Notices
RX - 3rd Gen (2010-2015) Discussion topics related to the 2010 - 2015 RX350 and RX450H models

Waterpump Collateral: What else to change while I'm down there

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jan 11, 2025 | 04:34 PM
  #1  
twei's Avatar
twei
Thread Starter
10th Gear
 
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Default Waterpump Collateral: What else to change while I'm down there

Hi,

I'm planning to change the waterpump soon. I'm wondering what other things should I replace down there? Things I'm thinking about

- thermostat
- thermostat housing?

Any other tips for preventive maintenance? I'm not planning on changing any of the pulleys as I think they are still in good condition
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2025 | 06:26 PM
  #2  
carguy75's Avatar
carguy75
Instructor
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,048
Likes: 351
From: Atlanta, Georgia
Default

I would also change the thermostat and thermostat housing gasket with a new water pump.
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2025 | 04:51 AM
  #3  
Clutchless's Avatar
Clutchless
CL Community Team
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,150
Likes: 1,711
From: VA
Default

Replace the Serpentine belt and check out the automatic belt tensioner and idler pulleys, or consider replacing them at the same time. I think there are kits with all of those pieces.

This video shows a great way to bleed the cooling system of air.

This thread has links to a video tutorial on how to replace the water pump. It is a lot of work:https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ater-pump.html
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2025 | 06:29 AM
  #4  
carguy75's Avatar
carguy75
Instructor
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,048
Likes: 351
From: Atlanta, Georgia
Default

To bleed my RX350 of coolant system of air when I drained out the old coolant from the radiator recently I used the same type of funnel in the video, but just opened the bleeder port screw and then closed the port while the engine is warmed up to release any trapped air pockets with the climate setting turned to high and topped off the funnel until the bubbles stopped appearing in funnel and the coolant level became steady and hot air started to blow out of the AC vents.

The special type of bleeder/fill funnel used in the video tend to bleed air out the coolant system on its own without the extra step of connecting an hose from the bleeder port to the fill funnel. However, I did have an hose connected to the bleeder port that drained the coolant to a container when I opened it. You only need to open the bleeder to help release any trapped air pockets during the filling process if you notice no bubbles in the filling funnel or the heat is not working.

The Car Car Nut method is not necessary, but I assume it works.

Last edited by carguy75; Jan 12, 2025 at 06:33 AM.
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2025 | 03:34 PM
  #5  
twei's Avatar
twei
Thread Starter
10th Gear
 
Joined: Mar 2024
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by carguy75
I would also change the thermostat and thermostat housing gasket with a new water pump.
​​​@carguy75 Thank you for your response! I take it the thermostat housing itself doesn't need to be replaced?

Originally Posted by carguy75
To bleed my RX350 of coolant system of air when I drained out the old coolant from the radiator recently I used the same type of funnel in the video, but just opened the bleeder port screw and then closed the port while the engine is warmed up to release any trapped air pockets with the climate setting turned to high and topped off the funnel until the bubbles stopped appearing in funnel and the coolant level became steady and hot air started to blow out of the AC vents.

The special type of bleeder/fill funnel used in the video tend to bleed air out the coolant system on its own without the extra step of connecting an hose from the bleeder port to the fill funnel. However, I did have an hose connected to the bleeder port that drained the coolant to a container when I opened it. You only need to open the bleeder to help release any trapped air pockets during the filling process if you notice no bubbles in the filling funnel or the heat is not working.

The Car Car Nut method is not necessary, but I assume it works.
That's pretty interesting, thanks for the remark. This method does look a lot simpler to use.
Reply
Old Jan 12, 2025 | 09:03 PM
  #6  
carguy75's Avatar
carguy75
Instructor
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,048
Likes: 351
From: Atlanta, Georgia
Default

Originally Posted by twei
​​​@carguy75 Thank you for your response! I take it the thermostat housing itself doesn't need to be replaced?



That's pretty interesting, thanks for the remark. This method does look a lot simpler to use.
The housing do not need to replaced unless it is damaged.
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Ekul61
GS - 2nd Gen (1998-2005)
1
Oct 31, 2024 06:53 AM
nitroracer
Maintenance
0
Aug 13, 2024 02:57 PM
superstar555
GX - 2nd Gen (2010-2023)
9
Feb 19, 2024 09:24 AM
ZaxF
IS F (2008-2014)
4
Feb 8, 2015 10:06 AM
cro126
IS - 2nd Gen (2006-2013)
4
Feb 1, 2010 04:58 PM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 06:59 PM.

story-0
TRD Off-Road Premium: Best 2026 4Runner, Except This One Thing

Slideshow: diving into 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium's pricing, performance, fuel economy, features, and amenities!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-23 13:09:18


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Lexus & Toyotas to Drive Before You Die!

Slideshow: the 10 Lexus and Toyota vehicles you need to drive before you die.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-23 10:34:24


VIEW MORE
story-2
Top 10 Lexus/Toyotas With The LEAST 5-Year Depreciation

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus/Toyota models with the lowest 5-year depreciation rate.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 12:19:06


VIEW MORE
story-3
Lexus LC500 Convertible Auction: A Preview of Rising Values?

The LC hasn't even disappeared from the Lexus lineup yet, and we're already seeing signs of an explosive market.

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-06 09:25:02


VIEW MORE
story-4
GX 550 vs TX 550: Best 3-Row Luxury Lexus Family Hauler

Slideshow: comparing the pricings, specs, power, fuel economy, fun-factor, and features of the GX 550 Luxury+ and TX 550h+ Luxury.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-19 13:44:11


VIEW MORE
story-5
9 Best Lexus Models You Can Buy for Half Price (And 1 You Shouldn't!)

Slideshow: 9 best Lexus models you can buy for half price and 1 you should avoid

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-19 12:01:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
2026 Lexus NX Buyer's Guide: Models, Features, Prices & More!

Here's everything you need to know about the latest NX.

By Brett Foote | 2026-03-19 11:56:59


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Reasons to Buy a Lexus TX 550h+ (& 3 Reasons to AVOID!)

Slideshow: reviewing the 2026 Lexus TX 550h+ Luxury plug-in hybrid crossover SUV!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-05 19:04:47


VIEW MORE
story-8
Top 10 Lexus & Toyota Models of the 1990s RANKED!

Slideshow: Top 10 Lexus and Toyota model of the 1990s ranked.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-04 12:35:11


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Great Toyotas That Could Have Been Lexus Models

Slideshow: 10 Toyotas that could have been Lexus models.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-02-19 11:44:33


VIEW MORE