Does the GX470 have a timing belt or chain?
The Lexus GX470 is a popular luxury SUV known for its reliability and off-road capabilities. If you own or are considering purchasing a GX470, understanding its maintenance requirements is crucial. One common question among owners is whether the GX470 uses a timing belt or a timing chain. This distinction is important because it affects maintenance schedules and costs.
Timing Belt or Timing Chain: What Does the GX470 Use?
The Lexus GX470 is equipped with a timing belt, not a timing chain. This timing belt is part of the vehicle's 4.7-liter V8 engine, which was used throughout the GX470's production years (2003–2009). Timing belts are made of rubber and require periodic replacement to ensure the engine runs smoothly and avoids costly damage.
Why Does It Matter?
Knowing whether your vehicle has a timing belt or chain is essential for proper maintenance. Here’s why:
- Timing Belts Require Replacement: Unlike timing chains, which are designed to last the life of the engine, timing belts need to be replaced at regular intervals. For the GX470, Lexus recommends replacing the timing belt every 90,000 miles or 6 years, whichever comes first.
- Preventing Engine Damage: A worn or broken timing belt can cause severe engine damage, as it controls the synchronization of the engine's internal components. Replacing it on schedule is a critical preventive measure.
- Cost Considerations: While replacing a timing belt involves a significant upfront cost, it is far less expensive than repairing engine damage caused by a failed belt.
Additional Maintenance Tips for GX470 Owners
In addition to replacing the timing belt, there are a few other maintenance tasks to consider when servicing your GX470:
- Water Pump Replacement: It’s a good idea to replace the water pump at the same time as the timing belt, as they are located in the same area of the engine. This can save on labor costs.
- Inspect Tensioners and Pulleys: The timing belt system includes tensioners and pulleys that should be inspected and replaced if necessary to ensure proper operation.
- Regular Oil Changes: Keeping up with oil changes helps maintain the overall health of your engine and its components.
Conclusion
The Lexus GX470 uses a timing belt, which requires regular replacement to keep your engine running smoothly and avoid costly repairs. By staying on top of your maintenance schedule and addressing related components like the water pump and tensioners, you can ensure your GX470 remains a reliable and capable vehicle for years to come. If you have any questions or need assistance with timing belt replacement, feel free to contact us at Kevin's Autos for expert service and advice!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to replace a timing belt on a Lexus GX470?
The average cost for a Lexus GX470 Timing Belt Replacement is between $929 and $1,132 but can vary from car to car.
How long does a GX470 engine last?
That answer was way longer than intended. But a quick answer is that.. “yes” the GX470 is a vehicle than can easily achieve 300 plus thousand miles with proper maintenance and doing repairs when they are needed.
Do Lexus timing chains need to be replaced?
The timing chain in this engine should last the life of the engine, so you do not have to replace it at any interval.
What year did Lexus start using timing chains?
It depends on the year. Since 2007 the engine uses a timing chain for durability. You can inspect the engine closely and tell, if you have any question.
What is the best year of the Lexus GX?
2022-2021 Is The Most Reliable GX Model Year. You heard right, despite being produced in a “pandemic year”, the 2021 and 2022 model years of the second generation of the Lexus GX (2010-2023) are the only GX years that received a 5/5 Reliability Verdict.
How long does a timing belt last on a Lexus GX470?
While it is possible that the original timing belt may last the life of the above engines, for peace-of-mind, the timing belt may be replaced every 90,000 miles.
How much does it cost to replace a timing belt on a Lexus GX 470?
The average cost for a Lexus GX470 Timing Belt Replacement is between $929 and $1,132 but can vary from car to car.
How long do Lexus timing chains last?
On a Lexus the timing chain can theoretically run for the life of the car and engine without needing replacement. Just make sure you change the engine oil and filter at the recommended intervals.
Does the Lexus GX470 have a timing belt or chain?
The Lexus GX470 has a timing belt.
This is an item that requires maintenance, and will typically need to be replaced every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
Does the Lexus GX have a timing chain?
The previous model GX470's with the 4.7L V8 had a timing belt vs the chain found on the 4.6L V8 in the GX460. On the GX470's, you need to change the belt every 80k miles. With routine oil changes using the correct oil at the appropriate intervals, you are unlikely to ever need to replace the chain on a GX460.
