Lexus Repair: Drive Belt Replacement, lexus ls400, timing belt

Question
Dear Zak,
I have a 1994 Lexus LS400. A repair shop told me I must replace the drive belt. How do I check to see if it really needs to be replaced, or the shop just wanted to make more money off me? They quoted $200 for replacement. Is do-it-yourself replacement of the belt on this car simple? I am mechanically inclined. Where can I get instruction on how to do it myself?
Thank you for your help.
Hugh


Answer
Hello Hugh, The drive belt is located at the front of the engine, what you want to look for is cracking where the grooves are. We charge $155 to replace this, $80 labor and $75 for the belt. It should be replaced along with the timing belt every 60k miles.