Timing Belt Change

[ADT]

I have 103,000 on my 2001 GS 430 The shop says I need to
change the timing belt. I figured it had a chain any way; I am having no
problems with the engine. What are some of your opinions?

[James Horning]

The GS430 is a great car, a commodity in the used market.

1) Perform timing belt replacement, replace water pump and drive belt . Flush cooling system.

2) Perform timing belt replacement , replace water pump, thermostat , timing belt idler pulleys and tensioner. Replace drive belt . Flush cooling system .

A) Use all Lexus parts .

B) Use a timing belt kit ( aftermarket ) by Gates ... etc . That includes all parts, water pump and thermostat additional.

My reasoning, if you are keeping the car, do it right , perform (2) above.

If cost is a issue, get a complete aftermarket kit , all the hard parts ( tens, idlers ) are high quality . Job( 2) parts (B) .

If you need to save up a few months to do it right , do it , you have time.

I feel obligated always to give the best advise , this is the repair methods we used 15 years ago before the price hunt became mainstream, water pumps leak, idlers fail ( dr.side) thermostats are very important for proper warm up time and time to closed loop fuel control.

I hope this helps with your educated decision.