AC Leaking passenger side. (1 Viewer)

[helikiwi]

Hey guys, new 2006 GX470 owner here. I noticed my left and right side carpets were damp. I patted them with a towel, as I thought maybe the windows were left open. I installed weather tech floor mats, and noticed water collecting on the passenger side. I pulled off the glove box and was running the AC. The drain tube from the firewall to the behind the middle ac console, was not dripping with ac running, and when driving and turning, there was a sound of sloshing water.

I pulled off the black drain tube that exits the right side firewall, and about 3 cups of water came gushing out. I reconnected it and ran the AC again, and saw the water water continuing to drip from the blow motor, and exiting by a little hole next to the connector plug. Any idea whats wrong? I saw write ups about an AC drain clog, and having to remove the filter element? Can't find it.

**Please help, my wife is going to kill me as I am spending a lot of time, trying to fix this leak. LOL.

 

[helikiwi]

Disassemble

• helikiwi
• Aug 28, 2018

2

• helikiwi
• Aug 28, 2018

drain tube

• helikiwi
• Aug 28, 2018

Drain tube, I pulled off and water gushed out.

firewall exit

• helikiwi
• Aug 28, 2018

Drain tube, I pulled off and water gushed out.

Drip

• helikiwi
• Aug 28, 2018

Dripping from here.

Is there supposed to be a seal on the motor, where it mounts in the white part under the dash??

• helikiwi
• Aug 28, 2018

Water dripping from that small rectangular hole by the plug connecter.

 

[kbahus]

Can you blow through the black tube that goes through the firewall? Try blowing it out with an air compressor. If crap is plugging it up where it terminates (or elsewhere) it will back all that water up in the hvac box. There should be no water where the motor is, nor would I expect any type of seal aside from from a dust seal around motor.

 

[helikiwi]

Can you blow through the black tube that goes through the firewall? Try blowing it out with an air compressor. If crap is plugging it up where it terminates (or elsewhere) it will back all that water up in the hvac box. There should be no water where the motor is, nor would I expect any type of seal aside from from a dust seal around motor.

The drain tube is all clear, and no obstructions. Im guessing the tube was clogged, and somehow backed up to the blower motor? Not sure. I changed the cabin filter, dried the blower motor, and then reassembled everything. I haven't seen any more drips from the blower motor, at the connector plug.

The drain tube line was producing a wee bit of condensation, that I felt might drip? Is it normal for the drain tube line and some of the ac part behind the dash to produce condensation?

 

[kbahus]

I would agree that the tube was probably plugged and backed it all up, it is a pretty common problem on a wide range of vehicles. I would expect a little condensation on that hose with hot and humid environments such as Ohio.

 

[helikiwi]

I would agree that the tube was probably plugged and backed it all up, it is a pretty common problem on a wide range of vehicles. I would expect a little condensation on that hose with hot and humid environments such as Ohio.

Ok, fair enough. Thanks. Next up is the right CV axle replacement. The inner boot is full torn, and is all milky inside. So, I'm assuming its been exposed for quite some time, and just better to replace. I know aftermarket are not as good a genuine OEM products, but I found 2 front axles, new with a 5 year/Unlimited mile warranty for $150 shipped. I will try them out.

I just bought the car at auction, and slowly working the kinks out. Also noticed an exhaust leak I have to locate.

Drive Axle Kit 90-90088 2D Drive Axle Kit, 90-90088 2D Drive Axle Kit Sale - BuyAutoParts.com

 

[Kelevra]

Did you have this car inspected, Prior to the purchase?

 

[helikiwi]

I bought it at Manheim auction, and had a post sale inspection done, and passed. I got it for $8,500, and after auction fees, Post sale inspection, and shipping, it was $10,400 delivered to Ohio, from San Antonio, TX.

The car was predominantly a Florida car with extensive Lexus dealer, service completed, and had an extended warranty, so the majority of things that went wrong, were fixed, and it is also rust free. I was trying to find an economical 4x4, that was rust free, but in my price point, I couldn't find anything worthwhile nearby, so I had my buddy find me one at auction.

Runs, and drives great. Just some minor bruises.

 

[Kelevra]

I bought it at Manheim auction, and had a post sale inspection done, and passed. I got it for $8,500, and after auction fees, Post sale inspection, and shipping, it was $10,400 delivered to Ohio, from San Antonio, TX.

