timing belt replacement near Sevenoaks Kent needed

lance latter · February 16, 2023

Hi can anyone recommend someone to replace timing belts and water pump near to us at Sevenoaks, Kent.

The car is 2 owner 76000 miles with full Lexus dealer service history but belts were done at 45000 miles 8 years ago.

Tried Lexus Tonbridge did not want to do it and have phoned Lexus interdependent Wrotham but no answer to phone.

Any suggestions please

Lance

Malc1 · February 16, 2023

will you be having the pulleys checked over too AND the waterpump changed whilst they're in there . it's possibly an all day job if it's the same as the Ls400 of that period

Try the Toyota Main Dealer if there is one ?

gc0700 · February 16, 2023

I used Westfield Motors Ltd in Rayleigh, Essex (which I guess is about an hour from you), for my belts, pump, pulleys etc

Lexiguy · February 17, 2023

Hi Lance

I find it so hard to believe that a Lexus Dealership would decline to do a cambelt change on an SC430, certainly Lexus Leeds the dealer I use would have no hesitation in accepting the job unless there are aware of concerns with your individual vehicle.

Malc is right that inspecting or replacing the pulleys and the replacement of the waterpump while doing this job is a 'no brainer'.

In my opinion, nothing gives me the confidence like work carried out by a Lexus Dealer but that does come at a hefty cost!

For me second best would be an independent Lexus or Toyota mechanical workshop or a personal recommendation.

As you are aware the SC430 engine is not safe and the repercussions of a belt failure could be catastrophic and costly. I would certainly look for someone to do the job who you feel is competent and someone who would not shirk their responsibility if you incur problems.

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

Anthony

Ken Timbers · February 21, 2023

I keep seeing comments about the importance of getting this work done, but I haven't seen a recent quotation for the work. I'd like to know roughly what the bill would be if anyone has the information?

Malc1 · February 21, 2023

Ken hi, as you appreciate It's 10 years and / or 100k miles so there's not going to be many can give you an uptodate cost . it used to be an all day job and the cost of the belt and any pulleys needed and the waterpump of course

My last time on my Ls400 was about 40k miles ago and quite some years ......... and my indy's labour charge then was about £40 an hour . so I'm thinking it cost me about 400 squid back then

BUT it's about an all day job ....... whatever

Malc

Neil E · February 21, 2023

5 hours ago, Ken Timbers said:

I keep seeing comments about the importance of getting this work done, but I haven't seen a recent quotation for the work. I'd like to know roughly what the bill would be if anyone has the information?

Hi Ken, I think it cost me about £650 last time. 2-3 years ago. Lexus supplied parts, cam-belt, pulley x 2, water pump, tensioner, sundries - trusted South Coast garage (he's an expert) if it goes smoothly with no issues, a master tech would probably do it in 4-5 hours.

@Malc, that sounds about right if I recall my Soarer days correctly, I think the 1UZ in the LS takes a little longer than the 3UZ in the SC430.

The-Acre · February 22, 2023

20 hours ago, Neil E said:

Hi Ken, I think it cost me about £650 last time. 2-3 years ago. Lexus supplied parts, cam-belt, pulley x 2, water pump, tensioner, sundries - trusted South Coast garage (he's an expert) if it goes smoothly with no issues, a master tech would probably do it in 4-5 hours.

@Malc, that sounds about right if I recall my Soarer days correctly, I think the 1UZ in the LS takes a little longer than the 3UZ in the SC430.

I pm'd Lance with the info on the above mentioned South Coast garage some days ago as just like you I've used them for two Lexus cambelts. I suggested a day by the coast while the work is done but I didn't get a reply.

Neil E · February 22, 2023

1 hour ago, The-Acre said:

I pm'd Lance with the info on the above mentioned South Coast garage some days ago as just like you I've used them for two Lexus cambelts. I suggested a day by the coast while the work is done but I didn't get a reply.

