LS430 Radiator Problem
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Joined: Dec 2017
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From: FL
LS430 Radiator Problem
Ladies and gentlemen,
I am rushing to warn you about checking your radiator condition on your precious Lexus flagmans. I recently discovered one unpleasant factor that contributed to damaging my radiator and leaking of coolant as a result.
It looks like the two rubber cushions that hold radiator in place are subject to high vibrations. These vibrations WILL cause your radiator to start leaking. The cushions are located on top of the radiator. If you notice radiator is moving forward and backwards if you apply slight hand force, then these cushions need either be torqued a little bit more or completely replaced. The structure of these cushions resemble the transmission mount but of course are of miniature size.
My radiator was moving in these directions like crazy. I was actually surprised that I didn’t notice it earlier.
in addition to that, there are two bottom mounts that also are subject to wear. Mines were good but I know that they may also cause vibrations.
I am rushing to warn you about checking your radiator condition on your precious Lexus flagmans. I recently discovered one unpleasant factor that contributed to damaging my radiator and leaking of coolant as a result.
It looks like the two rubber cushions that hold radiator in place are subject to high vibrations. These vibrations WILL cause your radiator to start leaking. The cushions are located on top of the radiator. If you notice radiator is moving forward and backwards if you apply slight hand force, then these cushions need either be torqued a little bit more or completely replaced. The structure of these cushions resemble the transmission mount but of course are of miniature size.
My radiator was moving in these directions like crazy. I was actually surprised that I didn’t notice it earlier.
in addition to that, there are two bottom mounts that also are subject to wear. Mines were good but I know that they may also cause vibrations.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Sep 2016
Posts: 8,564
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From: PA
Interesting, I changed my Maxima radiator at 220k, and I went out of my way to buy those lower bushings from a Nissan dealer (the bags were yellowed probably sitting 15+ years on a shelf)....friend said why'd you do that, mine were fine...and when I checked, they were fine....hopefully our rubber is just as good as Nissan's...being the suspicious type, could OPs car have been in an accident, maybe aftermarket parts were used? Just wondering...
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Driver School Candidate
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Great advice. I just replaced the radiator in my ‘03 with a NAPA Premium 2860 (made by Spectra). I did notice a tiny bit of play after torquing down the upper mounts. Because the upper brackets are metal you can take any play out of them by putting them in a vice and bending them down slightly.
Last edited by TheTiRider; Aug 21, 2018 at 09:24 AM.
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4300CC 32-VALVE DOHC EFI; LS430 (UCF30)1653574030 - SUPPORT, RADIATOR, LOWER. SUPPORT, RADIATOR, L
4300CC 32-VALVE DOHC EFI; LS430 (UCF30)My theory is that these brackets eventually cause radiator and overflow tank related problems which a lot of LS430 user experienced, including myself. Changing or tigthening them may ensure very tight connection to the frame of these sensitive to engine health parts.
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