Oem Alternatives For Cam Belt Kit

[IanA2]

I've been humming and ha'ing about trading up a little. Changing my 2000 GS430 for something a little

newer, maybe a 2005/6 model.

However I've decided to keep mine as it's excellent. So to be safe I'm having the belt, pump and tranny oil done soon. I've been looking around for parts and it seems there's a range of kits (and a range of prices!) available on eBay and elsewhere.

After a bit of searching it seems that AISIN is pretty much OEM and can be got reasonably from the US.

Are there any other makers that produce decent pattern parts or should I stick with AISIN?

All help/advice appreciated.

[scudney]

Hi you can also try blue print

[IanA2]

Thanks for that. Would you say there were pretty near OEM? Just checked the prices and they don't seem so far away from AISIN imported from the US.

I'm guessing I should have the other belts changed at the same time. That make sense?

[Mars]

Gates?

[steve2006]

I'll second Gates for the belts.

[IanA2]

Mini update: I posted this elsewhere in the forum but no response, maybe the SC sorts won't talk to GS sorts :)

There's a lot of conflicting info given about change intervals on this thread. My situation is that I have a 2000 GS430 with 150K on the clock and had it's belt changed at 98K 8 years ago. I do not know if the water pump was changed at the same time.

I've been keeping my eye open for a wee bit newer 430, maybe a 2006, but haven't found one reasonably nearby. I've decided to keep mine and intend to get a few bits and pieces done to make sure I can get another 50K miles out of her.

So I intend to have the pump and belt changed shortly. My question is, am I mad, or just being sensible and cautious.

All opinions welcomed.

[IanA2]

Nobody got any observations/comments....?

[C Mclean]

I reckon I would go ahead and change them just to be on the safe side. Just think of the extra cost if something went twang !!

[IanA2]

Aye, that's pretty much my thinking, it's a great car in great condition; so my feeling is that going ahead with the changes is just a bit of early insurance. As you say, if it did go twang, it would be a major failure and would be beyond economic repair.

I know from my searches there are not too many of these cars around.

[dave1]

Mine has done 71k miles and I had the cambelt changed at 10 years old. Did not do waterpump / tensioner as Lexus Lincoln said not needed unless found faulty. Personal choice since labour to replace them at same time would be minimal but you might then get a pump which fails after 2yrs/20k miles. Most water pumps will give warning if they are worn. Similar advice from Hull and Coventry at that time.

[IanA2]

I can understand that, but in my case I do not no if the pump has ever been changed, and as you say, the cost is minimal whilst the other work is being done.

[dave1]

Is there any record of it in the service history? If not your Lexus dealer might be able to tell you. As far as I can ascertain my GS430 hasn't had pump or tensioners changed. Lexus dealers have said they would normally only change them if showing signs of wear.

[steve2006]

Lexus quotes are generally just for the belt change, no tensioner,idler or WP. Problem is there have been many a belt failure due to these parts so with the engine already stripped down it seems false economy not to do the whole lot at the same time. Never seen a report where Lexus have replaced just a belt and then had major engine problems soon after.

[IanA2]

Is there any record of it in the service history? If not your Lexus dealer might be able to tell you. As far as I can ascertain my GS430 hasn't had pump or tensioners changed. Lexus dealers have said they would normally only change them if showing signs of wear.

The car hasn't seen a main dealer for years, the previous owner & I have both been using specialists, so good idea, but not possible.

[IanA2]

Lexus quotes are generally just for the belt change, no tensioner,idler or WP. Problem is there have been many a belt failure due to these parts so with the engine already stripped down it seems false economy not to do the whole lot at the same time. Never seen a report where Lexus have replaced just a belt and then had major engine problems soon after.

Yes, I think the false economy argument is holding sway. Given it's eight years and 50K since the last belt change and the marginal increase to replace the pump (which may well be the original) I think to err on the side of caution is the way to go.

As a matter of interest, I understand timing belts give no prior indication of failure, do water pumps?

[dave1]

Often hear them squealing on some cars, presumably bearings or belt slipping if pump isn't turning correctly. I would have thought that the engine temp would rise too. Not sure if that is always the case.