Hi Phil, there's no better recommendation than from a Grand Master, how are you?

I thought it might be a bit too far to 'Sussex by the Sea' and there's the Kent/Sussex border crossing permit to consider too but it would be worth the trip to have John do the work. I'm sure Lexus Guildford or Gatwick would do it too.

fourbanks · February 22, 2023

A day job at Gatwick Lexus is around £1000 and ask for Tim. i have only met him once, but he has vast experience and came across as genuine.

The dealer overall is not great, so take care. As i say Tim is excellent so would only choose him to do any type of work and if not walk away

Bob King · February 22, 2023

Two options spring to mind around my way….Toyota/Lexus specialist https://www.tech-one.co.uk/
or Lexus Sidcup👍🏻

Las Palmas · February 23, 2023

On 2/21/2023 at 5:09 PM, Malc1 said:

Ken hi, as you appreciate It's 10 years and / or 100k miles so there's not going to be many can give you an uptodate cost . it used to be an all day job and the cost of the belt and any pulleys needed and the waterpump of course

My last time on my Ls400 was about 40k miles ago and quite some years ......... and my indy's labour charge then was about £40 an hour . so I'm thinking it cost me about 400 squid back then

BUT it's about an all day job ....... whatever

Malc

One interesting thing is the 10 years. All cars or most have some kind of year mentioned next to the km.

That is strange, as if you go to stock and take a new belt, I have never seen a timing belt where production date was mentioned on. Reason for that is obvious as nobody would buy stock and risk not selling when the belts have been made the mentioned number of years ago.

Some think it is just a way to get customers to pay. If a belt has been laying in stock half of the time it is supposed to last it should then be replaced sooner if the number of years have any meaning. Rubber gets old when exposed to UV, which is rare inside an engine and of course it gets worn out while being used. That then means that what?

I do not tell or recommend anybody to not change timing belt, but just tell what I have heard while still working in car business.

Malc1 · February 23, 2023

I was reading long way back from somewhere that the early Ls400, life of a cambelt . before self destruct . is @ 150k miles

Malc

The-Acre · February 23, 2023

21 hours ago, Neil E said:

Hi Phil, there's no better recommendation than from a Grand Master, how are you?

I thought it might be a bit too far to 'Sussex by the Sea' and there's the Kent/Sussex border crossing permit to consider too but it would be worth the trip to have John do the work. I'm sure Lexus Guildford or Gatwick would do it too.

Hi Neil,

I'm fine and dandy thanks. Although I'm a Volvo owner now I still go to John, as I did for a cambelt recently. Personally, I would travel even if he wasn't local, I trust him completely. A catch up sometime is in order maybe?

Spock66 · February 23, 2023

1 hour ago, Malc1 said:

I was reading long way back from somewhere that the early Ls400, life of a cambelt . before self destruct . is @ 150k miles

That may be true, but the problem is that it's just the statistical mean, there will be outliers that fail at 100k and some that last until 200k.

loafer · February 25, 2023

I had mine (SC430) done last year by Toyotec in Salfords near Redhill/ Gatwick. Independent Toyota/Lexus specialists seen several SC430s being sorted there over the years. Genuine Lexus parts used and bill was about £850 if I remember correctly. Have taken my car to them for service and MOT every year since I bought it. No complaints

Localhero · March 24, 2023

I am just wondering, your car has Lexus service history timing belt etc assumedly by main dealer who recommend changing at 100k miles you have done 31 k miles albeit 8 yrs ago does it really need doing? Mine was done at 64k,15 Yr old car and no signs of wear or deterioration Stew

mmac64 · May 19, 2023

On 2/22/2023 at 7:29 PM, The-Acre said:

I pm'd Lance with the info on the above mentioned South Coast garage some days ago as just like you I've used them for two Lexus cambelts. I suggested a day by the coast while the work is done but I didn't get a reply.

Hi,what are the details for the South Coast garage please.
Thanks.
Mark.