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newtoncd

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Posts posted by newtoncd

  1. They are now quoting me the following for additional work:

    Battery replacement: $210

    Rear shock strut is leaking: $650 each -- $1300 for both.

    Alignment: $140

    Power steering: $130

    Front Brakes: $350

    Rear Brakes: $350

    Timing Belt and Water Pump: $1300

    Total additional to the 90,000 service (which they already did): $3980.

    I have no idea how to proceed.

    To give some perspective, the independent I use in Denver (www.toycarcare.com/specials -- just in case you want to check some prices) charges $189.95 to replace the timing belt (they add another $200 for the water pump, but check it first to make sure it needs to be replaced. They also did a four-wheel alignment and charged $69.95.

    I got a battery from NAPA for $85 and put it in myself.

    If the brake price include rotors, that isn't a bad price. Otherwise, it would be about $100-$150.

    I guess what I am trying to say is, shop around ... find a shop that specializes in Toyota/Lexus and save a lot of money.

  2. Hey guys I'm a newbie here and to Lexus vehicles in general. I recently acquired a 2001 RX300 its the V6 model with a VSC emblem and it has a Snow/ECT button. My mechanic looked underneath and told me it had AWD because of the differential. I took it on a patch of ice maybe 10feet wide by 10 feet long and gunned it and it felt like it didn't even spin the tires or slip. I think I have AWD, but...

    Heres the Question: Is there an easy way for me to find out if its AWD? Like a letter in the VIN or something under the hood or something?

    Thanks guys,

    Adam

    With the RX330, the fourth letter of the VIN designates FWD vs AWD.

    -JTJG is Japan mfg, FWD

    -JTJH is Japan mfg, AWD.

    I am guessing the RX300 should be the same.

  3. What kind of rotors did you put on?

    We purchased our '04 RX330 new and have had warped rotors about every 30K. I kept on replacing with OEM parts, then I finally changed to a different brand (Mountain) and so far so good.

  4. Thanks for your input. I will sleep better going to the Lexus dealer and paying the difference. It may be wasted $$, but I am keeping this car forever and as I said, the indy's here IMO don't have a clue as to what to do. I was considering waiting until 120K for the timing belt, but again, it's cheap insurance to just do it now. Either spend the money now or wait until later running the risk of failure. The water pump however can wait as far as I'm concerned. I haven't seen anyone here with any issues with that yet.

    I haven't either, Toyota water pumps last a very long time. The big question, can it make it to ~200K for your next timing belt change? The labor to replace the pump is the same as the belt. Again, doesn't matter to me which route you take, I am just bringing up things to consider.

    The reason I replaced both the water pump and timing belt was because the cost for those two items was $450. I had additional maintenance performed at the time, which raised the cost to around $750.

  5. It is a difficult decision. I had ours replaced at 93K (wife was getting ready to take a long trip) and I didn't want to take any chances, but that was way too early. The belt looked to be in good shape.

    I know you don't feel comfortable with an independent that specializes in Toyota, but how about the Toyota dealer? If your quote from Lexus is $1900, I am guessing the Toyota dealer will be about $1300/$1400 or so.

    As for the interval, RX is right, it could go much longer; I just wish the engine wasn't an interference design. Then, while it isn't fun, it just leaves you stranded. Our 4 cylinder Camry belt broke, I had it towed to the shop, belt replaced and was back on the road in a few hours.

    BTW, if this helps at all, a friend of mine is a Master Toyota Tech, who I trust implicitly. He recommends around 110K on both the timing belt and water pump.

    As usual, YMMV.

  6. I need help from this forum... I have a 04 RX330 with 90K miles. I am due for the 90K service, but after reading several posts, not sure if it is worth changing the timing belt until 120K miles. The dealer wants to do the standard 90K service but also telling me to have the spark plugs, water pump and seals replaced as well. I thought the plugs don't need changing until 120K (what should I look for if they need changing sooner). As for the water pump, it works fine now, so why spend the money for something that works?!? Anyway, any and all help in deciding to wait on the timing and/or spark plugs would be appreciated.

    The timing belt can *probably* wait until 105K, maybe to 120K; however, if it breaks before, it could damage the engine. The 3.3L V6 is an interference design. As for the plugs, they are good for at least 100K. You just save some labor cost if you have them done at the same time.

    The water pump is another one of those, can it make it to 200K for your next belt change? If it isn't replaced now and it fails at say, 150K, the engine could be damaged. So, you don't have to replace the water pump, it is just recommended because replacing the water pump is cheap insurance.

    Also, if you are going to the dealer, I would strongly recommend looking elsewhere. I use an independent that specializes in Toyota/Lexus and the cost was about $700 for the timing belt, water pump, Iridium spark plugs, coolant exchange and serpentine belt. My quote from Lexus was about $1600 for the same package.

  7. With Toyota moving towards lighter weight oils (i.e. 5W20), I would stay with 5W30 PP, but I only run Syntec in my A4, not our RX330. I think the only difference you might notice is a bit lower mpg. Either are excellent oils.

    My thought process: With Syntec 0W30's 100cst at 12.1 and PP's 100cst at 10.3, I would stay with PP. A 40 weight's oil is 12.5 at 100cst; A 30 weight's oil is 9.3 at 100cst. So, Syntec is almost a 40 weight oil and PP is low-to-mid 30 weight.

    Again, just my $.02, since I run PP in our RX. YMMV.

    Good point newton. Are you a BITOGER TOO/..... :D

    Sure enough, since Jan 03.

