Engine Belt

[lexlex2]

Noticed that when I started engine wound window down there was a slight noise. Deliberately wanted to check any noise cos inside very nice and quiet. So decided to check. It seems that the drive belt has small tiny cracks in it. So this is the cause of the noise. If so is this a DIY job or does it require any specialist tools or access. Can clearly simply cut the existing one off and remove. But the small cracks are quite noticable both on the inner side and outer surface. But how to fit new one. Thanks in advance. Clearly this is also a service item but feel if I can manage to do it myself save costs.

[chips229]

Hi,

If the mk2 is anything like the mk1 then the main problem will be getting the bottom pulley off to change the belt,i got the garage to change my belt cost about £130 for the labour.

Good luck if you do the job yourself.

[lexlex2]

Right. Sounds excessive on the costs. But clearly not a DIY job for myself.

Found a related link below posted by ColinBarber.

http://www.mkiv.com/manual/manualtt/drive_...tion/index.html

[LAURIE MILLS]

Noticed that when I started engine wound window down there was a slight noise. Deliberately wanted to check any noise cos inside very nice and quiet. So decided to check. It seems that the drive belt has small tiny cracks in it. So this is the cause of the noise. If so is this a DIY job or does it require any specialist tools or access. Can clearly simply cut the existing one off and remove. But the small cracks are quite noticable both on the inner side and outer surface. But how to fit new one. Thanks in advance. Clearly this is also a service item but feel if I can manage to do it myself save costs.

←

Hi,

If you can see the belt it it the drive belt rather than the timing belt, which is the one which Chips is referring to. The drive belt should be straightforward enough to DIY, the timing belt is not recommended unless a you are a very experienced DIY'er, and ideally have access to a hoist, as, as Chips rightly says, the bottom bolt is excessively tight. Had my timing belt (a 60k change item) done for £80 labour from small independant garage near Glossop. The belt and tensioner was around £60 from local factors, but some posts suggest that Lexus is the best source for this item.

BTW the drive belt failing is a pain, but the timing belt failing is a catastrophe, and will cost £££££ to sort. Chances are if the drive belt is badly worn the timing belt may be too, but to check it you need to take the silver cam cover off.

Good luck

Laurie

[lexlex2]

Hi, Not sure myself now which belt Chips is referring to. But I like you am very clear on that its the drive belt and not the cam(timing) belt. The timing belt is a different job altogether. Thats why I wanted to know it the drive belt which is visible is a DIY job. Even so is it easy to stretch, access and fit and does not require any pulleys to be removed or refitted or undone.

[chips229]

i should have written it clearer,i was meaning the Cam Timing belt,the one you cant see :)

[lexlex2]

OK. I reckon you got a good deal with the Cambelt job. Usually its approx £250 Job from my enquiries. Still anyone changed the drive belt themselves please feel free to write a few words.

[88b]

I just bought a cam belt for my Mk1 even though it has only done 16 k they should be changed every five years. Genuine Lexus belt was £25.04 a Gates belt was £23 from the local shop.

Acording to the Auto data book they don't always bend valves, it say fit new belt and check compression.

[Clive_W]

I've just had mine done, with a lot of other work, wasn't cheap. Is it normal practice to change the tensioner as well as this jacked the price up considerably.

[preeder1963]

Good thread, even if its not a DIY job, the fact that someone has been quoted £80 is incredible.

Lexus quoted me £800 and then some if you're lucky, etc etc.

cheers

Paul

[Clive W]

Has anyone tried one of these specialist cambelt replacement companies (for example there is one called Cambelt King around my area of Essex) and how does their price and quality of service compare?

[chips229]

Has anyone tried one of these specialist cambelt replacement companies (for example there is one called Cambelt King around my area of Essex) and how does their price and quality of service compare?

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The main worry with garages,is that they really do do the belt change :)

I think its best to go with a garage that someone recommends and you can trust to do the work and do it right ;)

[lexlex2]

Well I'd just like to add (regardless of the confusion on this topic I started on Drive/Fan fan belt (serpintine belt - lexus). I had my drive belt changed. As one of the links in the topic indicates cracks on the inside are acceptable. But the change itself is straightforward and requires one of the pulleys to be released and then readjusted. The new drive belt has also eliminated any unwanted engine noise. Much quieter now.