Scoutchase

I have a 2009 RX 350. The water pump just failed. Had it towed to the Lexus dealer. Estimate to repair is $1,200. That just sounds excessive to me. However, I feel stuck now. Car is not driveable, leaking coolant, and overheating. Dealer suggests the replacement is labor intensive. Am I being taken for a ride, or does this sound somewhat reasonable?

F250

Water pump on a transverse mounted V6? Not nearly as much fun as a conventionally mounted engine, but I've done them both ways. My transverse project was on a 5-cylinder Volvo 2.5L, and it wasn't really too bad. The pump assembly at myLparts is only about $145, so I believe that your estimate is significantly overpriced. The real reason for the extremely high price at the dealer, though, is because the Service Book says the engine has to be removed. However, there is at least one DIY write-up which documents that though not easy, it can be done without removing the engine.

Part Number at myLparts>>> https://www.mylparts.com/oem-parts/l...bC12Ni1nYXM%3D

• Manufacturer:Lexus
• Part Number:16100-09442
• Part:Pump Assembly, Water
• Replaces:16100-09440, 16100-09441, 16100-39455, 16100-39456

Link to DIY>>> https://www.clublexus.com/forums/att...water-pump.pdf . (NOTE: This DIY was written for a 2007 RX350, but it's the same engine as in the 2009 and should therefore be equally applicable for a 2009). One CL member reported that it took him 6 hours to do this job while using the linked DIY, and that the write-up was so well-detailed and well-organized that using the DIY probably saved him 2 hours of figuring things out.

The above DIY was originally linked in the first post of this thread>>> https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ater-pump.html , and you can read the replires from other members who have read through it or even used it to determine it's credibility and usefulness.

That said, you can probably find a reputable third party shop who specializes in Lexus and save some real money. When looking at YourMechanic (https://www.yourmechanic.com) RepairPal (http://repairpal.com) websites, the estimated prices run $450-$1050, and I expect that is such a wide range because some shops will insist on removing the motor while others will get it done without removing the engine.

10acimport

I had my 2008 RX350 done buy a local reputable repair shop for $550.00 .
He only uses Napa parts and warranties his work.
The absolute last place to take your Lexus is the dealership.

RXGS

iTrader: (2)

After the price OP will pay for a tow to another shop (that the OP may or may not already have experience with) the difference can't be more than a 100-300 bucks. I say just bite the bullet, have them do it, and be done with it. Until then, the car is just a giant paperweight. My indie quoted me 750 for the job and the dealer in the high 900's after taxes, so your quote, while high, is expected from the dealer.

BlackLexRX

Exactly. You could do it yourself if you're comfortable taking your motor off it's mounts and jacking it up. Even then it'd be tight. Let dealer do it, maybe try Toyota dealers and price shop. Have them do the belt and spark plugs while the motor is dropped. That will add some value to the repair.

NVAKeith

iTrader: (1)

Two years ago my water pump was replaced under the CPO warranty. Keep in mind warranty work pays out less than cash jobs....

jnew911

I am sure you have already had this fixed but $1200 is not out of the question. Yes this is probably a little on high side because it is at a dealership. But, I just replaced my water pump myself and it was absolutely the biggest pain in the *** job I have ever done on a vehicle. Well at least in recent memory. There is only one inch of space between the belt and the passenger side fender. Changing the belt and water pump are not that bad but getting to it is a huge pain. I worked for two days. Hopefully for $1200 they will replace a few other parts while they are in there. I spend a total of $300 on parts but I would have gladly paid someone $600 in labor (if I had the money).
If I had an engine puller I think I would have rather pulled the engine out to replace the water pump.

05RX330AWD

For a RX330, including the Timing Belt, Water Pump & related parts, I paid $250. in total. Found a Gates kit on Amazon for $100. & my mechanic charged me $150 labor (3 hrs) although a Toyota Dealer would have charged me close to $1,200. including taxes.
Hopefully you can find a honest & reliable mechanic in your area who can save you some $$$ once you purchase the parts yourself.

jnew911

I feel extremely sorry for that mechanic. I hope you visit him weekly and buy him a six pack of beer and lunch for at least the next two years.
Maybe the 05 rx330 engine is nothing like the 350 engine. From what I have heard the factory service manual calls for pulling the engine to replace the water pump on the 08 350.
Yes these are totally different engines. The 330 has a timing belt and the 350 doesn't.
I stick by my earlier statement. I don't think $1200 is out of the question for the water pump replacement on the rx350 and i would not feel like I had been taken to the cleaners if I paid that for the repair. Especially if the other pulleys, thermostat and belt were replaced too.

05RX330AWD

I purchase "as is" vehicles, in the province I live in Canada Safety Inspections by a Certified Mechanic is a requirement when you first purchase a vehicle & yearly after that.
My mechanic's business is located in a small village about 30 miles from where I live, I have brought many vehicles that required multiple major repairs to pass the Safety Inspections in the past.
Whatever I can handle DIY ( no hoist, weather permitting) I will do myself & he will make sure all was done correctly.
Yes, he is a good friend with a limited clientele by choice, is honest, reliable, enjoys & takes pride in this work. I am sure he can charge much more but that doesn't seem to be a priority on his list.
Once, for the hell of it, I brought an "as is" vehicle to a large well known outfit just to find out what they would charge to Safety Inspect a 98 Rav4 many years ago...
their response was $6,000. (I suppose you wouldn't feel sorry for them), my response was "I only look stupid"
My mechanic charged me somewhere between $400. & $500.
Greed possesses many people, but not all.
Enjoy your work, satisfaction & pride for workmanship is priceless.

jnew911

Yes, I think we could learn a lot from you Canadians. I have heard things are a lot different up there. Unfortunately I don't know anyone who will fix my car in this country for the good feeling of doing the right thing!

05RX330AWD

Both myself & my mechanic are born European, France & Switzerland, although Canadian citizens...
what we have in common are the values mentioned in my previous post, these values come from our parents & ancestors.
Without him, I would be sitting in the same boat as you.