LS400 Cambelt - mechanic competency

[J4ck100]

Hi All,

I'm nearing my LS400's (1999) 2nd cambelt change (will be first in my ownership).

My question is, would you say that an average independent garage/mechanic would be able to change it without hassle?

I know its supposedly quite a job. Would you also replace the water pump and pulleys? Anyone have a good link to the parts?

 

Thanks

jack

[Malc]

had mine done by my indy mechanic last year at 205k miles ( after 100k miles and 11 years ...  the old belt looked in very good condition too as did the waterpump )........  certainly an all day job

cambelt, check all pulleys and replace the waterpump too

serpentine belt and coolant too at the same time

I did of course leave my guy to get all the appropriate parts 

A good competent mechanic should be able to do the job but it would be better to have someone do it who's done one before I guess .......  and trusted

My guy's in Margate and looked after my Ls400s ( my 3rd now ) for 12 years and very succesfully too ......  and my other cars too

Malc

[The-Acre]

2 hours ago, J4ck100 said:

Hi All,

I'm nearing my LS400's (1999) 2nd cambelt change (will be first in my ownership).

My question is, would you say that an average independent garage/mechanic would be able to change it without hassle?

I know its supposedly quite a job. Would you also replace the water pump and pulleys? Anyone have a good link to the parts?

 

Thanks

Jack

I agree with Malc, it's best done by someone who has done it before.  I've recently bought a Gates kit for mine, belt, idler, tensioner and water pump for £180.  I'm having mine done on the 12th by someone who has done them before (and for some reason enjoys doing them) all for £150 labour.  Not doing the pump is false economy as a failed pump can take out the belt, and the engine with it.  eBay seller called carpartsinmotion, delivered within 18 hours!

[GEN]

1998 Ls400 at +228000 mls have done two changes:

1st time, after purchase at 80000 mls and not knowing what went before (I suspect nothing) I did the timing belt, water pump and associated bits.  Second time, after 60000 mls just the timing belt. This is not only a big massive job (time, effort and money) but one that, get it wrong, can cause a catastrophic failure so I never had any doubts:  job was done on both occasions by a main Lexus dealer.  It no doubt cost more but I never had a related problem and I didn't even think about it.  My experience was that my Lexus dealer not only got it right but the one time they got it wrong in a minor way they fixed at their cost with no argument.  

I must also tell you that my independent mechanic who looked after all my German cars when I told him I was buying a Lexus told me that he was not touching that car!

It is your car, your money and so your decision.  Good luck and enjoy the wonderful LS400! 

 

[skyway]

I'm not a mechanic just someone who has worked on his own car from time to time and having never done a cam belt in any car before I did mine over the course of a day not even having the right tools lol.

I found a video on youtube showing how I just followed it.

[Razor61]

7 hours ago, GEN said:

job was done on both occasions by a main Lexus dealer.  It no doubt cost more

I believe the cost at a Lexus main dealer is £400 for the cambelt and £500 for cambelt and water pump.

[GEN]

It's been at least three years since I had the timing belt done (at Lexus) and if memory serves it was more like £600.

By the way congratulations to skyway for doing the job himself!  

[Cotswold Pete]

11 hours ago, skyway said:

I'm not a mechanic just someone who has worked on his own car from time to time and having never done a cam belt in any car before I did mine over the course of a day not even having the right tools lol.

I found a video on youtube showing how I just followed it.

Well I take my hat off to you for giving it a go, not sure I would be so brave.

[ROYT]

I have done this job myself and it is a long job.[93/4 Ls 400]

Bag up bolts etc and mark where from, don't try and rush it.

I suggest replacing the timing belt tensioner as well.

 

 

 

 

Edited June 3, 2020 by ROYT
different engine

[The-Acre]

4 hours ago, Greer said:

Grove garage Brighton is a top Lexus/Toyota specialist >including< cambelt change on the LS400's, I agree have the waterpump all the pulleys  & serpantine belt done at same time. Grove were well known & used by members here at one time, as LS400's disappear so have they

Grove garage are still going, they moved premises some time ago, and although they still are a Powerflow exhaust specialist, I notice they no longer say Toyota/Lexus specialist so maybe they've changed hands.

[Malc]

jack, hi again

is all this info of use to you now ?

