Does the Lexus ES350 have a timing belt or chain?
When it comes to maintaining your Lexus ES350, understanding whether it uses a timing belt or a timing chain is crucial for planning long-term maintenance. Timing components play a vital role in synchronizing the engine's internal operations, and knowing what your vehicle is equipped with can save you time, money, and potential headaches down the road.
Timing Belt vs. Timing Chain: What's the Difference?
Before diving into the specifics of the Lexus ES350, let’s briefly discuss the difference between a timing belt and a timing chain:
- Timing Belt: Made of rubber and reinforced with materials like fiberglass or Kevlar, timing belts are quieter but require periodic replacement, typically every 60,000 to 100,000 miles.
- Timing Chain: Made of metal, timing chains are more durable and often last the lifetime of the engine. However, they can be noisier and may require tensioner adjustments over time.
What Does the Lexus ES350 Use?
The Lexus ES350, a popular luxury sedan, is equipped with a timing chain. This applies to all model years of the ES350, including the latest models. Lexus, as a brand, has largely transitioned to using timing chains in their vehicles due to their durability and reduced maintenance requirements.
What Does This Mean for Maintenance?
Since the Lexus ES350 uses a timing chain, you won’t need to worry about replacing it as part of regular maintenance. However, it’s still important to keep an eye on the following:
- Oil Changes: Regular oil changes are critical for keeping the timing chain lubricated and functioning properly. Neglecting oil maintenance can lead to premature wear of the chain.
- Unusual Noises: If you hear rattling or ticking noises from the engine, it could indicate a problem with the timing chain or its tensioner. Have it inspected by a professional mechanic immediately.
- High Mileage Checks: While timing chains are designed to last, they can still wear out in high-mileage vehicles. If your ES350 has over 200,000 miles, it’s a good idea to have the chain inspected during routine service.
Conclusion
The Lexus ES350’s use of a timing chain is a testament to its engineering and focus on long-term reliability. While this means less frequent maintenance compared to vehicles with timing belts, it’s still essential to follow a regular maintenance schedule to ensure your engine stays in top condition. If you have any concerns about your Lexus ES350 or need professional advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to Kevin’s Autos for expert assistance!
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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.
Is a timing chain better than a timing belt?
A quieter engine is often more appealing to buyers, so the timing belt is installed to ensure a smoother sound. The longer lifespan of a timing chain is why they are chosen over timing belts – they very rarely break, but any problems that do arise are easy to catch before they reach the point of no return.
What is the common problem in Lexus ES 350?
Some of the most common ones include oil leaks, unintended acceleration, infotainment system problems, and a melting dashboard.
Is the Lexus ES 350 a reliable car?
How Reliable Is the Lexus ES 350? RepairPal gives the Lexus ES 350 a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating, ranking it fourth out of 31 luxury midsize cars. This model's annual repair and maintenance costs are usually around $470—that's $270 lower compared to other luxury midsize cars.
When should the timing belt be changed on a Lexus ES 350?
every 60,000-100,000 miles
Many manufacturers recommend that the timing belt be replaced as part of your regular maintenance every 60,000-100,000 miles. If you haven't had the timing belt checked in a while, it's time to contact Lexus of Towson to schedule an appointment for routine maintenance.
Does the Lexus 350 have a timing belt or chain?
With the release of the Gen III models, both the RX350 and RX450h have the new low friction engines that include an internal timing chain. No maintenance is needed on it.
What year did Lexus change to timing chain?
From 2005 and Up have a Timing Chain.
Which Lexus models have timing chains?
Lexus: The RX, ES, and GS models from Lexus typically use timing chains, aligning with Lexus's reputation for reliability and low maintenance costs.
Does the Lexus ES 350 have a timing chain?
Timing Chain - Repair or Replace
If the chain has broken, which is a rare occurrence, the engine will not start. If your Lexus ES 350 has high mileage along with any of these other symptoms, contact our service department for expert diagnosis.
