Javmo

Can anyone confirm torque for timing cover bolts for 2011 RX350? I found one site that stated 53 inch pounds but didn't specify year. Just want to be certain. Also would apprecite sequence.

RX in NC

Are you dealing with the infamous timing cover oil leak?

Mesquite77

I would get the SM for your year, my 2008 specifies 3 different torques for the at least 3 different sized bolts used, and none say 53...

Javmo

Yes I am, just wondering if I re torque them that maybe if I am lucky it wii resolve issue.

RX in NC

Worth a try. Just snug them up -- you do not want to over-tighten them and make matters worse.

Keep us posted on whether that works for you.

carguy75

15ft/lbs and 32ft/fbs for the 2015 model based on the service manual I have. I assume it the same spec from 2010-2015. I also assume that the tightening sequence is the same as well.

salimshah

Clean surface [soft brush] around the leak, go 2" above. Degrease, wait few hours, degrease and apply high temp RTV along the seam, While RTV is soft torque the bolt.

I wish you luck in this endeavor. Normally re-torquing is not recommended. Proper way is to loosen/remove and then torque. We already know that to properly seal, the cover has to come off. Keep us informed as to what you did and did it help you out ...past level of leak ... right after repair level of leak ... 6 months down the road.

Salim

Javmo

Thanks to all for the information, Based on the replies , looks like I have to think on how I want to approach this.

carguy75

Oh man. This a major repair job. It is an engine out or sub-frame drop repair due to not having any real space to work. You may be able to squeeze the timing cover out with the engine in place, but it will darn near be impossible to properly reinstall the timing cover with RTV in place since it will most likely will hit other objects and smear the RTV so that it will just leak again soon after you button everything up.

I have worked out a plan to just drop my engine and sub-frame to"hopefully" have enough room to work. I am also considering pulling the front bumper/support braces including the radiator/condenser to pull the engine/sub-frame from the front of the RX with a large lift cart and then work that way as well. I refuse to pay $4k-5k to my local dealership to have them do the work. I would just pay about $300-$500 for the lift cart and pull the engine/sub-frame out myself. Good quality RTV only cost about $20 max.

Here is the lift dolly I would use.

RX in NC

You may be able to rent a cart like that at a decently-stocked equipment & tool rental center. That would be a lot cheaper than purchasing one.

I am firmly in the camp of NOT going to the time, trouble, and expense required to fix this infamous timing cover leak. If it ever shows up on my wife's 2015 RX350 FWD (now approaching 99,000 miles), I will simply monitor it and clean the area every 5,000 miles when I do a tire rotation.

Clutchless

This video from the Car Care Nut showing him replacing the timing cover may be helpful.

This tip was among the comments on youtube:
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PRO TIP- IF the leak develops under the bottom square access cover plate for the (timing chain tensioner) just above the water pump (plate has the 4 bolts going through it at 9:32 ). This is the most common leak occurrence area per the recall instructions. Then all you need to do is pull that metal plate off and back seal the mating surfaces with Threebond tb1207b gasket maker. Make sure to clean inside the timing cover and around the old gasket squeeze out inside really good, making sure to remove all of the oil residue before applying the threebond. I used 99% isopropanol alcohol and cleaned for about 20 minutes. This may fix the leak and save you over $2000. It did for me! Goodluck!
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Mesquite77

You can drop subframe with 3 or 4 jacks down to 2 car dollies. I.e., raise car and support on big jackstands, support subframe with jacks, remove bolts, lower subframe down to the low profile car dollies, the curve in the subframe fit right on them, slide out the wheel well.

See: https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ve-spring.html

carguy75

Renting is a good idea. I would just purchase the cart since I have other cars that may need an repair like that in the future. It seems that many modern cars tend to have timing cover leaks. Most engines with timing cover leaks unlike Toyota engines cannot be ignored as they are more than weeping.

salimshah

The torque sequencing for large surfaces if not specified should be done as follows:

Start in the middle and evenly move outwards. This ensures that squeeze out happens evenly and is not trapped/wrnkled/bulged in the middle.

Salim