I have a 2006 RX 330 with 108,000 miles. The radiator is leaking at the top passenger side. I have the 100,000 mile lexus warranty that just ran up. I brought it to the dealer because I have had 5 Lexus autos and never had this problem.

The dealer wants almost $1,000 to do it. I found a radiator shop that will do it for $400 but they say the entire radiator is Aluminum.
The other radiator shop said about $440 and it has plastic tanks.

Can I do it myself?

What do you suggest I do?????

Tom

 

That sucks man...i have an 05 and just had my radiator replaced a few weeks ago with the same problem. I dont know if it is an easy DIY project but I would definately stick with aluminum since thats what our OEM is. Hope you have the best of luck if you do decide to do it yourself.

 

I was just about to recommend you to DIY until I looked at the cost of a new radiator from AutoZone, $377 with out the towing package & $392 with. $400 doesn't seem so bad to have someone do it.
If you can find a radiator for about $200, my suggestion, DIY if you have some basic metric wrenches/sockets. You'll only need new coolant, unless it was recently replaced (make sure it's compatible with our cars) distilled water & a new radiator. Your hoses should still be good. I've replaced radiators in a 3 cars and it was pretty easy. I can't imagine the RX would be any more difficult. It took about 3 hours each time I did it with taking my time. There seems to be a good amount of room to work in the engine compartment too. I would get a Haynes manual so you can locate the screws that hold the radiator (Probably 3 or 4 of them) and the drain plug for the coolant. Basically, drain coolant, remove hoses, remove radiator, install radiator, reattach hoses, refill with coolant with the car running and heat at full blast. There may be a sensor on the radiator too. I'm may be missing something but it's pretty basic. The $25 Haynes manual is definitely worth it. I would rate this DIY slightly more complex than doing your brakes.
I can check my Haynes manual this weekend to see if there are any gotchas if you'd like. I don't think we need to bleed these cooling systems of air but can check that too.

 

Have you considered non OEM radiators? They are cheaper for sure and do the same thing. While it's always nice buying OEM parts because it provides peace of mind and exact fit, it's not always the most affordable.

Call around and get prices. As of recently, I've seen more vendors pushing the "Mishimoto" radiators. I'm not sure if they make one for your car but it doesn't hurt to check.

If it's $400 for everything (aluminum radiator, materials, labor) then it might be better to have that shop do it. If it's anything more then hello to DIY. Like mentioned above it's not hard to do, pretty straight forward once you seen what connects where.

 

if you are going to do it yourself i would investigate if the condenser has to be pulled, more than likely it doesnt, but if it does then you will have to get a shop to do it for you.

 

I just checked the repair manual. No need to remove the condenser on 04 & later models. You do need to disconnect the transaxle oil cooler lines but not very much fluid should escape. You would just want to check the level if you feel too much was lost. You will also need to remove the shroud fan, no biggie.

 

I was told that on a 2006 that the air conditioning condesor has to be taken off and so I need to recharge the air conditioner. Has anyony heard whether thats true?

I really appreciate everyones suggestions. Times are tough and i am trying to do it for the least i can.

Tom

 

If the Haynes manual is correct, you wouldn't need to remove the AC condenser.

 

Let a shop do it, at least you have warranty.

But I would suggest further negotiations with the dealer. They should give you a break. You paid a lot for the extended warranty. Did you have a lot of claims? If not, they should do it for you, goodwill.

 

What did you end up doing? Did Lexus Corporate help you out?