I have a 2013 Lexus RX 350 with 96000 miles on it. Dealer today told me to get water pump and serpentine belt replaced. His mechanic said "Water pump bearing is loose. This is a sign that water pump is starting to fail". They recommended to get it replaced soon (now or within 1 month) as it may cause damage.
I do not hear any noise yet or no coolant leak or no engine overheating so far. In fact I did not notice if there is any problem with the car. I am wondering if I need to get it replaced now or can I wait for another 4-6 months. What do you suggest? Should I wait until I hear some noise? Do water pump fail slowly or do they just give up?

Dealer has quoted 1100$ for water pump, serpentine belt and labor. How much an Independent mechanic will charge for it? I generally get all repairs done by Dealer so I have no idea. Parts I guess will cost the same but there will be difference in labor cost.

 

Have you listened to the water pump through a mechanic's stethoscope? If it is not leaking that would be my first step.

Find an established and trusted local Toyota/Lexus independent shop if you cannot do the job yourself. That dealership is going after your wallet.

 

X2^^^^^ As above, a stethoscope or a long screwdriver to hear any weird grinding kinda noise.....As well as finding a few indy's to hear what they say......btw, if it is a w/p failing, I'd replace it.....

 

If you are anywhere near Eden Prairie go to Car Spec as they are independent Toyota and Lexus specialists and they post great info online in their blog.

http://carspecmn.com/

CARspec – An Independent Toyota, Lexus and Scion Maintenance and Repair Shop in Eden Prairie
Call (952)426-4798 to make an appointment today!

 

Thank you. I have been getting RX 350 serviced from this center for last 4 years but they never recommended any service other than regular oil changes. Once they said there is seepage from cover gasket but does not need replacement right away. Told me to keep an eye on oil leaks. I went today to get coolant flushed and that's when they checked water pump I guess.

I do not see coolant leak on garage floor but I did notice that coolant overflow reservoir has lesser coolant than it used to have. It is almost below min level. I remember that it was topped up to mid level in last service. Would that be a sign that coolant leaked or water pump is bad? There is also some sweet smell in the garage when I bring my car to park but disappears soon.

By the way I called another Lexus dealer in my city and they quoted 550$ for water pump replacement. This is almost half of what my dealer quoted. I am thinking of getting it replaced from the other dealer. Coolant is already flushed today so I think they do not need to change coolant. Just top off if they lose some while replacing water pump.

Is there anything other than serpentine belt which I should get replaced with water pump? As I am paying for the labor already, I think it will be good to get certain things replaced with it as cost will be of parts only.

 

Thank you. I will call them and check with them. Eden prairie is just 18 miles from my home.

 

I called them. They will charge 820$ plus tax for water pump replacement. Belt additional 50$. They are booked 2 weeks out so can't do anything till Jan mid.
I wonder why one of the other Lexus dealer quoted me 550$ for this job. That sounds too good to be true.

 

$550.for swapping out the w/p, at that price & from a dealer, wow......

 

Called them back. He misquoted. 550$ was for GX. For RX it is 1200$.

 

Thats great & you mentioned their near you......I'd also get the persons name as well...which my wife always mentions to me, LOL. I'd also get there early & you should be able to get a loaner as well......

 

He misquoted. For RX it is 1200$.

 

Yea, I kinda thought somethings up w/ a dealer stating that kind of price....I'd start shopping around for indy shops that work on Toyota/Lexus's....I'd say most of them do.....Possibly ask about swapping the plugs out as well to maybe get a better price to do both jobs, as more then likely you'll need the plugs done later, I'd add the bank one coils as well.....

 

Thanks. I checked with CarSpec and they will charge 820$ for water pump replacement. Reviews are pretty good online so I am thinking of getting them done there. Dealer is asking for 300$ more. 50$ for serpentine belt at carspec (dealer asks 90$ for this part), 120$ for transmission fluid drain and fill (dealer asks 260$ for this). 1000$ at Car spec for these 3 where as dealer is asking 1460 for the same. One think I liked about carSpec is that they use genuine Toyota parts.

I will check with them about spark plugs. Would we save any labor if we get water pump and spark plug done at same time? Spark plug is recommended to be changed at 120k and I will hit that in 2 years. If we can save on labor, then I can get them now itself otherwise after two years.

 

There are no savings doing the spark plugs now with your water pump as they are in different areas of the motor. Just save your money and do them in 2 years at the recommended mileage.
However, there may be some belt idler pulleys that could be replaced along with the serpentine belt as these tend to go bad at higher mileage.

 

Thank you.

What do you suggest for transmission fluid drain and fill? It has never been done for this car and it is at 96000 miles. Should I get it done?
carspec is asking 120$ for it but said I need to leave car overnight for this.
lexus manual or maintenance schedule do not have anything listed for transmission fluid.