  8. With Toyota moving towards lighter weight oils (i.e. 5W20), I would stay with 5W30 PP, but I only run Syntec in my A4, not our RX330. I think the only difference you might notice is a bit lower mpg. Either are excellent oils.

    My thought process: With Syntec 0W30's 100cst at 12.1 and PP's 100cst at 10.3, I would stay with PP. A 40 weight's oil is 12.5 at 100cst; A 30 weight's oil is 9.3 at 100cst. So, Syntec is almost a 40 weight oil and PP is low-to-mid 30 weight.

    Again, just my $.02, since I run PP in our RX. YMMV.

  9. A good friend of mine is a master Toyota tech ... he recommends changing the belt at approx 105-110K on the 3.3L V6. I know others have recommended a longer interval, but I took my friends advice because it was relatively inexpensive (~$450 for belt/water pump) -- compared to a belt breaking. As usual, YMMV.

    Did your friend give you a deal on that? That is extremely reasonable.

    He lives in another state, otherwise he probably would have ... :-) But, this was an advertised special at a shop that specializes in Toyota/Lexus. The actual coupon was $189 for a timing belt replacement, however, if you add the water pump (and who wouldn't), it added about $250. Add in the serpentine belt and there you have it. Oh, and yes, they only use OEM parts ... I can't believe the dealer wanted $1200 .... wow.

  10. I have a 2005 RX330 and am wondering if the engine can be damaged by timing belt failure. I am reading conflicting statements on this site.

    Thanks

    ps. Also looking for an answer to my query regarding the entry point at the firewall for cabin air.

    What 1990 LS 400 said is true. The VVT-1 engines are interference engines. it is something that has been debated repeatedly on the Lexus forums. Because it is variable timing there may be times that you don't suffer damage because of a broken belt but don't ever count on that. Gates says the VVT-1's are interference, take it to the bank, rather than going to Las Vegas on this one. They are an extremely durable belt and extremely good parts (including bearings), but as 1990 said, belt breakage CAN happen because of other reasons.

    A good friend of mine is a master Toyota tech ... he recommends changing the belt at approx 105-110K on the 3.3L V6. I know others have recommended a longer interval, but I took my friends advice because it was relatively inexpensive (~$450 for belt/water pump) -- compared to a belt breaking. As usual, YMMV.

  11. 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.

  12. I got my car serviced the other day and asked the guy how much the new navigation DVD was and he said $300. I'm not paying that much for a DVD.

    I have a 2005 Lexus RX330 and wanted to know if anyone knows:

    • Which version DVD is the latest version for my car
    • Where i can download it from
    • How to install it

    Thank you in advance.

    Navigate to Sewell Lexus' website, they have an excellent price on the DVD ($199) and easy to follow instructions. The latest data version is 9.1 and you have a generation 4 system. There is always an option for eBay or CL, but I think the Sewell site is the way to go; YMMV.

  13. FYI, I spoke with a master Toyota tech, he confirmed the 3MZ-FE (VVTi) engine is interference.

    "As for your 3.3, yes, that is an interference engine and I wouldn't push it past the 100-110K mark, just because the expense would be high if it failed. Do a water pump at the same time, add fresh coolant afterwards (Toyota red/pink) and new drive belts, ie PS and alt/AC."

  14. RE: timing belt. If the vehicle gets hard use (taxi, police harsh conditions etc) 90k miles to replace is called for. BUT if you are a typical highway driver then it is inspect vice replace IMO. Second; the important issue here is knowing that this is a NON-interference engine (which it is) so if by chance it just dies and a quick inspection of the timing belt shows it is not moving when the starter is turning then replace it then. The engine won’t be damaged. It is a matter of odds.

    I thought the 3MZ-FE engine was an interference design, am I mistaken?

  15. What would you expect to pay at your toyota dealership for all 4 pads and rotors? Does 800 sound right? Thanks, Adrian

    I just paid $398 for Mountain rotors and OEM Toyota pads at a shop that specializes in Toyota's (on our 04 AWD RX330).

    Sorry, I misread the initial post, mine was $398 for the 'front' axle, the rears would have added at least another $300 more. Sorry about that.

  16. 114K on our 2004 RX330 .... continuous brake rotor warp problem, but other than that, great vehicle

    Continous?!? I am having to replace my Rotors now, because they are warped. This is the first time that i am having to do this. Your post sounds a little scary, what would cause this, or in your case, what would cause it to be "continous" is this a known issue on RXs.

    One cause of warped rotors is over tightening the wheel lugnuts.

    Yup, Discount Tire always uses a torque wrench they rotate the tires. They have it to set to 80lbs. When the pads were replaced (this last time), the tech said the calipers look great ... I am hoping it doesn't happen again, but we will see. I probably need to stay away from the mountains or drive my A4.

  17. The Alenzas on my wife's 2004 RX330 AWD are pushing 51,000 miles and still going strong. I run them at 36 to 37 psi year-round and rotate them myself at every oil & filter change that I do. While our set may not get the full 65,000 miles in the warranty, I won't be surprised if they reach the 60,000-mile mark. I checked the treadwear when they hit 50,000 miles and all four of them were right at 5/32....

    Be aware that the Alenza is the only Bridgestone SUV/truck tire worth having. All of the other Bridgestone Dueler tire models range from lousy to mediocre....

    I run 35psi in ours and rotate every 5K. For others that were interested, Bridgestone offers the treadlife mileage warranty replacement at 4/32.

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