Hi Folks

I have a 2006 Rx400h. It has had all recalls performed. Took it in today to a independent tech (Lexus specialist). I trust the guy and have taken all my toyota and lexus vehicles to him. I was going to get the timing belt and waterpump service - car is around 105K. He just called me and said that the top of the radiator has a "crust" / minor leak which is only going to get worst and that I should replace the whole radiator now. I was pretty shocked to hear this. He quoted my $700 for radiator replacement alone. Can you guys share your experience with this type of repair? Is this covered by Lexus/Toyota and one of their recalls? Should I get this repair done now or save my money? Please help.

Thank you!!!

 

First, buy radiator from RockAuto.com for under '$100. This is for the Denso radiator. Than ask tech how much to install. There are no recalls or warranties at that mileage. My neighbor and I both have replaced these ourselves. Common issue on the RX Second generation.

 

Thanks appreciate it! That's the radiator I was going to buy, but he has essentially refused to install it saying he doesn't like to put after market parts on a Lexus as they are lower in quality. He wants me to buy an OEM lexus radiator. Maybe it's time to get a new tech.

 

Yup since the radiator I pulled out of my car was a denso, and I replaced with a Denso, he just wants to make a another payment on his vacation home.

 

It's about 1.5 hr job. I paid just under $400 to have an aftermarket one installed on my 01 LS430 a few years back. I could have saved even more if I knew about this forum back then.

 

While you're replacing your radiator, you might as well replace your radiator hoses. It'll save you from having to do it later, if you plan on keeping your car longer

 

Also check your fan motors. The brushes in mine were worn down to nothing.

 

How did you check fan motor brushes...did you have to take them apart?

 

Denso hosted the local SAE members to a tour at their radiator plant here in Battle Creek back in the late 1990's. It was an impressive manufacturing operation.

Their Human Resource manager (a PhD in Psychology or some such related thing) boasted of their "look at the ink splat and tell me what you see" type of screening job applicants. Most of us left shaking our heads, thankful that we did NOT work there.

He also boasted of how each of the "Team" was proud to work there - showing us the hats that each wore - all neatly on racks.

We wondered - if they were so proud, why were their hats hanging there on hooks - as opposed to home on their heads?

The Denso Rep was also proud, and we were suitably impressed, that virtually all of the manufacturing equipment was designed and built by Denso.

Ultimately, we all agreed that we'd buy their radiators and heater/Air Conditioning cores.

 

Let me guess, the leak/crust was forming on the passenger side end tank of the radiator. We bought our 07 Rx400h used with 80k miles. By the time we hit 100k miles, I noticed some dried coolant on the garage floor and started monitoring the coolant tank. When we took the car into our indy mechanic for the timing belt, he showed us the leak from the radiator. I bought a Denso radiator for $100 off eBay and had my indy install it the next day while he was doing the timing belt. $380 in labor for the timing belt, and CVT fluid change. The only thing left on the list of service is to change the spark plugs (which I'm dreading).

 

I ultimately took them apart but you need to pry the motor apart do that. The 10 MM brushes were worn down to 2 MM and were at an angle. Worse off was the shaft which had a deep groove in it.

For the first test, spin them by hand, I could hear the brushes clicking on the groves of the shaft. It was not normal. I was getting ready to drive 3000 miles from CA to FL and did not want to risk it. Or RX has spent most of its life in FL running the AC hard.