bhaubold

Hello,

Have an 09 ES350 with 52000 miles. Have changed the oil every 4000 miles. All has been well until today. I was changing the oil and noticed oil on the power steering pump. I first thought it was the pump. After reading here about oil leaks, it seems it could be a timing cover leak.

I've only read about leaks on 07 models so far. Going to take it to the dealer this Thursday. With 52000 miles, I'm not expecting much help from them, but I'll give it a try.

Not really ready to pull the engine to fix a timing cover leak, and certainly not willing to pay for the work. Car is only three and a half years old. Worst case, it will get traded in and will be the problem of someone else. Could be my first and only Lexus. We'll see.

Any help or comments you may have will greatly be appreciated.

oldgrump

I wouldn't panic. Leaks do happen and they can occur at any time/mileage. Let the dealer have a look at it. Was the variable valve timing oil pressure tube TB previously accomplished? Power steering fluid will be red in color and has it's own specific odor.

bhaubold

I just got back in from looking at the car again. Jacked it up, passenger side wheel off, inspection panel off. Upon a second look, it appears to be grease. Almost is if the CV joint was spewing grease. The thing is: the CV joint is clean and dry. No signs of it spewing anything. I cancelled the dealer for now. I cleaned the area up and will keep an eye on things.

Thanks for any replys you have.

retired

I suggest that you have the dealer look at it...It might be covered by the power train warranty and the dealer should look at it FOC...It also might be the oil cooler line which is near the power steering pump.If it turns out to be a problem and the dealer will not fix it FOC, then you can contact Lexus Corp...Hope this helps...........Also, you might want to start changing the oil at the recommended 5,000 miles instead of 4,000 miles..It is just a waste of money...

NJLEXES

I had a 2007 that developed the cover leak around 52k miles also.
There of course was a TSB on it and it was totally covered.....but it believe it would have been covered under 70k powertrain warranty anyway.

One other thing.....if it does turn out to be "that leak", if you are considering keeping the car a while longer you should have them do the water pump at that time also. The engine will already be moved and accessible to do that job. It would save you a good chunk of change ...absolutely.

Good luck

bhaubold

Thanks for the reply,

I didn't realize that the power train had the 70K coverage. So if it is the timing cover leak I'll feel better about the repair. Will have the water pump replaced if it goes that way.

lamikela1

I just had a timing cover leak on my '08 and it was all repaired under warranty. They don't need to pull the engine and after 2 attempts they finally got it corrected. Didn't cost me a penny and I got to drive a brand new IS250 the whole time it was at the dealer. BTW I have about 44,000 miles on mine.

raviola4

I have an 07 ES350, still under CPO warranty till October and yes, i've had oil leaks myself. Note, that's plural. Plus antifreeze leak, plus water pump leak, plus numerous rattles, squeaks, etc. The car runs great overall, but too many annoying problems i hadn't seen in any vehicle in past 20+ years. Luckily the majority have been under the CPO warranty, but it's the inconvenience of having to take it into the dealership yada yada.
Will we keep it once the CPO runs out? Good question, since slightest problems in a Lexus cost and arm and a leg. I knew that when we bought it, however, i thought we were buying a luxury quality vehicle. After 32 months still have my doubts about that.
I know there are lemons in any vehicle line/make etc. Guess we're just the unlucky ones.