Another Cambelt Thread

[BillNick]

Hi all,

I have been pricing up a cambelt change, sourcing parts at their cheapest etc but Im still in two minds whether to get it done or not.

My Car has done 80k and all though its last service with Lexus was 40k, it has had services at every 10k since inc a small service I have paid for recently at 80k.

Now I had the cover off the cambelt to inspect it as soon as I bought the car and found that the belt looked fairly new. No cracking or anything all teeth intact and it actually feels quite rubbery as a new belt would. I have also noticed that my water pump seems to be a lot shinier/cleaner than the rest of my block, indicating that it is fairly new.

Bearing in mind Cambelt is due at 60k I am wondering if the previous owner has had it done? Although I appreciate we cannot be 100% sure what our previous did or didnt have done to our motors, I wonder if there is anything I can test, or look for to determine the age of my water pump and cambelt?

Many thanks

Bill

[mattc]

Does it not say in the history of the car?

If you know when/where the 60K service was doen you could contact them to see what was carried out

These not really any tests that you can do, just visual check on the belt and if there is any noise from the water pump to indicate the bearing is going

[BillNick]

Does it not say in the history of the car?

If you know when/where the 60K service was doen you could contact them to see what was carried out

These not really any tests that you can do, just visual check on the belt and if there is any noise from the water pump to indicate the bearing is going

I might try the garages listed in my history, worth a shot I guess.

On initial inspection my belt was off centre on the pulley, could this indicate that the tensioner is failing? I straightened it up at the time, might get the cover off again and see if it has moved back.

What noise would the water pump make? I have a squeeking on tickover, but was advised that was my drive belts...would the water pump squeek?

[lexynik]

Im guessing there isnt a silver "cambelt changed at --,--- miles " sticker on your cambelt cover ?

also it could be worth checking through all your service history and reciepts that came with the car in minute detail

cambelt "running off" can be a sign of tensioner wear-some people do not change tensioners with belt to save money- i take it you have read the posts showing belts worn down to half their width due to tensioner wear

Waterpump can squeak but so can drive belts - you could spray something on the drive belts on tickover to see if it eliminates the squeak

[BillNick]

Im guessing there isnt a silver "cambelt changed at --,--- miles " sticker on your cambelt cover ?

also it could be worth checking through all your service history and reciepts that came with the car in minute detail

cambelt "running off" can be a sign of tensioner wear-some people do not change tensioners with belt to save money- i take it you have read the posts showing belts worn down to half their width due to tensioner wear

Waterpump can squeak but so can drive belts - you could spray something on the drive belts on tickover to see if it eliminates the squeak

I cant recall about the sticker...if there is one I have been extremely ignorant not to notice. Unfortunately i didnt get any receipts with my car, just the service book with stamps and hpi print out from the dealer.

Yes I have read up loads on cambelt changes....my belt is completely full size (no wear) and the inside of my cover was clean. As I said I shall check again see if it has moved over again since I straightened it up.

What can/should I spray on my belts to eliminate the squeak without lubing them up too much - dont want them to slip??

[lexynik]

id probably give it a small squirt of wd40 but i know its not good long term for rubber so i daresay someone could suggest a more suitable product-wd40 should be ok as long as you dont saturate the place-usually the quickest of squirts on a squeeky belt will shut it up at least temporarily

[BillNick]

id probably give it a small squirt of wd40 but i know its not good long term for rubber so i daresay someone could suggest a more suitable product-wd40 should be ok as long as you dont saturate the place-usually the quickest of squirts on a squeeky belt will shut it up at least temporarily

Ill give it a go....whether I do the cambelt or not the drive belts are overdue so long term affects arent a prob.

At least I can possible eliminate the water pump as the source of the squeek.

[scudney]

hello,why not write to the previous owner and ask him/her if it has(ask him to include bills if possible)?.I have owned 2 Is 200's, I had the cambelt and the other bits that go with it changed at 53,000 the first one, and on the second car had it changed 55,000 - it is recommended that they be changed every six years or 100,000 mls which ever comes first(too many people like taking the risk and going for the latter)sadly when it then snaps it costs a lot more to fit.Not too long ago was going to have a look at a Is 200 sport ltd edition with 75,000 mls on the clock but when i phoned up and asked if cambelt had been done,the dealer insisted it needed doing every 100,000 mls(knowing better I didnt bother contacting the dealer gain)

Simply put if you cannot ascertain if the belt has been done or not, you are better off having it done - always better to be safe rather than sorry/a stitch in time saved nine. cheers

john.

[BillNick]

I totally agree John. But if I can prove to myself somehow the car has had a new belt at the recommended 6yrs then it will be well worth the saving in cash, no?

You know what, writing to the previous owner is a pretty good call - im gonna try that before purchasing the parts.

Thanks all for your help

[BiggMike]

I would suggest getting it done. I changed mine myself and was pretty easy (did all other belts and gave it a good service at the same time)

I too took the top cover off and it looked fine (I had a cambelt go on another car and it cost £2000!) so I thought I'd replace it plus I like getting my hands dirty!

I was very lucky as when I changed it (remember it looked fine under the top cover) there was a 10cm section of the belt that had serious wear, like nearly a 1/3 the belt had gone! my car too was at 80,000.

And when I had my old car rebuilt they gave me all the bits that come out and the cambelt looked nearly new, could read all writing on the belt! so dont be fooled by looks, I cant see lexus replacing the belt at 40,000 its not due then and any garage that did a cambelt would make a note in the service book.

If you like working on cars there is a great guild here http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/index.php?showtopic=53085

[BillNick]

What is your location Mike? Could be some reddies in it for you ;-)

[scudney]

I totally agree John. But if I can prove to myself somehow the car has had a new belt at the recommended 6yrs then it will be well worth the saving in cash, no?

You know what, writing to the previous owner is a pretty good call - im gonna try that before purchasing the parts.

Thanks all for your help

well,if you can prove to yourself that it has been done thats okay.I have always kept the receipts,bills,mots,service history etc of every car i have owned and passed these on to next buyer so that they have an idea of what has or hasnt been done to the car(would recommend anyone reading this does the same)it helps in the long run.

[BillNick]

I have done this also....my Fiesta went away with a shoe box of receipts, 6 MOTs, a Haynes, small amount of spares you name it.

Unfortunately people aren't as thoughtful or enthusiastic as us.

I have kept EVERY receipt since I purchased my IS.....even wiper blades! lol

Im gonna get the belt done for sure. Seen a full kit (genuine) on eBay for £124......Genuine drive belts coming in at approx £32 for all 3, and a genuine water pump from Japparts just over £100. If I get all the parts one month, Ill book it into this independent Toyota specialist near me next month.

They have quoted labour + coolant renewal at £150 for all of the above. Seems quite good. £400 all in spread over two months and a professional job to.

Thanks all for your help on this thread