Symptoms
The mileage says 90k, 180k or 270k with no proof the belt was done, or there's a weeping water pump or a rough idler bearing.
The fix, step by step
- Drain the coolant, protect the radiator with cardboard and remove the fan, shroud and belts.
- Hold the crank and break the crank-pulley bolt loose with a long breaker bar, then pull the pulley.
- Remove the timing covers, set the timing marks and replace the belt, both idlers, the tensioner, the water pump and the thermostat.
- Cam and crank seals and radiator hoses are cheap to add.
- Reassemble, refill and bleed the cooling system.
- IH8MUD's 90k parts list gives the timing belt as 13568-09070 (check for supersessions).
Tools & part numbers
- ¾-in breaker bar
- crank-pulley holder and puller
- seal puller
- thread locker
- FIPG
- drain pan
- FSM
Where to buy the parts
Timing belt kit with tensioner, UZJ100/LX470 (BELTTKT021)CruiserTeq ↗Amazon ↗
Water pump, UZJ100 1998–2007 (EGW59275)CruiserTeq ↗Amazon ↗
Camshaft oil seal, UZJ100/LX470Cruiser Corps ↗Amazon ↗
Thermostat, 80/100 SeriesCruiser Corps ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Lexus LX 470 parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.