passnu2

iTrader: (33)

^ basically yes they had to rebuild it. He wasn't as fortunate to catch the issue before it failed. This issue is pretty bad if you ask me and not good for Lexus to have so many failing at a lower mileage. Now to see its happening across other models as well is even worse.

This is like my BMW, parts are working just fine, but I replace them at certain mileage points because of **** failure. Sucks to have to follow this but best to be safe then have what rld14 had to experience.

Feedback from those that are the original owner and service history would be helpful since those that are the 2nd or 3rd owner, unless you have it in black and white, we don't really know if flushes were done or not.

e-man

Is there a way to check if it's leaking? Does the dealer do this as part of a routine check? I have 63,000 miles on my 06 GS430. I know I'll need to do the timing belt at 90k, so I'll replace the water pump at that time, but obviously I don't want to wait until then if the water pump springs a leak.

pman6

My other lex had water pump leak at about 85000 miles.

I wonder how other brands fare.

Is it normal for water pump to leak before 100k? normal wear and tear?

e-man

Come to think of it, when I changed the timing belt and water pump on my 99 GS400 several years ago, the Lexus tech showed me where my water pump was already leaking.

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

Heres a link to my water pump when I replaced mine. If you look at the pic with the pulley you will see red crud. Reach into your car on the water pump pulley and feel the inside for any residue.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ter-pumps.html

rld14

Yes it did. Unfortunately because this car was engineered by idiots there is no low coolant warning light. You know, like the one that my (designed over 30 years ago) BMW M5 has. However if you have a tire that's 2 psi low or you're low on washer fluid the car will light the dash up like a Christmas tree.

It's very important to point out that until literally seconds before disaster the car was operating normally and showed ABSOLUTELY NO signs of anything abnormal. Even when I was coasting to the side of the road with a dead engine the temp gauge read right in the middle.

No warning, no nothing. Lexus claimed lack of maintenance. I changed my coolant with the right coolant ANNUALLY and my engine gets fresh oil every 3k. I had also stopped less than 20 miles before for a very late lunch and gas, during which time I had the hood open to put washer fluid in the car, NOTHING was abnormal and I noticed that the recovery bottle was full. No smell of coolant, no steam from the engine compartment, NOTHING.

This is one in a long list of reasons why this has been the worst car I have ever owned and I will never buy another Lexus. Ever.

rld14

Oh,

It wasn't rebuildable. The short block, heads, valves, etc were replaced. I have the receipt somewhere around here if anyone wants a list of what was changed.

Whitena

iTrader: (2)

This thread scared me so much that I decided to have it done by Lexus of Glendale this coming Thursday but what are the related components that should be replaced while they'll be at it? Can someone help me with the list and approx $?
Thanks

Boron

Depending on mileage, you might want to have the belt changed along with it, but otherwise nothing more than the pump itself is needed, aside from fresh new coolant, but that's a given.

ibidu1

iTrader: (1)

I wrote down a list of common stuff needed to do a water pump. It was actually pretty easy to instal and i'm sure any mechanic can do the job for you fairly cheaply.

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/gs-...ter-pumps.html

Whitena

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the replies, guys.

Chaos236

iTrader: (1)

I did my alternator and water pump as preventive at 80K

chuckGS350

Water pump is another Lexus's weak link.
They have a TSB for service & diagnostics,
Lexus considers a small amount of seepage is normal due to debry blockage. Unless it's continuously leaking.
At 80K miles, I will check my coolant reservoir weekly.

rld14

I checked mine less than 20 miles before my car blew up. It was full.

KJSmitty

Stop it rid14, you're scaring the locals...

I'll admit I check mine more often after reading your initial post as well.