I just bought a 2004 RX330 with 61k miles, and due for 72 month/90k miles service that neeeds timing belt/water pump change, and dealer quoted $1835, I have several questions:


1. Do I need to change timing belt at 72month although it is not 90k miles yet?

2. What if I wait for timing belt to break and then change it? I read on gates.com the 3MZ-FE engine is non-interference engine, but someone tells here it is interference engine, not sure who to trust. Can anyone help?

3. Should I change the water pump with timing belt, it means $500 extra; timing belt only is $1335.


4. Wonder if I could take it to an independpend shop or toyota dealer to change timing belt.

tritri- You have asked the question and I will give you one mans opinion- you will get others. I have done all of that on my DIL's '99RX and I personally wouldn't worry about any of those things at this point. T/L uses some of the finest parts I have ever seen in a lifetime of working on cars. I replaced the T/B on her car at 97k mi, thinking it was way overdue and discovered the original belt looked like it had 20k mi on it. I did replace the W/P, idler pulley and tensioner pulley at about 130k mi trying to find a small squall. I got rid of the squall but upon cutting all of the parts apart to inspect their condition, they all looked new (not kidding) except for the tensioner pulley. All 3 were as smooth as silk but the tensioner pulley was bone dry of grease. (all bearings are sealed) It still was smooth as silk and no sign of damage but I'm sure the dry bearing was what was making the noise, which was only for a little while at start. If you wait for the belt to break (which I wouldn't recommend) you'll be waiting a long time. I only remember 2 people who ever CLAIMED to have had a T/B break, and when questioned a little about the details, neither ever responded- so to me the claims are in question. There are those that have gone to close to 200k mi without any breakage, and I am not surprised. When you decide to have the work done, a Toyota dealer should be able to do the work, and for a lot less than a Lexus. Your money, spend as you wish, but you have the straight scoop from one lifetime mechanic. Good Luck!

By the way, I replaced ALL of those parts with ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT parts bought online for $184. In my opinion there is a HUGE amount of profit built into that estimate, even for a Lexus dealer. Just noticed that that is only W/P and T/B. Sorry, but that is INSANE! Where in Ca. are you?

Thank you very much for your detailed reply, that is really helpful. I live in orange county, and I went to Tustin Lexus, where the former owner did the maintenance.

I know there is another "elmore toyota" nearby with special timing belt change for $269, I will ask if they will change Lexus(I know the Lexus is the same 3MZ-FE engine as highlander).

I can only do simple fluid change(did transmission/power steering/brake/coolant) for my Corolla before, and I believe I can handle the lexus, too. But I can't really handle the engine job, even a spark plug change, so I will have them done by shop.

I will shop around and may wait till 80k miles to do the belt change, my wife drive the car, normally it is only 5k miles a year since she stays home.


Thanks a million.

I had ours done at an independent (it had 91K on it) and it was around $450 including timing belt, water pump, serpentine belt (OEM parts).

But, do keep in mind, the 04 RX330 is an interference engine, so I wouldn't wait for the belt to break. A friend of mine that is a Toyota tech said he recommends around 105-110K on our 3.3L V6.

YMMV.

i have done all today. change time belt and water pump. original toyota time belt and water pump bought in kazahstan for 250$ and work costs 100$. you have to change water pump with timing belt. sorry for bad english