Tips on water pump replacement lx450?

[kingjrk]

Hello All,
I just picked up a 97 lx450 a few weeks ago and yesterday while servicing it I noticed that the water pump shaft has quite a bit of lateral movement to it. I have been searching around for some replacements, and found several different manufactures. This is where I need the advice of the members of the forum. Should I always stick with OEM, or are there suitable replacements? Also, has anyone done this? Any tips of tricks, or is it pretty straight forward?
Thanks,
James

97 LX450 stock, 3 car seats is my only mod so far....
160K

 

[thumper]

Hi James,

I used an OEM water pump from CDan. Can't go wrong with that choice. I replaced mine last summer along with all the other cooling components, radiator, fan clutch, hoses, phh (pesky heater hose), thermostat. It was pretty straight forward. Drain everything into bucket as best you can and then start removing stuff. Might be a nice idea to flush the system as well to get out all the old coolant and start fresh. Call CDan for all your parts needs, he likes us Lexus guys.


Jon

 

[Pathfinder]

ps some here on mud is selling a new OEM pump. Check the classifieds. Good luck.