1999 Lexus LS400 Timing Belt and Struts

1940 LEXUS
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NEELA MAJUMDER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a 1999 LS400, mileage 114,00 miles. My dealer is telling me that I need to repair Both front strut rods which are worn out, & 4-wheel alignment. Estimated cost to replace is about $750. In addition they are recommending Timing belt & drive belt replacement, estimated at $750.

Are these reasonable to get done and does the cost look reasonable. If I have to get them done, will it be cheaper if I went somewhere else other than the dealership. Any recommendations about reliable repair shop around San Jose, California?
Mar 28, 2007 at 4:15 PM
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MERLIN2021
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 17,250 POSTS
First of all who bought the LS400? What kind of dealer repairs did you expect for a 60,000$ car? Yes these are reasonable charges..especially the timming belt. If it breaks while you drive it, it will cost an engine!!! Belt should be done at 60,000 to 65,000 mi!
Apr 2, 2007 at 12:21 PM
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LOSTINMARS
  • ✓Experienced Mechanic
  • 222 POSTS
the price for the strut rods are high. parts are about $120 each and labor is about 1 hour a side.
Apr 9, 2007 at 8:03 PM

Suggested Repair

Replace the timing belt and drive belt soon; a broken timing belt can destroy the engine, and service was advised around 60,000-65,000 miles. Have worn front strut rods replaced and a four-wheel alignment done afterward, but compare the dealer strut quote with an independent shop because parts were estimated near $120 each with about one hour of labor per side.

Conversation Summary

The owner of a 1999 Lexus LS400 with 114,000 miles was quoted about $750 for both front strut rods and a four-wheel alignment, plus about $750 for the timing and drive belts, and asked whether the work and prices were reasonable and if an independent shop near San Jose would be cheaper. One expert said the charges, especially the timing belt, were reasonable and warned that a broken belt can ruin the engine, recommending belt service around 60,000-65,000 miles. Another expert said the strut-rod price was high, estimating parts near $120 each and about one hour of labor per side. No local shop was recommended.

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