lccubby101

Hi everyone,

I am new here and I had a 2004 RX330 about 133000K miles now, the car has always been at
the same dealership for maintenance/repairs since about 20K (was at another dealer for the first few
services). Last month (June), I found that there were some oil leaking dribbled down on
my garage floor so I asked the dealer to check earlier this month(July) on my 5K maintenance. The service adviser came back to tell me that the oil pan thread was leaking and was due to wear/tear.
I wasn't so sure. I read some posts here that the oil pan should not be a wear/tear item and
possible the last service guy (same dealer) screwed it up. I attached the image below. Any advise is really appreciated. Dealer quoted me $487 to replace.




Regards,
Hank

Rainbird

Was a new crush washer used on the oil change?

lccubby101

No, at least to my knowledge,

hypervish

It's possible the dealer cross-threaded the plug and wants you to pay for their mistake.

lccubby101

They told me that they did not want to touch it. Because the leak was there before I brought the car in this time. I suspected that something must have happened last time the car was serviced.

Rainbird

If all else fails here is a video to fix it yourself:

DOPEPICS

probably a crush washer

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

or try a slightly oversize drain plug?

lccubby101

Well, the dealer has gone quiet on me and I am now looking for an alternative way to fix it. That is it.
I will no longer go to this dealer for anything.

I am not a DIY guy so any recommendation for good independent mechanics shops in Fremont, CA area?

Any opinion on using after market (cheaper ) part vs Lexus/Toyota part? The car already have 134K miles

thomas1

Try to use Toyota parts as much as possible. By the way the Toyota dealerships are a good alternative. As for the drain plug, I would try the oversized, but since you are not a diy, maybe see if one of your friends can do it for you for a pack of beer.