Hello, I'm just in shocked that I took my RX350 for a oil change and they are telling me that the timimg cover is leaking and it will be $2700.00 to fix it. Never had a problem with this vehicle and just out of no where this just happened? Any advice?

 

Its a known problem and there's a tsib for it. They charge that because it requires dropping the front subframe, engine and trans to reseal. Call corporate and see if they can offer any help off of the labor. Ask for a quote from your local indy and Toyota. You could always try a bottle of Lucas oil stop leak, but of course it's best to fix it. These always leak in the same place and usually only just a little bit, but monitor it. Oil grades can help diminish it too, such as using 10w30 (thicker oil), and definitely start using "High Mileage Oil". Which has modifiers in it to help re soften hard and brittle seal material.
Best thing to do though is call corporate, ask for help, and prep for some other major service while the engine is dropped, water pump, spark plugs, etc.

 

My lexus dealer also recently told me I have front timing cover leak that needs to be resealed on my 2007 rx350. They also told me my brake fluid needs to be changed since it is dark and dirty also my PS fluid which they stated is dark and dirty. Both fluids were recently changed and are clean like new. I would try to get a second opinion before doing anything. My oil level has been the same and the motor does not use a drop of oil. As far the tsib i could not find one?

 

http://www.revbase.com/BBBMotor/TSb/...dPdf?id=137267

Very common. If you check on the forums, even the 3rd and 4th gen guys sometimes have the problem. It doesn't lose much oil, but it can worsen at any time and blow out the seal more as the oil is under pressure and very hot. The FIPG used, while failing is really tough stuff though so it takes time. Try High Milage oil. Over time, it will soften the seals and can even close them up.

 

Prior link may not be working, here's an attachment of the TSIB for timing cover leak, just in case.

 

has toyota lost its ability to have few oil leaks?
Is this one a design error?
expensive

 

Sorry but link still didnt open

 

Ok, apologies I'm having problems with my software looks like. Here's what you can do and this way you can see all your models TSIBs. Go to this website: www.revbase.com/bbbmotor
Enter your make, model and year. All the TSIBs will come up. For ours (mines also 07) click on "gasoline engines" 10 tsib will come up. Select timing cover leak, 2nd from the top.
For some reason the site does not like to be linked or saved and transmitted, but it is a safe site that lists all TSIB from many manufacturers and a great tool.

 

Thanks, Looks like This warranty is in effect for 72 months or 70,000 miles from date of first use. I have already called Lexus corporate for the oil cooler hose, which they refused to repair/reimburse even after speaking with a case manager supervisor for Lexus, so i doubt they will do anything for this. Look like i will have to keep an eye on the oil.

 

Exactly, design error. Happens frequently and always at the same place on bank 1 where the bottom end meets the head. There's a small indentation there where the FIPG isn't quite as thick as it should be and over time it can wear away. Every model (camry, rav4, highlander, es, on and on) that uses the 2gr-fe (transverse mounted version) can be affected. My advice is to run Mobil 1 or Valvoline High Mileage full synthetic 5w-30 oil. High Mileage version has modifiers that help soften and even swell the seals in the engine, and it does work. 2gr-fe has a few minor issues like this but be happy to have it as it is one of the best NA engines Toyota has ever made. Its been in production for over ten years and used in millions of vehicles. Lotus who concentrate on power to weight ratios and performance oriented machines use it in their Evora.

 

My mechanic told me the same time about the seepage 2 years ago and I've been using Mobil 1 5 or 10-30W high mileage oil since then. Seems to be working and I don't see any additional seepage or any oil drip anywhere. He told me not to worry about it and he will take care of it when it is time for spark plug replacements along with replacing the 3 rear ignition coils.

 

It can be resealed from the outside by cleaning the area and reapplying some fipg. Otherwise to remove timing cover, you have to first take off most all of the accessory drive pulleys and parts. I suspect mine was done that way as it does not leak and I can see other areas on mine and it's history that were cleverly taken care of by prior owners dealer. For example I can see that my headlamps were separated and resealed as the new gasket material is visible at top. Wish I lived closer to that dealership as there is no way in hell my current dealer would do that. They are very nice and clean, but only replace and charge.

 

Just got this diagnosis on my 07 with 174k. 19 years...gotta expect something. This thread helped me stomach the bill, as I do not DIY something like this. Thanks as always to the members here! Keep blogging, it helps.

 

Car Care Nut has a video discussing this issue.
Start around 20 minute mark.


HE mentions monitoring how much oil is lost over time.

My wife's 2013 HIghlander has this. Looks like a mess on the drive shaft, but barely any oil is missing when I check the level.

I will try the suggestion of 5-W-30 as I haven't done that yet.

 

Thanks, @Chapp ! I did find and watch this video. Mine is an 07 with 174k. Leaks never heal themselves, and at that age it isn't going to get better. They showed me pictures and at my last oil change it was dry and now it is soaked, likely due to the fact that I was gone for 4 weeks and it just sat there in the garage, but the dripping didn't reach the floor. Very reputable shop, so no spray bottle tricks here, and the advisor is working to apply some discounting since I am a regular. Your car is newer so maybe you can buy yourself some time, but these "hacks" like the oil thing are never permanent, notice the people from 9 years ago above never came back and updated the thread. Likely they bought other cars, and it became someone else's problem. It's coming out of my savings, so this hurts just as bad in 6 months as now. As CCN states at 38:00, I am debating the VVTi gears, but will let the tech decide.

I had a similar situation in my LS 2 years ago, it's a one-time and done, and a rite of passage for heading beyond 20 years and towards 300k. That's how I see it. These cars are proven and therefore worth it, beats spending more to try to find a high-mile replacement. If this was German or domestic, I would run. Car payments have not been in my vocabulary since 2018. Both big leak jobs will total $10k. If you break out $10k over the 96 months I haven't had a payment, it's $104/mo., to own 2 Lexus' that I totally love and run great. Full coverage insurance on both is $144/mo, so this job stings, but I am putting it in perspective.