Lexus LS 400 / 1UZ-FE Timing belt and water pump replacement

My friend's LS400 had a noisy water pump and pulleys. In this video I show you how I replace the water pump, the timing belt, the multi-rib belt and the noisy pulleys. This took me two days, a lot of parts were fighting me (rounded off hex head, rusty bolts), but it was worth it!
Parts used:
Timing belt: Gates T190 - 0420755 (This timing belt is suited for the 1st gen LS 400, it is shorter than the belt in de timing belt kit)
Timing belt kit with pulleys and water pump: Gates KP1T298 - 1141422
Timing belt tensioner: ADT37655 Blue Print
Multibelt idler pulley with ribs: MaxGear 1261363
Multibelt tensioner pulley: INA 531083110
Multibelt: Gates 6PK2245
Thermostat: Meyle 1192778

[@Carnold_YT]

I added a list of the parts in the description. These are quality parts for a very decent price.

[@smithraymond09029]

I've done this job on my 1991 LS400 twice in the 13 years I've owned it. Once right after I bought it in 2011, and again in 2022. Super fun learning experience.

[@Carnold_YT]

Thanks for watching!

[@joeteejoetee]

1st to thank you for making these videos!

[@Carnold_YT]

And thank you for watching Joe. Appreciate your support!

[@user-vf5tm9pf2v]

Arnold your video is great. I need to know how you removed crank pulley/balancer from the crank. thank you

[@Carnold_YT]

I used a bearing puller, this is the exact same one: sybshop.nl/lager-trekker-set-14-delig/ The pulley in this video came off fairly easy. Thanks for watching!

[@iamdamnalex]

Can I tow my Lexus to you? I have a 1991 with loss of power when accelerating

[@rutopovi]

Thank you. I love learning from you…. I love LS400…. It happens to me… I use gloves at the beginning but at the end…. no…..lol lol… Have you got the spare part numbers?

[@Carnold_YT]

I will add the part numbers in the description tomorrow, good thing that you asked. Thanks for watching!

[@rutopovi]

@@Carnold_YT thank you

[@cathefreeman8853]

Hi there, I have a 1991 LS400 and it is not getting full power when accelerating. It is using an excessive amount of fuel and been narrowed to 3 things, timing belt/chain, MAF, or muffler stopped up. That has been checked and found no issues, by chance could it be the MAF more than Timing? Would like to know what symptoms I would have if the timing belt needs replacing? Thx

[@Carnold_YT]

Nah, the timing belt can't be it. I would look into the O2 sensors, the fuel system (filter, injector cleaner) and especially the temperature sensor for the ecu. This is a two wire sensor on the coolant passage, just under the upper ignition coil. That would be the first thing I'd replace.

[@cathefreeman8853]

@Carnold_YT thank you so much, I will let you know and you've been a big help. If that's not it, I don't know what to do with car, but thank you so much. Do you know where I can purchase an old check engine reader for this car, no one seems to have one in my area. Hope to hear back from you and thank you so much! 😊❤️❤️❤️❤️. P.S. If you have any additional resources that I can reach out to, I'd love to resolve this issue with vehicle and I will try this today.

[@cathefreeman8853]

Well, it's not the upper cats, mass airflow sensor, guess I'll try the ECU, may I please ask what that sensor has to do with acceleration and passing gears? 😊😊😊

[@Carnold_YT]

The ECU uses the input of several sensors, and it isn't able to recognize a faulty sensor. So it adjusts to every input it gets. In my case it was the coolant sensor that shorted to ground.

[@Carnold_YT]

There is no reader available for the LS400, but it has a diagnostic mode. By connecting the E1 and Te1 pin in the diagnostic port (either under the dash or in the engine bay), the ECU will display error codes by a flashing light: the O/D OFF lamp indicates transmission faults, the Check engine light indicates the Engine fault codes. These are two-digit fault codes, the number of flashes indicate the decimals, then there is a short pause, and then it flashes the units. Let me know if you have any codes, I can look them up for you.

[@angelo1475]

hey off topic, but I know you know a lot about these cars, I can't figure it out myself, nor can any mechanic, I've called 4 mobile mechanics lol. My front brakes are sticking and I can't get any fluid to come out of the rear brakes.. in the front I replace the rotors, pads, and the driver side caliper, I bled them to the best of my ability. the car will stop, but when I slam on the brakes it doesn't have the stopping power it should. and the harder I hit the brakes and the longer I drive the more they stick. if I leave it sit for a while they will unstick themselves. do you know what this may be? thank you in advance.

[@Carnold_YT]

The first thing that comes to mind is a sticking valve in the ABS unit, that can block the flow of the brake fluid. Did you check your brake booster too? The membrane and/or vacuum lines may be leaking. My first thought is the ABS unit (behind the right headlight). Maybe there is a way to test the pump motor, if you can trigger that, a sticking valve may come loose. Please let me know if that worked.

[@ceasarvinas3129]

What years????????

[@Carnold_YT]

Every LS (first and second generation) with the non-VVT-i 1UZ-FE engine.

[@rutopovi]

What year is this car?

[@Carnold_YT]

A 1993 one. It is originally from Spain, it belonged to the Lexus importer.

[@rutopovi]

@@Carnold_YT I’m from Spain! I missed this one…lol lol…. Finally, after almost two years fighting to get an embargoed LS400…I can say….I’m a proud LS400 95 owner!!!!!

[@rutopovi]

I need to know the fob frequency that my LS uses. I bought an original 314Mhz but although I can see the car is in program mode….the last step does not work…. I have heard for Europe’s LSs the frequency is 433.92 MHz but not sure about that or how to get a remote that uses it…. Any idea?

[@Carnold_YT]

Hmm, I do know that the Euro spec key fob should interfere with the 108 MHz radio frequency, and that all other countries have a key fob that interferes on 94,9 MHz. Oh, and congratulations with your new LS!

[@rutopovi]

@@Carnold_YT thank you very much! I’m very happy with my LS….I really love it!