Wife brought the 2008 RX 400h (180K KMs) in yesterday and got a bit of a shock.

Under-body Spare Tire Carrier is corroded (cable?)

Estimate: $950 installed

but repair might also find

May need speed sensor $355
May need Hub and Bearing $270

Seems like an awful amount for a problem we didn't know we had.

Google just told me there is a re-call + class action lawsuit for:
Toyota is recalling 370,000 Sienna minivans from the 2004 to 2011 model years that are registered or originally sold in cold-weather states. The problem is that the spare tire carrier assembly cable can be splashed by water contaminated with road salt and cause corrosion. There is a splashguard in place to prevent this, but it sometimes gets lost in "normal usage," according to the company. If the cable does break, then "the spare tire may separate from the vehicle."

Anyone else experience this repair? Didn't find any in forum searches.

 

The spare tire carrier with cable is only $187 from Sewell Lexus online.
http://lexus.sewellparts.com/oem-cat...400h-2008.html
cheaper if you register with them that you are on this site....

 

It is only $187 from Sewell Lexus online for the spare tire carrier. Cheaper if you register with them that you are on this site.
http://lexus.sewellparts.com/oem-cat...400h-2008.html

 

Thanks Thomas1!

From the diagram, it looks like only 6 bolts to replace... anyone here ever do this themselves?

Can it be DIY?

 

I rotated my spare today and it looks very easy to DIY this. The only risk is the studs break off due to the rust. You may want to soak them in spray oil for a few days before try to remove them. They are 10 mm bolt heads so it is pretty easy to break off the stud.

I plan to spray my carrier and cable with grease. We are going to drive in salt this winter.