I’ve got a 2017 RX350 with about 106k miles that has a water pump rattling. What is a reasonable price to pay for OEM parts + labor? I’m located in south Texas if that helps. I’ve seen estimates anywhere from 1k to 3k.

Also, should the repair shop be replacing all the coolant when the old water pump is replaced or do they just save and refill the old coolant? I had a coolant drain and fill at 50k.

Any advice about pricing from someone recently in this situation would be great due to the recent rise in labor and parts prices.

 

I had it done 2 years ago on my Sienna that has a similar engine. It cost $1100 at an independent repair shop that used a NAPA water pump. I would estimate a fair current price of under $1500..

They did replace the coolant and that should be done on your RX, especially since it is 9 years into its 10 year life. Almost every shop will recommend replacing the old coolant at this time.
They also replaced the serpentine belt. With your mileage you may also want to have the belt tensioner and idler pulleys replaced if they are suspect.

However, Prices vary a lot around the country and from shop to shop. You need to call around. This engine or a varient of it has been used on millions of Toyota and Lexus vehicles since 2009 and almost every shop has replaced the water pump on it. I would used Google and Yelp to find a reputable local repair shop. Stay away from the dealer.

 

Although the previous generation, I replaced myself the waterpump on our 2015 RX only 6 months ago. Priced it with new coolant and OEM pump (updated OEM design): $1500. What bugged me about the estimate was the mechanic said it would be a 2-3 day job...perhaps that was due to an estimated day to get the part as I'm sure they don't carry waterpumps for our specific vehicle all the time.

I watched car care nut's video on this and decided it was worth me doing myself and glad I did because I discovered the idler pulley needed replacing too, so got a two-fer out of the work.

If you do yourself, you should be able to get the pump for around $300. I would use new coolant...in the big scheme of things, not worth putting old coolant, even if you think it is good, back in with a new pump. It is a very doable job if you take your time and are careful about all the bolts that hold that pump in (it's a lot and all require a mix of torques).

We have a 2019, so same generation as you and I would do it on that one, if needed, no question, myself.

Bleeding the coolant is very easy on the 4th gen (nonhybrid); easier than on the 3rd gen.