NickSP

I recently purchased a used Rx 450h, 2010 and the service history shows that the oil cooler pipe was replaced per warranty enhancement program zlc.
Should I assume it was replaced with a metal one? Reading about it is worrisome. Thanks

salimshah

Simple inspection will confirm.

Salim

NickSP

Yes. Going to the dealer to get it confirmed. Thanks.

North

Hello everyone. I need some advice. I have found the Lexus RX 450h of my dreams. It has every possible option and was the color(cerulean blue) that I have looked for for years. It really took a while to find this jewel. I love the car and it only has 77,000 miles. I drove to Massachusetts to get it last December. First time I saw it I fell in love. Exactly what I was looking for. However in my excitement, I failed to really check out the rust damage on the undercarriage. I looked at the undercarriage but was unable to see the extent of the damage especially under the plastic covers. These areas were hidden to me unfortunately! I have had absolutely no problem with the car however I took it to try and get the rubber oil cooler lines replaced and they told me that the bolts or studs that hold the lines into the block are so rusted that they are afraid that they may break off and that if this happens then the motor would have to be removed from the car to be drilled out etc. I really am so disappointed. The dealership said that the hoses looked good(the rubber ones) and are not leaking. I first went the route of the warranty enhancement to see if Lexus would replace them for me and no such luck. I really made a good case but to no avail. So I decided to go ahead and pay the close to $500.00 to replace them myself and now this is what has happened. Does any one have any ideas. I do so love this car she drives like a dream and again I have looked for this particular car for several years but I'm at a stand still and have even considered trading it in because I am so afraid I might have a catastrophic failure that might ruin my engine. Please HELP!!!! Thanks! Tim

Clutchless

I think their concerns are probably unwarranted and they just did not want to do the repair. It should probably cost less than $300 at an independent shop.

If it was my vehicle I would start spraying all of the oil cooler line bolts with PB Blaster rust penetrant. You can find it at any auto parts store. Spray the nuts & bolts every day for a couple of weeks before taking it into the shop. That should help with safe removal of the bolts. Just lay on the ground and look up under the front bumper towards the engine and you can see it. There are photos farther back in this thread. You may have to remove the under body plastic protector panel, but just leave it off for a few weeks. The shop that replaces your cooler line can replace it. It is held on with some 10mm bolts a few plastic anchors. The plastic things are popped off by using a small screwdriver to pop out the center. It is not difficult.

Then find a great well-reviewed independent Toyota specialist who has done the oil cooler line replacement before.
Use this link to find shops recommended by listeners of the NPR Car Talk Radio Show
I used their advanced search and found a few Toyota specialists in GA:

https://www.cartalk.com/mechanics-files/search?keyword=&field_makes_tid=53359&city=&state=GA&radius%5Bsearch_units%5D=mile&radius%5Bpostal_code%5D=&radius%5Bsearch_distance%5D=10&sort_order=ASC

Import Service Center
5.0 of 5 stars
1590 Dekalb Ave, Atlanta, GA 30307

(404) 523-5203

Holly Springs Japanese Auto
5.0 of 5 stars
300 Adam Jenkins Memorial Drive, Canton, GA 30115

(714) 486-4953

Toy Shop
4.8 of 5 stars
880 Jamerson Rd, Marietta, GA

(770) 926-3230

Dealer Alternative
4.3 of 5 stars
2730 Austell Rd SW Ste 140, Marietta, GA 30062

(770) 426-5511

Toyonly
4.0 of 5 stars
1040 Vijay Dr, Chamblee-Doraville, GA 30341

(770) 458-1755

Toyotech
5.0 of 5 stars
3790 Georgia 92, Woodstock, GA 30102

(770) 974-7300

Atlanta Import Auto
5.0 of 5 stars
2570 Lawrenceville Hwy, Lawrenceville, GA 30044

(770) 925-9501

Toyo Techs Toyota Specialists
4.8 of 5 stars
4185 Clairmont Rd, Atlanta (Chamblee), GA 30341

(770) 457-9991

Mark Dockery Repair Service
3.8 of 5 stars
1085 Jewell Mason Rd, Blairsville, GA 30512

Summit Auto Service
4.8 of 5 stars
173 Dekalb Industrial Way, Decatur, GA 30030

(404) 373-7070

Merriam Automotive
5.0 of 5 stars
3568 Buford Hwy, Duluth, GA 30096

(770) 814-7516

Service 1st Auto Care
4.6 of 5 stars
2258 Lithonia Industrial Blvd., Lithonia, GA 30058

(770) 484-4905 x1

Autoville
4.9 of 5 stars
205 Thornton Rd, Lithia Springs, GA 30122

(770) 944-3116

The Shop Automotive
5.0 of 5 stars
2007 Airport Industrial Park Dr, Suite C, Marietta, GA 30062

(678) 525-5258

Sonny's Service Center
4.8 of 5 stars
375 Aldridge Ave, Scottdale, GA 30079

(404) 377-8838

North

Clutchless, thank you so much for your reply. I know where your are talking about as to where to spray the PB blaster, I just hope that they have not already rounded off the bolts/studs as the Toyota place I took it to did put it up on the lift and brought me back to show me the bolts they were concerned with? I will check it out tomorrow. I do appreciate your feedback and your list of repair shops. Most of them are fairly close to me! This really makes me feel so much better! I will attempt to call one of them next week as I bet they are not open on Saturdays? However you never know! Thanks again! Tim

RX in NC

PB Blaster is indeed your friend in situations like this. Good luck and keep us posted.

Clutchless

You should start your contacts with the shops with Toy in their names: Toyo Techs Toyota Specialists, Toy Shop, Toyotech, Toyonly. Good Luck!

North

Thanks, I will let everyone know what happens!

North

I'm going to call Holly Springs Japanese Auto in Canton on Monday first as they are closest to me and have great ratings. They are not open on Saturdays. I will start spraying with the PB buster today. Thanks again!!!

North

I will try and keep the PB buster off the rubber oil cooler hoses when I spray, it would be my luck it would cause one of them to leak!!!

Clutchless

It would take months or longer for PB Blaster to cause any additional damage to your rubber hoses. Just try to wipe the rubber off with a paper towel after spraying.

Update as I should have thought of this earlier - these hoses are designed to carry oil, as it is the oil cooler, so a little PB Blaster on the exterior will do nothing to them.

North

Okie doke I will do that by the way I meant to tell you on the last post I remember when the HS250's came out and I thought they were cool and I still admire them every time I see them! But I don't see them very often.

North

Hey guys I'm taking my RX 450 to one of the independent Japanese Auto guys in Canton tomorrow. I have sprayed the bolts holding the old rubber lines in with the PB blaster. Hopefully they will be able to change out my hoses to the metal ones tomorrow!!! I will let ya'll know how it turns out!.

North

Clutchless you are brilliant! I did what you said about spraying the rusty bolts and studs. I took my Lexus to the Japanese Auto shop in Canton, Ga. They took 2 hours , charged me $297.00 and I'm already back home. Your advice was perfect. How I appreciate your expertise and advice!!!! Thanks so much!!!!! Tim