Malc

[Scribe]

Grove Garage in Brighton are still in business, and working again after lockdown.  Call Leigh on 01273 508606.  I've been using them for ten years - since I got my LS400.

[The-Acre]

17 minutes ago, Scribe said:

Grove Garage in Brighton are still in business, and working again after lockdown.  Call Leigh on 01273 508606.  I've been using them for ten years - since I got my LS400.

Hi there stranger!  How are things?  I assumed that as the website no longer mentions Lexus specialist that Leigh had moved on, good news then!

[Howplum]

When I had my LS400 tested yesterday I asked the garage owner, whom I've known for many years, if he would quote for changing the cambelt, but he declined because it took too long. However, he did kindly offer to come and help me, provided I did most of the dismantling and reassembly.

I suppose this proves it is best to use a garage that's done the job before.

[m4rkw]

On 6/2/2020 at 10:04 PM, GEN said:

1998 Ls400 at +228000 mls have done two changes:

This made me chuckle, I'd love to see one with negative mileage

[Scribe]

(Hi Phil!).  Grove Garage in Brighton are still Toyota/Lexus specialists, and Leigh the owner rates Japanese cars more highly than German ones (including prestige brands).  But they work on all types of cars.  Leigh changed the cambelt on my LS400 a few years ago.

[Mikaelse]

Hi All. I have done cambelt , idelrs, pump etc twice as DIY on my LS400.  The  AISIN kit with tensioner.  On One 1995 and one 1998.  It is not very difficult  but a lot to do.  IF you are an expererienced mechanic well equipped and you read the manual AND have done it at least once it should be fine.  I would no let a mechanic that as not done it before do it. Some risk for misstakes and breaking old connector etc.  I have heard horror stories of people taking off the AC-compressor , etc.  You should definitely change the serpentine idler bearings at same time. Mine had very dry grease and sounded so so. Not far left on those. Can be fixed for 20$ in parts. 

 

 

  

[skyway]

 

[J4ck100]

So i have just received a quote from Lexus in Twickenham for replacement of Timing Belt, Water pump and Tensioners.

Any guesses? Feel like a sweepstake (hint: not pretty)

[ambermarine]

£850

[Herbie]

On 6/2/2020 at 10:04 PM, GEN said:

My experience was that my Lexus dealer not only got it right but the one time they got it wrong in a minor way they fixed at their cost with no argument.  

All reputable garages work that way, it's part of the reason why they are reputable and why people recommend them.

48 minutes ago, J4ck100 said:

So i have just received a quote from Lexus in Twickenham for replacement of Timing Belt, Water pump and Tensioners.

Any guesses? Feel like a sweepstake (hint: not pretty)

A recent topic on here saw mention of labour charges being about £130+VAT per hour so I know it'll be high.

However, cambelts and associated works are bread and butter jobs that any mechanic worth his salt should be able to do without problem. As long as a garage has a good reputation and is recommended by word-of-mouth previous customers, there is absolutely no need to use a main dealer and pay extortionate rates - especially when little indy garages will be suffering due to the virus crisis.

[royoftherovers]

1 hour ago, J4ck100 said:

So i have just received a quote from Lexus in Twickenham for replacement of Timing Belt, Water pump and Tensioners.

Any guesses? Feel like a sweepstake (hint: not pretty)

£1000

[J4ck100]

Good afternoon jack, 

Thank you very much for your email. 

Please note we would advise to replace the water pump and tensioners in replacing the timing belt as if the water pump fails in the near future you would have to do those again. 

The total cost for this work is £1523.40 Incl vat. 

We could arrange an appointment for later on this week and would need the vehicle for at least a day.

[m4rkw]

I would highly recommend:

A) Not going to the main dealer

B) Give Russell Birch of Toyotec in Redhill a call - probably a lot cheaper and just as good if not better quality work

[J4ck100]

13 minutes ago, m4rkw said:

I would highly recommend:

A) Not going to the main dealer

B) Give Russell Birch of Toyotec in Redhill a call - probably a lot cheaper and just as good if not better quality work

No need to worry - was more curious than anything else. Still I think that even for the well-heeled residents of twickenham, richmond and surrounding areas that quote is taking the biscuit.