Thank you for this wonderful forum. After checking out this site, I've learned a crucial tranny problem for this gen TL. Im about to buy a 2002 with 135K miles but the tranny was rebuilt at 120K miles. My question is it safe to say I need not worry about the tranny for a while as long as I do frequent tranny flushes? Also at 130k should I be looking at the timing belt going out soon? Thanks and I cant wait to pick the tl.

 

With rebuilds its all a gamble.. Some people had great luck (Im at 100K on mine) and some others had shitty luck.. So... Cross your fingers to be honest.


At 130 you should not be worry about your timing belt if you did the 60K job.. The next timing belt is due to 114 so your not that way overdue. Try to do it before 150K but don't sweat it...
Its not like its wear out at the specified point its just a reminder at most.

 

Welcome to Acurazine jbl_91762
Nobody knows how long it will last, just do 1 drain and fill yearly and you'll avoid it going bad because of neglect.

 

Thanks guys. Wow timing belt needs to be changes every 60k miles?? My toyota required it when it started slipping and that was at 120K miles. Im at 300K with same timing belt. Maybe thats why most of the Tl's Im shopping for have about 120K-150K.

 

Timing belt is 105k/7 years for scheduled replacement. If it hasn't been done, it's due.

The last tranny lasted 120k, so (no guarantees), assume this one will last 80 to 120k. But there is some risk it won't.

 

If you acquired the car in the dealer when it came out the first timing belt job was due to 60K and the Second by 105K then it was every +100K or so... Only the first 2 are close to each other... although that its just a guideline not a strict procedure, your timing belt can last longer (There was a guy who supposedly had its original for 400K).

 

Unless ya have documentation or know for sure that the T-belt was previously replaced, have it inspected for wear. A good rule of thumb is to do the full T-belt servicing at 100k intervals. If in doubt, change it out.

Is their any warranty paperwork included with the rebuilt tranny ?
Depending on where and how the tranny was rebuilt will determine the risk involved down the road. Most competent tranny shops use updated parts during the rebuild and also guarantee their work. It is important to know where it was rebuilt.

 

So i just picked up the Tl and couldnt be happier. Rides great tranny shifts good I guess and I realize its a 14 year old car. Now im listening for any weird noised and of course there is. Its like a squeek/crunching sound I guess and its when I go over speed bumps. Im guessing its the front shocks so i will look into replacing that. The car has receipts for recent work done last June and brakes rotors rear motor seal, front motor mounts coolant and battery. The tranny was a rebuild exchange (thats what is says on receipt) but yes it is warranted one year so I have until June this year.

 

I would inspect the ball joints and tie rods for that noise. look for oil residue coming out of the boots.

 

Get more info from the seller. Do you know for sure that the timing belt wasn`t done. If not you can DIY for around 200.00 or a shop will charge you between 500-900. Also if it wasn`t done that should be your first priority.


Change out the tranny fluid every other oil change and you should be okay with at least the maintenance.

 

My mechanic put a sticker in the engine compartment showing when the timing belt was done. Worth a look.

 

Im not going to worry about trans, I do feel some what safe that it was only rebuilt less then 5000 miles before I bought it. Now I will look into ball joints and tie rods. Also looking at the suspension forums to change out to best ride and lower it 2 inches.