Hello, I'm hoping someone here can answer a question concerning the vvti oil lines. My lines have been replaced at the dealer but after 15k miles I have a small leak. It appears to be coming from the lower mounting bolt. ( I've seen them called Bajo bolts elsewhere) My question is this. I believe there are O-rings on this bolt but I can't find definitive part #s for them. Can someone steer me in the right direction? I believe my leak is from the bolt head gaskets. I have those on order but it seems silly to not change the O-ring while the bolt is out. Another question I have is how much oil should I expect to be coming out of engine when bolt is removed. I plan on doing an oil change at he same time. how much more should I expect to come from the block? If there are threads here discussing this issue my apology's but I haven't been able to find it.
Any info will be greatly appreciated.

 

Banjo bolts have a hole in the middle and there are two copper (typical crush material) washers that are placed on each end of the pipe. These are service items and should be replaced every time when ever the pipe is detached.

If the leak happened within a year of repairs at dealership, they should fix the leak for free under repair warranty. They might at their discretion do it for free, if you ask politely.

If you are a DIY person and have a torque wrench and spec just purchase the banjo washers (qty 2) from Lexus parts. If avid DIYer without torque wrench and specs just snug and go 1/4-1/2 turn beyond [don't go ape on it].

I would not suggest over the counter [unless you go to a diesel shop for parts] as there are few things to consider in selecting the right banjo washers. Material, thickness, inner-dial and outer-dial are all that need to be considered.

I would clean the area [brake cleaner] and check for source of leak. Banjo- washer replacement is the easiest [and most likely] repair.

Salim
PS; the brake cleaner is flammable so do it on cold engine and no flame

 

Salim, thank you for the reply. Its wonderful to have a knowledgeable 2nd opinion. I've been an industrial mechanic now electrical engineer for 30+yrs. I know enough to get myself in trouble on just about anything but, I also know the value of sage advice and prefer to find my mistakes before I make them. Definitely a DIYer. Kind of draw the line at internal engine issues. I haven't been inside an engine in many years. I do have access to a lift though so anything's possible. I will clean the area better as you suggested. (The gasket above the bolt has me a little concerned.) My new gaskets should be here mid week. Amazon says they are not match for vehicle. I'm hoping they are incorrect.
Toyota Part #s 90430-16016
90430-16017
Repair was done in 2020 at 75k miles. It just hit 100k today. As I bought it used at a BMW dealer I don't expect the Lexus dealer to do much. I did reach out and left a voice mail with the warranty dept. They did not reply.

Just so I'm clear, do you feel its fine to remove bolt and replace outside washers without replacing inside O-rings/bolt? I don't want to be back in there again in six months. I have no idea how vital/fragile the O-rings are.
Do you know if the O-rings come along with the bolt if replaced?

P.S. Great advice on the brake cleaner flammability issue!

 

Previous person in there probably re-used the aluminum crush washer. You only need one as it's a combined washer for easy installation. No o-rings inside. Size of hole is M16 and not a lot of oil came out for me. Just a few drops

I used this for the top and bottom (bought two total): 90430-16016

 

Matt is right, there are no o-rings, just the two washers.

 

Thank you all for your responses. I saw the O-rings referred to on a video I watched but was never sure if vid was the correct fit for my vehicle. I guess that explains why I couldn't find part info. I hope to make this repair next weekend. I will update once completed.