Just venting, no car/car maker is perfect, but I was not expecting a $1390 quote. Tech said he sees evidence of coolant leaking a little bit, and drive belt is 'sitting low'. Looks like sourcing the parts online will save me around 150, but still.

Anyone else have water pump/belt issues after 50k miles? Anyone have a pat on the back for me at least? Tell me it is going to be ok, lmao.

 

I could see how this could be a painful thing to hear. My recommendation would be to try a few Toyota dealers for the service cost. Should put a dent in the price if that was Lexus you had give you the $1390 quote.

Also I thought there was a service bulletin customer help or recall on the known water pump issues of that year GS350? A call to Lexus customer service to ask for help might aid in the cost maybe.

 

Sourcing the parts brings that done a tad. I can get the parts for 180, labor only from Lexus is 1080...

I'm calling Lexus support, but I did put my VIN in to check for recalls and didnt see anything.

 

Just called, there is a Customer Support program for Fuel Pump issues... SO close, haha

 

I picked up a 2016 GS350 with 49k miles last year and had to replace the water pump at 54k. It sucks but a known issue with this engine. I was quoted $1k including a new drive belt from a local Toyota/Lexus specialist. Luckily I bought from a Lexus dealer and the included Lifetime Powertrain warranty actually paid most of the bill.

 

That's helpful, at least I am not alone. Bought from a Toyota dealership, but had car 3 years or so, so no more warranty unfortunately.

I'll probably put off replacing for a little bit at least as it hasn't failed yet, only leaking, a little, unless it can cause more harm if I wait longer.

 

According the bulletin, some leakage is normal from the weephole. As I recall from the last thread on this, even if you qualified, most dealers would not replace unless it was an active leak. I got some leakage some years back. After cleaning it, it only happened one more time.

Just keep an eye out on the coolant level, unless what you have is an active leak.

 

I believe the challenging part we face is that our cars are aging. Even though your mileage are low I did notice you have a 2019. When it comes to maintenance its base on mileage and year depending on what comes first. If you are up for the challenge a lot of money can be saved by doing it yourself.

 

I'm sure it doesn't help that I barely drive these days. Had the car almost 3 years (3 in Sept) and only put 9k miles on it (wfh since covid). But while some things I try to do myself, replacing a water pump is not one of them. I have a trusted mechanic (he does my brakes/rotors) and he quoted 775. So I could save 250 or so going through him. But for that tight a margin, will probably have dealer do it for piece of mind and get a loaner/etc.

 

ha ha trust me I know your pain as I don't drive mine as much either. I still go through maintenance intervals such as two oil change per year minimum. I know overtime coolant can turn acidic and eat away at things also.

https://www.toyota.com/car-tips/change-engine-coolant/

 

I still think you should call a Toyota dealer and ask them the labor cost just too see. That same motor V6 platform is used in the Camry, and Tundra Trucks. The Camry should be more labor than the GS350 due to the FWD and side mounted engine harder to work on. I have a Toyota dealer near me do stuff for me sometimes and it sometimes is 40% less than Lexus cost give or take. I do ask that they only let a Toyota Master Tech work on my car only. Good Luck!

At least it's not a German car leaking fluid with a $37 seal kit part that cost $4k plus in labor to have fixed.

 

A grand sounds about correct for that type of repair. But I would shop around and look to get it done for $600by someone reputable. OEM part should be $200 and the rest goes to labor.

 

I stock up an Aisin (OEM to toyota) since last year and it's less than USD100. My car has about 140,000KM now. Prolly will get it changed once my mechanic finds time. Would need to remove a lot of things in front of the car to properly change it and prefer to do it that way.

 

You might not be aware that the water pump is actually supposed to weep a little as it has a weep hole for that very purpose. You'll likely see a little pink crusty coolant residue near it. Some people fall for mechanics telling them the water is leaking and it needs to be replaced when it is not necessary. Unless your water pump is truly leaking coolant on the ground underneath the car I suggest you don't replace it.


I hope this helps you!

 

For sure, lol. And good call, I may call a Toyota dealer, though the only one anywhere close to me is like the worst in my area (greater cincinnati area).
Lexuspartsnow has pump for 140 and belt for 38. My local mechanic did quote me at 760 for labor, if I wanted to go through him.
No clue if this will work, but just because, here is inspection vid from dealer: https://autoboost.sfo2.digitaloceans...68c02ee046.mp4
Leaking pump part is at 1:30, all the stuff before is for the main reason I was there. Twice in 2 months my tire was mysteriously flat, already been in once and they couldnt find anything wrong, when it was flat again last week I brought it in. Also I took my back brakes all the way down to 2mm and yes, I am getting those replaced right now from my mechanic.