Hello all, seeking input from members. My 2003 LW300 has 77K on it.
Although that is well below the recommended timing belt change mileage.
I am wondering if I should change it because of its age ?
Of course I would change the water pump and pulleys at the same time.
Thanks for your input.

 

Yes, due to time.

 

Follow up question.
Does the timing belt degrade sitting on the shelf ?
Would one that is new but 15 years old be OK to use ?

 

Food for thought. Probably better than some new imported belts. I would inspect the new belt before use but it will be better than an old belt that has been run for 15 years.

 

Not to veer too far off topic, but I have seen quite a decline in the lifespan of anything made with rubber parts. Used to be that you could buy a pair of control arms for an s car, to have them around there when you needed to change them in say 50,000 miles. Now if you actually get AC Delco parts they are New old stock and the manufacture date is often 2003. They come in sealed bags but the air has gotten to them and the rubber is rather stiff before you ever put it on the car. I carry a spare serpentine belt with my S car. Never used it. 22 years old in the trunk. if it lasts three miles before falling apart when I do use it I'll be happy. It's always fun running older vehicles that nobody supports