Both timing belts and timing chains serve the same purpose in your car’s engine. They connected the crankshaft and camshaft to make sure they turned at the exact same time. Your timing belt or chain helps the crankshaft move simultaneously as it rotates, enabling the pistons to rise and fall in the cylinders and the valves to open and close. If the timing belts were to fail in an interference engine, the pistons would collide with the cylinder valves and might potentially do significant harm to the engine.
It’s likely that your Lexus uses a timing chain rather than a timing belt if you drive one. Timing belts were commonly utilized in Lexus automobiles before 2005 or before 2006. Since then, almost all Lexus vehicles are equipped with a timing chain rather than a timing belt. Depending on the model, the changeover may have been done in a little later year, but in general, you can assume that any current Lexus is currently employing a timing chain.
In This Article...
Do Lexus automobiles have timing belts?
An important part of this is the timing belt on the Lexus. The timing belt is commonly ribbed or toothed and constructed of rubber or synthetic material. The camshaft, located in the upper half of the engine, and the crankshaft, located in the bottom half, are both connected by a Lexus timing belt.
How long does a timing chain on a Lexus last?
The timing chain should be changed between 80,000 and 120,000 miles, barring a specific defect. Chain issues are common in vehicles with higher mileage. Watch for indications that the timing chain is failing if you have an older or high-mileage vehicle. It’s crucial to be able to identify the symptoms and get the timing chain serviced before it completely fails since the timing chain may break and need to be replaced.
Is there a timing belt or chain on the Lexus RX 350?
The engine uses timing belts to maintain synchronization between the crankshaft and camshaft movements. Timing belts are constructed of heavy rubber that eventually deteriorates and needs to be replaced.
The 2013 Lexus RX 350, however, makes use of a timing gear. Timing gears are formed of thick metal and provide the same function as timing belts without needing to be replaced.
Follow the recommended maintenance schedule in the owner’s manual or consult a dependable mechanic to maintain your Lexus in top condition.
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How can I tell whether my car has a timing chain or belt?
The first step is to examine your engine to determine whether your car has a timing belt or a timing chain. If you see a tinplate or plastic cover on the side of your engine, you have a timing belt. Your engine has a timing chain if it lacks one of those.
There are a few instances where this rule isn’t true, but thankfully they are uncommon. For instance, a dry belt is concealed under the engine of the Peugeot Pure Tech. Consult your car’s owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website if you have questions about your vehicle that you can’t figure out by looking at the engine. Alternately, schedule a visit with WhoCanFixMyCar at your neighborhood mechanic.
How much does a Lexus timing chain replacement cost?
The Best in Auto Repair estimates labor expenses at $2,025 to $2,554 and parts costs at $394 to $401. Taxes and other fees are not included in this range, nor are your particular model year or geographic area taken into account.
How much does a Lexus timing belt replacement cost?
Belts don’t cost a much by themselves. Since many pieces must be removed in order to reach the belt, labor is where the true expense lies. Your best chance is to shop about and compare prices, but be prepared to pay anything between $409 and $919. (including parts and labor).
What signs or symptoms point to a timing chain failure?
symptoms of a defective timing chain
- When the engine is running or idles, there is a rattle. Unusual rattling noises when the engine is started or when the brakes are applied are a common sign that a timing chain in a car is damaged.
- Engine Misfire.
- Engine oil with contamination.
- Check Engine indicator.
- not being able to start the engine.
Is there a timing belt or chain on a 2009 Lexus RX 350?
Because the 2009 RX 350 has a timing chain, the timing chain itself doesn’t need to be maintained. Running a car past a suggested repair until something breaks is NOT a smart approach.
Timing chains: how long do they last?
When should a timing chain be changed? Unless there is a specific issue, the timing chain typically needs to be replaced between 80,000 and 120,000 miles. In automobiles with higher mileage, chain problems are frequent.
Which motors include timing chains?
Timing chains are being installed in more and more vehicles. The majority of Mercedes and BMW vehicles come with timing chains.
A non-exhaustive list of vehicles that can have timing chains installed is provided below:
- Skyactiv-G engine in Mazda
- Every Cadillac
- many BMWs
- a lot of Mercedes
- Every SAAB has a turbocharged engine.
- 159 Alfa Romeo
- Jazz Honda
- Corvette by Chevrolet
- Duster, Sandero, and Sandero Stepway from Dacia
You may physically inspect your car’s timing belt or chain by removing a cover at the end of the engine, consulting your owner’s manual, or asking your mechanic. The timing chain is easily identified by its metal links when the cover is removed with the proper tool, whereas the belt is comprised of rubber and is considerably more flexible.
Ask your mechanic: “How do I tell whether my automobile has a timing belt or chain? if you are still unclear.
You won’t typically need to replace your car’s timing chain. Poor lubrication is likely to have ruined a chain that has to be replaced.
If the timing chain is determined to be damaged, it’s critical that you hire a reputable expert to handle the repair. In extreme cases, the mechanic will even need to completely remove the engine to get to the timing chain. If the timing chain breaks, it may harm other engine components like the valves, making the repair more involved and pricey.
How much does a timing chain replacement cost?
Being proactive is a good thing because an engine that has a broken timing chain could suffer significant damage.
Timing chain replacement might cost between $600 and $800 to do it yourself or $1,600 to $1,800 to have a technician do it. Due to how difficult it is to replace this element, the price is exorbitant.
The parts for a DIY timing chain replacement will run you about $650. But this is a job that’s best left to mechanics with a lot of experience.
Fortunately, timing chains are built to endure the lifespan of the vehicle, unlike rubber timing belts, thus it is rare that you will need to have it changed. Watch out for these signs if you think your timing chain may be broken:
- Noisy timing chain
- While idling, the engine shakes or vibrates
- Engine has poor performance or is misfiring
- The check engine light is on.
- Starting the car is challenging.
Bring your car to a repair as soon as you can if any of these symptoms persist. Quickly addressing the problem will stop further harm to your car.
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What occurs if a timing chain malfunctions while you’re driving?
An engine with a broken timing chain will either not start or fail while being driven. The engine won’t start if the belt is already broken since there won’t be adequate compression. The pistons will sustain damage by coming into touch with the valves if it breaks or leaps while being driven. The actual valves will bend, possibly ruining the engine.
How can timing chain failure be avoided?
- Check your timing chain cover for leaks frequently.
- Make that the engine oil is not running low.
- Avoid letting the engine get too hot; if it does, don’t drive.
Can I drive on a bad timing chain?
The timing chain expands over time, as was already mentioned. Even though you can still drive with an old timing chain, we advise replacing it as soon as you observe stretch or other signs of failure.
A faulty chain can jump many teeth or entirely break if you drive on it for an extended period of time and it continues to strain, which can seriously harm your engine’s internal components.
What noise does a timing chain that is worn make?
A rattling sound can be heard. When your automobile is idle, a loose timing chain or, worse, a broken timing chain with loose bits inside the engine, may rattle. Typically, this rattling noise is most audible as the engine heats up and gradually goes away.