2000 RX300 - Cost to replace water pump ?

[techtrainer]

Hey Folks:

This is 2000 RX-300 FWD, 68,500 miles (lots of city driving)

During an oil change at Lexus dealer, they found Water Pump leaking.
They have recommended replacing:
1) water pump
2) T-Belt (not sure what this is .. is it timing belt ?)
3) Tensioner
4) Pulleys,
and
5) Drive Belts

I am waiting for them to tell me how much will this cost me. Any
ideas how much will this
cost me ? Ballpark ? I am in SF Bay Area. Thx

[j***@hotmail.com]

Your engine is an interference engine and can be damaged if the water
pump seizes and breaks the timing belt. See info on timing belt change
guide and interference engine:

http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=2256&location_id=3487

I think they should also add the oil seals (crank and cam seals).

The 2000 should have had the timing belt and pump among other things
replaced on the 6th year. So time-wise you're overdue (but 68K for a
Lexus pump still sucks). People should replace the water pump with
each timing belt and vise versa. It's the time and labor in getting to
these parts, not the cost of the parts.

These jobs should run about $600-800 for Toyota V6 (same 1MZFE). Don't
know if they'll charge you a Lexus premium, for the coffee you know.

Typical components replaced: (same parts the Toyota V6s use)
older rockauto.com prices

GATES TCK257 timing component kit $89.79 (incl two idler pulleys and
belt)
FEL-PRO TCS45890 crank seal $6.27
FEL-PRO TCS45889 cam seal set $8.55
GATES K060410 Alt/AC belt $13.09
GATES K040345 PS belt $8.61
ASCO/AISIN Part # 1610029085 water pump $61.79
Total ~$188 + shipping

If needed: FEL-PRO VS50471R valve cover set (with spark plug tube
seals) $30.79

Post by techtrainer
This is 2000 RX-300 FWD, 68,500 miles (lots of city driving)
During an oil change at Lexus dealer, they found Water Pump leaking.
1) water pump
2) T-Belt (not sure what this is .. is it timing belt ?)
3) Tensioner
4) Pulleys,
and
5) Drive Belts
I am waiting for them to tell me how much will this cost me. Any
ideas how much will this
cost me ? Ballpark ? I am in SF Bay Area. Thx

[techtrainer]

Hi ..

Thanks very much .. this gives me an idea on what to expect.

Post by j***@hotmail.com
So time-wise you're overdue (but 68K for a

Lexus pump still sucks). <<

Do you mean 68K is too less for water-pump leak ?
I want to add though .. this car is mainly used in city-driving (stop-
n-go) as a soccer-mom car.

Thx

[techtrainer]

You are both right ..
I got a quote for $1550 from dealer (Putnam Lexus here in Redwood
City)
breakup : $688 for parts & $852 for labor

I guess I need to shop around :(
Thx again

[tww1491]

Post by techtrainer
You are both right ..
I got a quote for $1550 from dealer (Putnam Lexus here in Redwood
City)
breakup : $688 for parts & $852 for labor
I guess I need to shop around :(
Thx again

You mght try a Toyota dealer since the Highlander is mechanically the same.

[j***@hotmail.com]

Did Lexus even maintain the cooling system for you every 2 years?

Actually the pump should last at least 2 timing belt changes, with
failures typically around 150K miles or so. Therefore 68K miles is
considered premature failure.

You may not know, but your Lexus RX is actually a modified Toyota
Camry (as with Highlander), with the 1MZFE V6 engine. Toyota may be
able to get you out with $600-800 parts + labor. They certainly don't
have problems doing it at that price for Camrys and Highlanders.

Of course, a $25 oil change turns into a $100 affair at Lexus. We can
understand. IMO BMW high specification LL01/04 oil change for $120
every 15,000 miles is a better deal. Really.

Post by techtrainer
Hi ..
Thanks very much .. this gives me an idea on what to expect.
You stated:>>So time-wise you're overdue (but 68K for a
Lexus pump still sucks). <<
Do you mean 68K is too less for water-pump leak ?
I want to add though .. this car is mainly used in city-driving (stop-
n-go) as a soccer-mom car.
Thx

[tww1491]

Post by techtrainer
This is 2000 RX-300 FWD, 68,500 miles (lots of city driving)
During an oil change at Lexus dealer, they found Water Pump leaking.
1) water pump
2) T-Belt (not sure what this is .. is it timing belt ?)
3) Tensioner
4) Pulleys,
and
5) Drive Belts
I am waiting for them to tell me how much will this cost me. Any
ideas how much will this
cost me ? Ballpark ? I am in SF Bay Area. Thx

Having owned a RX300 before, I'll bet the price is an inflated $1500 or so.
I doubt you will get away with less than $1,000.

[j***@hotmail.com]

Ray, a Toyota dude that checked around dealer service departments for
hard to fix problems and what not took his Lexus to Toyota (same
thing) for service. So dividing the $1500 price by 2 should get you
into the ball park, and indeed I mentioned $600-800.

Post by tww1491
Having owned a RX300 before, I'll bet the price is an inflated $1500 or so.
I doubt you will get away with less than $1,000.

[Ray O]

Post by j***@hotmail.com
Ray, a Toyota dude that checked around dealer service departments for
hard to fix problems and what not took his Lexus to Toyota (same
thing) for service. So dividing the $1500 price by 2 should get you
into the ball park, and indeed I mentioned $600-800.

I'm with johngdole on this one.