I will be having this looked at this Tuesday when I take my car in for the VVT-i actuator recall work. Currently I am just shy of 45,000 miles ('08 Gs350) and was wondering if I should have any concern until then?
I just purchased the car almost a week ago and the dealership does extend a 60-day warranty on the car regarding powertrain. If the water pump is an issue I will be taking it to them to replace since it's covered, but I was wondering if the replacement calls for a redesigned pump as in - are the belts different, actual pump better than the one that was manufactured for the car originally?

Thanks

 

2008 GS 460 owned since 20K. Had seepage from mine around 40K. Replaced at the same time as the valve spring recall, about 50K miles, under warranty. At 110K now, just replaced the coolant and it still looks good.

 

My water pump was leaking when I bought my '08 GS460 a month ago, at only 16,xxx miles Dealer replaced it before buying the car though. Still a little odd.

 

I took my car to the dealer this morning for the vvt-i recall and asked the service manager to check on the water pump for any leaks. Hopefully there's nothing otherwise I'm taking it back to the dealer I bought it from to have them change it. I'll update when I pick up my car.

Anyone know if the replacement pump is a redesigned piece? Or just the same pump with better gaskets/ seals? Thanks!

 

Mine was replaced at 28,818, currently at 75,800. No leaks from what I can tell.

 

The car sat barely driven for 6 years. The seals dry up if the car isnt used normally, because a moving engine lubricates everything and keeps seals from dry rotting

 

And that's what I was thinking as well, however we've had other cars in the family sit for far longer/with less miles without any issues. Crappy seals in the pump. No issues with the new one after 1,000 miles

 

This I why I get the extended warranty...and sell the car before it goes out...none of these car now days are meant to last and then they want $1000 to replace a $10 part...this is getting out of hand...8yrs...120k

 

Just changed my water pump at 121k.... Glad it didn't go out on the freeway!

 

That's great! first time? What prompted the need? Leak?

QUOTE=Tom@SonicMS;8528979]Just changed my water pump at 121k.... Glad it didn't go out on the freeway![/QUOTE]

 

For anyone who can help. I have an 08 ES 350. Bought it with full service warranty and maintained properly throughout the years. Has 120K. I have NEVER had any issues. My story....while driving on the Parkway @ 65 mph, my VSC (?) check engine light comes on and my car shuts down at 65 mph!!!! Power steering out, brakes hard to use etc...I struggle to get the car to the side of the road. I call for assistance, car overheats. Get coolant in engine and 2 hrs later, drive home without incident. I drive on back roads at 25 mph with frequent stops to ensure nothing goes wrong. It doesn't. Over the next few days, the car is running fine. Coolant ok. Go to Lexus and they say waterpump is going and I will need to replace it. It will cost ~ 1000K. I decide to wait and drive my other car until I can affort to pay for service. A few months later, I take car to lexus and have water pump replaced. Over the last 3 months, everything is great. Car running perfectly. Then on Wednesday night, the VSC (?) light comes on again. I call Lexus immediately and they tell me to bring the car in for check-up. After the call, the light goes off and the car continues to run great. The next morning, the light is still OFF. I drive to Lexus without incident. Everything seems good until I get the call that the engine is totaled. I need an new engine to the tune of $12,700. They tell me the problem was that the enging blew months ago and I should have replaced the water pump then. I informed them that I did not drive the car during that period and that there have been no issues with coolant loss or performance issues of any kind. I also asked them why, if the engine was gone, they would change the water pump 3 months ago for ~$1000K??? Now they are telling me the enging issue preceeded the water pump replacement????

 

If thus is the result they're telling you, I would either find another Lexus dealer for another diagnostic, or even a reputable independent mechanic to diagnose the issue. First I would contact Lexus Corporate and explain the situation to them because if the engine was totaled (I'm not a mechanic of any sort) I would assume it to have a noticeable difference between driving and performance day to day. You didn't do the car justice by continuing to drive it after the highway instance you experienced especially since it overheated -- that's a big red flag right there. The dealer SHOULD HAVE noticed the engine was in need of replacement before charging you $1,000 to replace the water pump since they would of had to run diagnostics on the car after replacing the part.
1) Call corporate to complain and explain the issue
2) get a second opinion

Good luck!

 

[/QUOTE]

Yep, my parent's shop looked at my car and noticed dry coolant a bit under the water pump. It was the first time I got it changed.

 

Thanks for taking the time to reply steve. I will contact Lexus Corporate and explain. See what happens.

 

Good luck. Interested to see it turns out.