AntixSD

So I'm not a Lexus person, but I work on my Bimmers, and I rely heavily on Bimmer Forums. I'm sure you guys are an awesome resource, and I need some input.

My roomate took his 1999 Lexus ES300 to the dealership, against my advice, to get some work done. His water pump is leaking, and they quoted him 7 hours of labor. According to them, there is a whole "timing belt thing" that has to come out to gain access. I've done plenty of water pumps on Fords, BMWs, etc, but I've never worked on a Lexus. Is this actually a time consuming job? 7 hours seems VERY ridiculous...

tomstep2

In my opinion, 7 hours if too long. It is a good idea to replace the timing belt, tensioners, thermostat, etc...since you have to remove it all anyways. The water pump on the ES is not in the easiest location, but should not take anywhere near 7 hours. Tell you roomate to check with a local independent shop. Two months ago, I had my water pump, thermostat, timing belt, p/s & alternator belts replaced, with a 75 mile tow for under $500.00 parts and labor.

werewolf

es300 is mechanically equivalent to a toyota camry. If a mechanic can change the belt on a toyota, then he can do the es300. shop around

Rollin'ES3

7 hours is a bit too steep, but it is a stealership....

Im sure independent toyota/lexus shops can perform the same service for probably 30% off.

Try shopping around, and also call other dealerships, both Toyota and Lexus to get quotes.

Lexiss_sc430

iTrader: (2)

you could pull the whole motor in less time..... way less time

abounly

iTrader: (27)

Yeah you can get it down waaay faster than that, infact some guy did a motor swap in 4 hours! Shouldnt take that long, then again stealership are best at one thing!

tromly

7 hours !! Ridiculous, go to a Toyota dealer and save a wad of cash!! Good Luck

PlatES300

iTrader: (1)

that's way too long. I did the timing belt/water pump and the full works in less time. If I remember correctly, it should only take 3 hours by the book. If you don't run into any problems (can't get nuts/bolts off), then it shouldn't be more than 3 hours. 7 hours for just a water pump is outright crazy.

L-Tech1446

there is usually a set time for something setup by the manufacturer.....which is the warranty time, if the job is customer pay the dealership ups it by a certain percentage, just cause the job does not take that amount of time does not mean its stealing thats just how mechanics make there money. Dealerships just usually charge more labor rate per hour......but your right 7 hours is kinda high, for an es300 if you did the timing belt, cam and crank seals plus the water pump that is only 6.5 hours. only reason how i could see them charging extra time would be if the car was really rusty.

JSM1284

Alldata labor time guide calls for 3.5 hours on the water pump.

Falcon LS

I just replaced the timing belt, camshaft/crankshaft seals and water pump the other day. Only took about 4 hours.

DimegirlTX

I am trying to do that right now I have been through 2 brands of water pumps that won't line up. I do not see anyone else having this problem.

80es300

Go with Aisin water pump, they are OEM supplier for Toyota/Lexus

DimegirlTX

You know I saw that water pump but the Aisin name was unfamiliar and I did not choose that one. I am very glad to know that now. I had to buy the housing attached to the water pump to deal with the problem at hand. I wish I would of read this first but now if there is a problem with the housing matching up. I know what my next step will be.