Hey all, I got a few things to ask about my Lexus. I brought it in to Toyota because my window fell off it’s tracks and they claim the regulator is bent and are charging me 400 bucks for a new one. They also claim my Flex pipe has a hole in it and it will cost 500 to fix that, Toyota also says my valve gasket is leaking and are gonna charge 600 for that. Is there any way I can cheap out and do some of these things myself, any advice is greatly appreciated.

 

Have any experience doing auto repair? Either way dealer is the most expensive option and many will pile on questionable work.

 

Hello,

It all depends on how good you are with repairs, and how much free time do you have. If you have never done any repairs, it may be a good idea to find that same car at the junkyard, and try accessing window regulator and valve cover gaskets on that car, just to see how everything goes, since there is no way to make things worse on an already totaled vehicle, and you also get a replacement regulator, win win. Here you can find a detailed thread on how to replace your valve gaskets, and although I couldn't find a guide specifically on ES window regulators, the general idea should be similar to Lexus GS, video for which is linked below; other than that, here is a Parts Diagram, which also shows locations of all the fasteners in the car.


As for flex pipe, that depends on how badly it is damaged. There are two ways of repairing it - replacing the whole pipe with catalyst, or use a repair kit; in any case, it is not a job you would want to tackle with no experience and without any means of safely lifting the car pretty high. In this case, you best bet will probably be to find a local mechanic that you can trust, who will have tools and experience for that; dealership cannot repair just a section of a pipe, they have to replace the whole part, which also includes a not-so-cheap catalyst, hence the part of a reason for your price.

Hope this helps and best of luck!

 

1. The regulator is not a difficult job at all if you're mechanically inclined and have a helper with you. It can be done in an afternoon with basic hand tools and YouTube. Look for parts on RockAuto, preferably made by Aisin which is an OEM brand for Lexus/Toyota.

2. The valve covers is a common issue and can also be DIY'd but is very time consuming and tricky on a V6 engine. Best to be outsources to a local mechanic, but first get a second opinion of whether it is leaking or simply seeping a little bit. Small seepage is normal and nothing to worry about.

3. The flex pipe is a common failure. An exhaust shop should be able to cut it out and replace it for $100-200. Easy.

 

For reference, I paid $140 for the flex pipe joint to be replaced (welded) at an indy shop not known for low prices.

 

Flex pipe: Many independent muffler shops carry flex pipes. I had one replaced on my 2003 ES300 for $81.75. Works just fine.

Valve cover gaskets: Find an independent shop that's done these before. See if you can order parts online first and take them in for replacement. Had VC gaskets, spark plugs, and a whole bunch of top end parts replaced for a total of $359. Sometimes, valve covers can be snugged down just a bit to at least slow the leak down. Be careful to not overtighten and strip a bolt hole.

Regulator: +1 on what Arsenni said.

Good luck.