RainaES350

iTrader: (1)

Car has less than 28k on it but the pump took a dump,luckily I noticed the coolant leak after my wife drove it and we caught it in time before it got hot.

She never looks at her gauges (except the fuel) and since I know there's no low coolant warning light in these cars,I'm on it like a hawk.

Couldn't find the proper Toyota coolant so I topped off with distilled water and what fluid I was able to recapture from the drip pan.

Had it towed to my mechanic,he diagnosed the problem and $600 later,he'll button her all up and we should be back in the drivers seat tonight.

Counting my lucky stars...could have been much worse.

xanderES

iTrader: (8)

Unfortunately water pumps have the most variance in terms of premature failure in lexus vehicles. Though they are not the only auto manufacturer which this is common. Though 28k is probably one of the lowest I heard of. They're kind of a crap shoot.
I went 90K and mine was still fine.

RainaES350

iTrader: (1)

Car was pretty much used for stop and go driving in SF,it never had any freeway miles on it until we got it with just under 18k on it...might help to explain...those first 18k were hard miles in my estimation.

ElCunado

Mine is currently on the way out at 119K, so I guess I should be counting myself lucky.

Blueshark

yep, mine at 140k, i have the part ready at home in case it fails. In my case, i bought the AISIN water pump unstamp by lexus, way cheaper for the same quality.

ESh

Where you got that from?

Blueshark

ebay, simply make sure that it is AISIN. Regular auto parts online also carries it. AISIN is the manufacturer for lexus and toyota, they simply add the logo stamp afterward.

only as an example : http://www.ebay.com/itm/Engine-Water-Pump-New-Water-Pump-AISIN-WPT-803-/111619017543?fits=Make%3ALexus%7CModel%3AES350&hash=item19fd030b47&vxp=mtr
find it cheaper.

ESh

I found in Advance Aisin with all the gaskets for 144 and I thought it's cheap.

This one on ebay is really cheap. I have to take it because I just turned 60000.

swfla

iTrader: (1)

It's really great to see creative ideas for money savings on repairs. With an Ebay pump and an independent mechanic willing to install it, you could probably save another $200 below the Toyota price. Nice. Love Club Lexus.

Blueshark

I try to replace my ES parts with the most equivalent quality possible, with research, i try to find the manufacturer of toyota parts and it is quite easy: spark plugs, water pump, engine filter. I also buy it in bulk to save. My car has now 150k and running very smooth. I think i most have saved 40% since the beginning on maintenance. Oils and filters being the most saving by buying in bulk.

So research and shop wisely and you'll find that the ES is not expensive to maintain at all in regard with other brands.

mlacomb

Rockauto has that Aisin water pump for $83 with gasket... wow.

ESh

They are really cheap, and I am afraid if they are remanufactured.

Blueshark

I do remember another lexus thread that confirm than AISIN is the manufacturer of toyota and lexus. AISIN is a OEM manufacturer. The only thing i would buy from lexus is their gaskets since it is proven that OEM seal better.

Yes, rockauto is the online shop that i had in mind.