ClubLexus - Lexus Forum Discussion

Lexus ES: How to Replace Water Pump

Replacing the water pump should typically be done in a shop; however, adept home mechanics can do it themselves for less.

By Scott Deuty - February 3, 2015

This article applies to the Lexus ES (2005-2013).

Replacing the water pump on a Lexus ES is a considerable task. This repair is only recommended for experts because there is a lot to consider. In addition to reading this article, it is highly recommended that you view the featured video below in order to understand the size of the task.

The water pump is generally replaced during a timing belt service (between 60,000 and 125,000 miles). This is because getting to the water pump requires removal of the timing belt, and it's a running gear which is a time-consuming project. It is strongly recommended doing both of these repairs at the same time. For information on removing the timing belt, head to the related article Lexus ES: How to Replace Your Timing Belt.

Materials Needed

  • 14mm and 22mm socket
  • Seal pullers and camshaft seals (recommended)
  • Paint can opener
  • Breaker bars
  • Gasket scraper
  • A mirror (to view hidden belts behind components)
  • A jack and jack stands
  • A bucket and/or drip pan
  • Wheel puller (to remove pulleys, harmonic balancer and timing gears)
  • Camshaft removal tool

Step 1 – Remove timing belt

Follow the steps of the related article to remove the timing belt. Then, continue to Step 2.

(Related Article: Lexus ES: How to Replace Your Timing Belt - ClubLexus.com)

Step 2 – Remove timing gears and cover

Use a 14mm socket to remove the center idler pulley. It is located between the two camshaft gears on top of the engine. You might need to use a breaker bar to remove the bolt on the idler pulley. Continue to remove the front and rear camshaft bolts and gears. Then, remove the six 10mm bolts securing the rear timing cover.

Now that you have the timing gears off the camshafts and crankshafts, use a seal puller to remove the seals. Then, replace with new seals.

  • Figure 1a. Remove the center idler pulley and bolt camshaft bolts/gears.
  • Figure 1b. Remove rear timing belt cover bolt.

Step 3 – Remove water pump

Open the petcock at the bottom of the radiator to drain the coolant. Attach a piece of hose around the drain so that it flows into the coolant bucket.

Unbolt the water pump by removing the four 10mm bolts and two 10mm nuts that hold the pump to the engine. Then, pull the pump from the engine. Once you pull it, the coolant will rush out from the block. If the water pump gasket didn't come off with the pump, yank it off.

If the water pump doesn't clear the bolts, jack up the engine slightly to provide clearance.

  • Figure 2a. Draining the coolant.
  • Figure 2b. Remove the water pump (highlighted above).

Step 4 – Install new water pump

Make sure the surfaces are clean, and then install the new water pump gasket. Install the water pump. Then, tighten it with the four 10mm bolts and two 10mm nuts.

Figure 3. New water pump.

Pro Tip

For best results, tighten in a star pattern in order to evenly tighten the pump and engine surfaces.

Featured Video: Lexus ES Water Pump and Timing Belt Replacement

Related Discussions