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1999 Lexus RX300

Question: Timing belt

Question

Visitor, 3.0L V6, Tracy, CA, April 04, 2011, 13:05

My car has 204K plus miles. I changed timing belt around 103K. Miles on car primarily highway. Do I need to change timing belt ONLY or should I buy a timing belt kit (belts, water pump, etc.)? Lastly, approx what will be labor charge?

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  • Answer #1

    Hal... (see my shops), April 04, 2011, 13:07
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     Master

    Buy the kit whenever possible, it has the new water pump, idler pulleys which start to make noise. It's better to replace everything related to or touching that belt since you're already in there. Labor is only another .75 hours to replace the pump and a couple of pulleys. Don't forget the other accessory belts. About $400 in labor is normal.

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    Visitor, April 04, 2011, 13:44

    What are the other accessory belts? By the way, is timing belt visible from the outside or does a mechanica have to remove a cover in order to inspect? Lastly, I'm hearing sound from a belt whenever the car is cold. It goes away when the car is warmed-up. I was told it could possibly be the Idler pulley, or bearings?

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    Hal..., April 04, 2011, 13:45
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     Master

    The belts you can see are the asst belts. The timing belt is under the plastic covers.

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