Scott1258

My 2000 RX has 124,000 miles and I haven't changed the timing belt yet. It's running great. Anyone know how many miles it can go before it actually breaks? I'm wondering if I could make it to 150,000 and then change it. Thanks all!

Lexmex

I have heard from many 150,000 miles is the max you would want to go, though generally at 90K advisable to change that and the water pump since it is easier to get to durin belt chaning operations.

DaveJ

I replaced my RX300's timing belt at almost 90K miles. The major damage that could occur with a broken belt isn't worth the risk. I also had my water pump replaced at the same time. The cost of the water pump is very small once the mechanics can get to it.

jcg

If your timimg belt breaks on your RX it will cause NO other damage. But, you will have to get it towed. The RX engine is a NON INTERFERENCE type engine and will Not distruct when the belt breaks. You will just lose your mobility.

For a listing of interference/noninterference engines go to the following.

www.ourautoshop.com
Click on OUR SERVICES
Scroll down part way and click on TIMING BELT CHART

Engines listed without an * are noninterference.

Hope this gives you peace of mind.

DaveJ

According to the information at www.gates.com, all 1999-2003 RX300 engines are of the Interference type, as well as the 2004 RX330. Here's the link to their product brochure which lists the cars, engines, and if there of the interference type, which is denoted by a *.
http://www.gates.com/downloads/downl...older=brochure
The link also gives a good basic description of the differences between interference and non-interference engine designs.

Scott1258

So which is it - interference or non interference?

SilverSprt

I'd wouldn't take it past 150K. It's lasted long enough and I'd change it now rather than be sorry later.

DaveJ

If you want to double check Gates, just call a Lexus dealer and speak to a service rep. and let us know what they tell you. But either way, you're way past due for changing the belt. I once owned a car where the timing belt broke in the dead of winter and had to have it towed for 40 miles to have it repaired. The car had less than 80K miles on it. Fortunately it was a non-interference engine.

TunedRX300

Gates web site used to list RX300 as non-interfering engine. I would not trust it 100% since Gates lists ES300 as non-interfering but Camry V6, Solara, RX as interfering even though Toytoa uses 1mzfe engine for all of them.
Also timing belts worn out by age and temperature extremes more than by mileage, car makers list mileage because it is easy to do so. 90K is not the average, more like 99% confidence interval that RX will have a WORKING timing belt at 90K. If you don't believe me, as a Toyota technician whether he has seen a broken timing belt at 90K or do a search on Club Lexus and see if you can find one case of broken timing belts prior to 90K.

Lexmex

Non-interference.

mikey00

I just got an e-mail from Gates confirming their error in the new timing belt replacement guide.
It is definetly non-interference.

DaveJ

Thanks mikey00 for tracking down the matter with Gates and posting their response.

TunedRX300

Thanks for verifying.

hustle

40k had it since 2002

skippy911

My car has 76k miles and still going strong. Is it hard to change a timing belt?