Please recommend mechanic/shop for radiator replacement

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AFei

AFei

Joined
Aug 27, 2018
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Hello friends, I'm visiting Rockville MD from AZ, and right before I set to drive back to AZ, the radiator of my 2004 LX470 broke on I-270. Could anyone recommend a good reliable mechanic or shop in the area for the radiator replacement? Right now I'm in 20850 area and can have AAA to tow my LX470 for up to 100 miles.

I have contacted OTRAMM but they are fully booked for next 2 months.

Thanks in advance.
 
Have you sourced a radiator?
Local Fairfax City Shop I use, can get you in this week.
 
Over the weekend it seems lots of business closed the door here in the east coast, especially those parts supplier since the radiator for our 100 wasn't stocked at local shop/garage.

So for the radiator, my original thought to get the OE one for another peace of at least 150K miles. Lexus Rockville quoted me over $1550 :bang: before even having a technician actually checking. I'm sure the final will be at least $200 more since the fan shroud has broken tab. Talking to independent shop, the price is better bust still over $1000 for Toyota parts. Eventually, friend recommended a small shop who could just charge the same labor rate ($200) if I supply the parts which seems very reasonable. So I went hunting for the radiator.


355 Toyota's online store can get it ordered for $560+tax, but uncertain on how soon the order can be picked up. Over the counter at their parts dept., they insisted $900 and can be picked up on Wed. Fitzgerald Toyota @Gaithersburg did give me the lowest price of $650 and can be picked up on Tue/Wed :bounce: . So with everything it should be done within $900.

At the meantime, the aftermarket option comes into my eyes also. RockAuto can deliver Denso radiator by Tuesday for only $250! Also I found this guide which got the radiator replaced without touching the fan. And best of all, only requires very basic tools. I knew the reviewing for Denso is mixed but I do believe the chance of good quality should be more than 80%. So the math became simple to me, 250 vs 900. The difference is enough to cover the cost of 4 new AHC globes I just replaced over the holiday season.

Thanks for everyone's help. I will be trying to remove the radiator today while waiting for the new radiator, and will report back how it goes.
 
JohnVee said:
@AFei Don't forget the proper coolant. At least Toyota should have that on hand already. Don't be mixing red and green!
Click to expand...
Thanks! I had the Toyota Red or Pink when replaced the TB+WP... Will definitely get the Pink.
 
One last update. It's really easily to replace the radiator on LX470. No need to remove the fan or the fan shroud at all. Just remove the battery and the air box and then you have lots of space to take the radiator out and drop in. And only needs very basic tools. Just 10mm and 12mm socket, ratchet, and a long extension.

As far as the new Denso radiator, I paid $50 to have RockAuto to ship it FedEx Express Overnight which was actually shipped from 25 miles away (Laurel, MD). Even for such a short distance journey, I only found it leaked right after I had finished the installation, due to the crack under the upper hose port. Even it came with a Denso factory box but it looked like RockAuto had re-done the packaging, as the only protection inside the box was just those typical brown packing paper. So I bought the 2nd one from a local store which seemed coming with the factory packaging with better protection.
 
Been reading lots of stories about shady stuff and Rock Auto.

Hope your luck turns around.
 
Thats how the radiator for my GS300 came. Just with brown paper. I've always had good luck with rock auto and actually lately they've been better for me especially with returns.
 
Things have changed a lot since I worked with distributors/suppliers.
I have been getting Denso parts (Radiators) shipped from Laurel, MD, as well. Gotten lucky the pass couple times.
I have been using AutoPartsKart.com.
I am guessing the various retailer websites are using the same wholesale suppliers to ship the product to the end user.
In this case guessing, probably somebody like .... Autopart International - https://www.autopartintl.com/
 
L8Shift said:
Things have changed a lot since I worked with distributors/suppliers.
I have been getting Denso parts (Radiators) shipped from Laurel, MD, as well. Gotten lucky the pass couple times.
I have been using AutoPartsKart.com.
I am guessing the various retailer websites are using the same wholesale suppliers to ship the product to the end user.
In this case guessing, probably somebody like .... Autopart International - https://www.autopartintl.com/
Click to expand...
Looks like AutoPartsKart.com has more reasonable shipping charge. Only $19 comparing $50 for the 2nd day shipment. Guess will start using it instead of RockAuto...
 
I am just reading this....I installed a OEM Toyota radiator in a 100 series for under $800 for a customer...I am not sure where those other guys are getting there prices.
 
matzell said:
I am just reading this....I installed a OEM Toyota radiator in a 100 series for under $800 for a customer...I am not sure where those other guys are getting there prices.
Click to expand...
Northern Virginia Prices 😂
 
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