Replacing The Timing Belt And Water Pump On A 2002-2009 Lexus Gx470 (step-by-step)

Website

Stay connected at:

Disclaimer
Owing to factors beyond the control of How to Automotive/Brian Eslick, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modification of this information, or improper use of this information. How to Automotive/Brian Eslick assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any information contained in this video. How to Automotive/Brian Eslick recommends safe practice when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jacks and jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemical lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Because of factors beyond the control of How to Automotive/Brian Eslick, no information contained in this video shall express or imply warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not How to Automotive/Brian Eslick. #howtoautomotive #TimingBelt

[HowtoAutomotive]

links for parts and tools are in the description

[whiteandnerdy]

just bought a GX470. 3yrs later and this video is still helping people out. Thanks a ton!

[Longtrailside]

That was a heck of a job to make a video on. I can appreciate the work that you put into this video.

[jamessherwood]

Thank you for this! I just followed this exactly and the job went great. Only think that might be important for someone to know is the VVTI versions of this motor you want to rotate passed TDC so the cams don’t roll back. Mine is an 06 and that was what I did. Lined up at TDC and then rolled passed to the “T” mark. Cams stayed right where I needed and everything went smoothly. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this!

[boogityboo]

Thanks for this video! I wouldn't have been able to ever do my own timing belt without your help. While I was in there I also replaced the power steering pump, alternator, belt, idler pully, new radiator, and all the other stuff. Still ended up being way cheaper than just having a dealership change only my timing belt

[RomanParsons-ro]

Thanks for posting this video just completed timing belt kit on 2004 gx470 everything went smoothly it took all day but saved a bunch of money Thanks again

[hispanosaurusrex]

I don't even own a Lexus gx and I watched this. 💪

[casey]

Thank you very much for this video... You just saved me a ton of time and money. Because you showed me all the tools and steps, I was able to do this whole job on a Saturday. 2007 GX470, worked like a charm. I really appreciate it!

[hap]

Thank you for the excellent thorough detailed video and for providing CONFIRMATION that I do not want take on this project! 😂

[jamesschwartz]

Yesterday, I went through this video as I replaced my timing belt and water pump. Great video and very helpful! I am the third owner of a 2009 GX470 which now has 192, 000 miles on it. I bought it with 143, 000 miles and there was a timing belt sticker stating a Gates timing belt was replaced at 140k. Not so sure the second owner actually changed the timing belt or maybe they did and the Arizona heat over the last 50, 000 miles really aged it. The Evergreen belt (not Gates) has cracks all over it on the outside. When passenger side cam was lined up, the driver's side was about half a tooth off the mark and the crank was about the same. Since a belt can't jump half a tooth, I assume the difference was due to the belt stretching as it aged and cracked.

As I went through the process, I had a few differences and want to let everyone know:

1. My crank pulley would not come off by just wiggling it or tapping it or using a pry bar. I had to rent a pulley removal tool from Autozone. Luckily they were open on the 4th of July! You have to use the crank bolt and turn it in maybe 5 or 6 full turns so that it is stable. Then you use the pulley removal tool seat it in the depression of the crank bolt head. This particular kit (the orange box kit) has a central bolt that when seated on top of the crank bolt, the head of the central bolt almost touches the radiator. I used two wrenches, one to hold the crank bolt still and the other to twist the central bolt in. Eventually I ran out of room using the crank bolt, so I fashioned a 1/4" thick piece of square steel that would sit inside the pulley and be supported by the crankshaft. That gave me more room to work the central bolt on the removal tool and I probably could have used that square steel piece from the beginning without messing with the crank bolt.

2. There are slight modifications to certain years. My a/c compressor did not have the lower L-bracket with the two bolts in it. I only had to remove one bolt from the top and one bolt from the bottom of the a/c compressor to free the fan clutch housing. No L-bracket to worry about.

3. Inevitably I usually end up dropping and losing a nut or some other small but critical part. This happened with a 14mm nut that goes to the stud on the right side of the fan clutch housing. Today I'm going to the Lexus or Toyota dealer to get a replacement nut, but from now on, I want to have some spares on hand. Maybe a couple 14mm and 12mm nuts for this particular job.

4. Lastly, check your new replacement parts with the old part getting replaced, if possible. Radiator hose shapes, for example. In my case, I ordered a thermostat seal that Amazon stated would fit my GX470. Nope! It's about half the size. I had to use the old one for now until I get a replacement. It was not OEM but was from a reputable manufacturer. Didn't realize it until I removed the old thermostat.

5. Oh, one more thing. I realized my coolant system needs a serious cleaning, not just a flush. I did soak a few parts in vinegar like the crank reluctor wheel that works with the crank position sensor and the part behind the thermostat that connects to the top of the water pump. A good coolant system cleaning and flush is now added to my To-Do list. This will be a winter task. Why? Yesterday it was around 110 degrees outside. I did all my work inside my air conditioned garage. But when I added coolant at the end, I rolled the vehicle out halfway. The heat outside was so high, the vehicle wouldn't engage the heater, or at least I couldn't tell if the heater was engaged. So I'm not sure the heater core could have been drained. Maybe this will all work better in the winter.

[markt]

Very well done. All steps and no nonsense.. ✅. If you watch this 4-5 times it will give you confidence in this job.

[aaronjohnson]

Great video, thank you for being so detailed! The torque numbers are extremely helpful! One thing that might help folks out there is once you line the crank and cams up, move them just a bit more to the T marks on the cams. This will stop them from walking once you pull the belt off. The tip on putting silicone lube on the O rings is crucial, excellent work my friend!

[fade]

Great informative video, Thank You!


Just confirmed that this job is a bit outside my current skill set.

[calebloewen]

Top quality how to. Straight to the point and very effective. This will come in very helpful! You were able to show everything so clearly leaving nothing to the imagination. Awesome job on both the repair and documenting it!

[sharkfinn]

I needed this refresher. Haven’t done this in 10 years. I usually put a large piece of cardboard to cover the inside face of the radiator to decrease chances of damage. I’ve made that mistake before at a shop and had to replace the radiator. Great and easy video to follow. Keep up the great work.

[nof-bdybs]

THANK YOU for moving so efficiently and quickly! Some goobs would have turned this into a 9 part Mini Series.

[pameladuys]

Thank you for a well done video and instructions, I am 67 and this is the first time I have ever done a timing belt. Debbie Hammer, Conifer, Colorado.

[garrettorpin]

I’ve probably watched this video four or five times now. Preparing myself for the first time ever. :D. Thanks for this resource, Brian, I appreciate you narration.

[bigtreesfall]

the ultimate how to video.
very well done sir.

I will watch this 5 times for training purposes then I'm jumping on mine.

Thank you so much!

[cnturion]

thank you so much for this tutorial. I finally did mine and this is the absolute best video on this subject. I only had to buy that crank pulley too and managed to take off the fan and steering pump wheel without the mentioned tools.