jnew911

At least I think it is called the coolant bypass hose. So, I just replaced the water pump on my 2008 lexus RX350 with 208k miles. The water pump started making a lot of noise. Knocking noise when the vehicle was put in gear and chirping noise when the AC was on. The water pump replacement was not for the faint of heart. Very limited space made it a very tough job. Noises all gone now but I have a coolant leak.
When I took the coolant bypass hose off, I definitely tore it up some. I knew I should replace the hose but the location of the hose and the difficulty of even getting the clamp on and off lead to me just putting it all back together and praying it didn't leak. Well, it is leaking and now I am trying to find out how to replace this coolant bypass hose. I will probably just start taking off parts until I can hopefully reach the top of the hose and then cut off the damaged section. I haven't been able to find anything on the web or this forum about anyone accessing or replacing this hose. If anyone out there has replaced this hose I would love to know what all you had to take off to get to it.
I have attached a pic and #14 is the hose I am talking about. They call it a water bypass hose. It is behind the thermostat housing and sticking out from under the intake manifold on top passenger side of the engine.

tmay12000

I have this exact problem, any advice on getting to the lower clamp?

Mesquite77

Wow, I haven't done it with engine in the car (a different story), but looking at the pic of the front of the engine, I think y'all would have a chance if you can remove the right side engine mount.

Ssijosh

I just had my water pump replaced ( didn’t tackle that myself) and interesting I too ended up with a leak at the same place . For me it was just an o ring . It was a ***** to get at though! A lot of manipulation of room to work with etc. 4 hours in and out to replace a 50 cent o ring . I recommend pressure testing the coolant system before putting it all back together. You want that ring to be tight but also sit a bit proud.

Ssijosh

ratcheting wrenches helped . I remember wishing I had smaller hands lol .

HobieMarty

I am having a similar issue but mine seems to be leaking at both ends of the pipe that is #17 in that diagram, or at least I think that is what it is. Does anyone have any information on how to get to this pipe? I have already removed the upper intake, need to remove the lower intake but don't really know how to do it yet. Fuel rails, injectors, never messed with that stuff before.