Hi all,
my daughters 2004 RX330 has a leaky radiator. The radiator is an aftermarket one. There is a bleeder valve on the top passenger side which is where it’s leaking from. I’ve never seen this and I’m at loss as to why it would be leaking from that spot.
Does anyone have any thoughts?

 

Depending on which aftermarket radiator its not uncommon to have isues. You didn't mention how many miles on it. I've heard of cheaper aftermarket radiators failing within 50K miles. Go with a Koyorad (got mine from Rock Auto) installation is easy

 

this one has just over 50k miles.

 

time to replace it

 

That bleed valve is not crucial. Clean it and see if it seals. If not, braze it over and re-evaluate. Way easier than replacing if it’s otherwise working.

If you do replace it, note there are two different radiators for this car (at least there is for 2005). Aluminum ended ones for Japan built, and plastic tanks for Canada built, IIRC.

 

The fully aluminum radiators are for tow package equipped models whether the vin starts with 2 or J. Granted, all Japan built models could be all aluminum but I wouldn't know because both of mine are Candian built. I'll have to do more learning!

OP, this is the one I intend to order as I have the tow package. Yours has aluminum tanks as well so hopefully this is what you'd need. Just spend a minute researching!


And here's an extra 5% off.
311556624239825570

https://www.lexus.com/My-Lexus/account/vehicle-specs
If you go to this link, you can create an account and see your options. TO is "Tow Option".

 

That could be true, and it makes more logical sense.

I was told one variable was Japan vs. Canada, but that source could have been wrong; I have not looked at enough of these in person to divine the truth myself!

 

I went w/ the aluminum denso on Rock Auto. Not that much more. Car made in Japan.

There are some you tube videos that make it easier. The bottom brackets will possibly be rusted stuck.