The car was predominantly a Florida car with extensive Lexus dealer, service completed, and had an extended warranty, so the majority of things that went wrong, were fixed, and it is also rust free. I was trying to find an economical 4x4, that was rust free, but in my price point, I couldn't find anything worthwhile nearby, so I had my buddy find me one at auction.

Runs, and drives great. Just some minor bruises.

Oh, got it. Most of what you have issues with is fairly standard for the year and mileage. Once it is worked out, She will be a great car. We love ours. (2003 GX, 73,000 on the clock).
Just a word of caution, Those inexpensive 1/2 axles can just come apart while driving, (sometimes).

 

[helikiwi]

Oh, got it. Most of what you have issues with is fairly standard for the year and mileage. Once it is worked out, She will be a great car. We love ours. (2003 GX, 73,000 on the clock).
Just a word of caution, Those inexpensive 1/2 axles can just come apart while driving, (sometimes).

Do you think its better to just buy the LEXUS/Toyota boot/clamp/grease kit for $130? Im no expert, so when I saw the boot open, and the grease milky, I knew water and whatever else was in there, and wasn't sure if it messed with the bearings. So, I saw this place, and with a 5 year guarantee, decided to try it out. Kind of torn, whether to just pay for the boot kit and rebuild the OEM, or try out the aftermarket.

I also replaced the windshield, as the one it came with was cracked (I didn't really pick a winner). HA, but it runs, drives, shifts great, and the 4wd all works. So, I'm happy the majors work and seems solid. I even pulled the timing belt cover off today, and looks relatively new. I couldn't find a sitcker showing when it was last done. But I will call some of the Lexus dealerships that performed maintenance on the Carfax.

The GX has 130,000 miles on it. Mounting 5 new tires tomorrow, including spare as a hair taller; BF Goodrich, 265/70/17 KO2's. 0.9'' taller on stock suspension

 

[Kelevra]

IDK, That is a judgement call, for the 1/2 axles. Milky substance is not good. You can go on the Lexus Owners Site and register, then enter your VIN. All dealer records should show. At 130K, I would make sure the TB and WP was completed recently.

 

[helikiwi]

IDK, That is a judgement call, for the 1/2 axles. Milky substance is not good. You can go on the Lexus Owners Site and register, then enter your VIN. All dealer records should show. At 130K, I would make sure the TB and WP was completed recently.

I registered, but can't seem to find where to see the MX records. Any ideas?

 

[Kelevra]

Up top, Thee is a Bar. On that Bar it says Service, it is there, under History. You should be able to see it once opened.

 

[helikiwi]

I found it, sorry to bother. Yea, at 97k, the Lexus dealer recommended "DESCRIPTION: CUSTOMER REQUESTS TO HAVE THE MULTI-POINT INSPECTION PERFORMED ON THIS VISIT. ~|~CUSTOMER REQUESTS TO HAVE THE MULTI-POINT INSPECTION PERFORMED ON THIS VISIT. ~|~ ~|~97424 RECOMMEND ALL $ SHOCK ABSORBER. ALL ARE LEAKING. ALSO TIMING BELT WATER PUMP CAM AND CRANK SEALS PLUS DRIVE BELT. ENGINE AND A/C FILTER RECOMMENDED"

No report of the items being completed at Lexus. Vehicle sold at 102k miles. AT 103k miles, new owner purchased a service contract. Front axles replaces at 113k.
"Recomended Maintenance performed" @ 120k miles. I'm gonna call them to see if it was done.

 

[Kelevra]

No Worries, It was not done at the Lexus Dealer. Might have been done at an Independent Shop. However, I doubt it. 130 is about all you want to go on the old TB and WP. Not horrible, miles wise, but 12 years old is getting up there. There are some who have gotten 175,000 out of the belt.
I wouldn't chance it. if the dealer does not install it, Make sure a good solid shop does.

 

[Kelevra]

Sorry, I might have missed it. What is the mileage?

 

[helikiwi]

132,000 miles. I pulled the cover off today, and the belt looked shiney and new,
Not perished. I didn’t see a sticker stating the change anywhere.

 

[helikiwi]

 

[helikiwi]

 

[helikiwi]