Lexus Repair: LS 400 timing belt, timing belt tensioner, pressing my luck

Question
Brandon, I have a 1995 LS400 with 99k miles. The timing belt has not been changed. Am I pressing my luck? I want to change it at 100k around the holidays when I have time off work. I plan on changing it myself. Also, is it imperative that I change the idler and tensioner pulleys? Water pump and cam/crank seals too, or am I wasting my money? Thanks, Jim

Answer
Depends on the schedule. Originally it was 60,000 miles, replace the water pump every other change. The current schedule is 90,000 miles & replace the water pump at the same time.
I obviously can't say it's safe. You'll have to draw your own conclusion. I will say, there have been alot of people run 100-110-120,000 miles before changing them without problems.


I always recommend changing the water pump. It's the reason you never see a Toyota/Lexus(scion) have a failed water pump. When you follow the factory schedule, they're changed out before the fins can corrode off, or the seals generally deterior enough to leak.
The cam & crank seals are a maintenanace item. It's a great idea to change them at this point.


The idler pulleys are generally a "change when they're a problem/become loud", or change them around 180,000-250,000 miles just to change them. Along with the timing belt tensioner.