typically when I have had local shops do work on my the different Lexus I have owned in the past, they are not quite as detailed or methodical on assembling stuff back. Clips left off, push retainers not put back etc. I just bought a 2007 SC430 that had 50K miles that had the local shop do the timing belt, water pump, etc done as part of their conditioning before selling the vehicle. I went through it and didn't see anything they had missed on the aesthetics side other than a clip. I took the car to Lexus immediately after I bought the Car to have the airbag recall done and they went through the car and did not see any issues. Its just a gamble on the local shops and how thorough they are. I'm all for saving money and I usually do 90% of my own maintenance on my other vehicles. But the timing belt, water pump, etc I think I would prefer to have Lexus do it to make sure its done correctly. And I have done multiple car restorations in the past, rebuilt engines, rebuilt transmissions, etc, so I usually know my way around a car.

slawless

I had mine replaced when the car was 11 yrs old, about 50K. Though they didn't show me the part. they said the belt was frayed. Based on their level of excitement I think it was real. So I probably would have it changed. As far as where to have it done. My local Lexus dealer has always been able to fix it. (the few time it has broken). I also have BMWs. Just say I don't have a lot of faith in the local dealer. However there is a great independent shop I take them to. In short, dealer or indy, depends on who you think will do the best job.

NSG

NSG

Jabberwock

If timing belt and water pump was replaced 7 years ago and only has 16k miles since I'd likely go another 3-4 years before replacing the belt. 7 years is recommended by Lexus but personally I think it is ultra conservative especially with low mileage so if it were me with low mileage I'd would not replace until 10-12 years. I replaced my LS430 TB at 10 years and 90 k miles and it was in great condition. Replaced SC430 TB at 13 years and 30k miles and the TB was also in great condition.

Harold57

Actually, Lexus originally recommended 6 years or 60kmi but they've bumped that up to 9 years or 90kmi now.

scarebus

Replaced my TB, water pump,belt and spark plugs during the weekend. Ordered the thick 22mm socket and used my IR. Crank bolt came off easily. Was a little anxious if it didn't do the work. My SC430 PB is 13 years old but only has 40K; did the work so I don't have to think about 'when is it going to fail?'. Now I can drive it hard. BTW all the parts removed were clean with not visible wear. Thanks to all who posted the removal procedures step by step.

Oomfh