Water Pump Replacement Time?

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Sep 23, 2019
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Location
Kalispell, MT up near Canada
I think I am starting to understand why the previous owner traded in the LX. Looks like all of the usual suspect maintenance items are due.
I already know I have to replace the radiator. Does this look like the water pump needs to be replaced as well while I am in there? Just a couple of old drips that I can see.

(Edit for info - 2009 LX 83K miles)

Thanks

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I would replace the water pump at the same time as you change the radiator.

I am not sure what your year and mileage...

On my wife’s 2009 LX the water pump was replaced by dealer at 82k and the radiator cracked at 119k
 
Far worse than putting a radiator in it is having to do a pump 1k later. No shared labor savings.

Just do both of them, and add a thermostat while you’re in there.
 
If you really wanna combine labor hours...consider going ahead and replacing the starter while it’s opened up. At 83k and 11 years old...it’s probably getting there soon....and the time you save will make up for slightly premature replacement...

If you knock out those three (water pump, radiator and starter) you should be set for a good long while.
 
I didn't think a lot of the work was shared between starter and WP/Rad.. I went at mine from under the truck and through the wheelwell. Starter/manifold out of the way does give you good access to that block drain though...
 
I didn't think a lot of the work was shared between starter and WP/Rad.. I went at mine from under the truck and through the wheelwell. Starter/manifold out of the way does give you good access to that block drain though...

Ya... Probably just thinking it would be nice to be done with wondering when the starter dies, since unlike a leaking radiator, it strands you immediately when it goes (unless the screwdriver trick works).
If he’s paying someone to do the work) he might get a break on the job...but :meh:

PS. to @bloc ... While I do tinker endlessly with various mods, I am not a mechanic by any stretch...so I always appreciate posts from those like you—as y’all can run circles around my wrenching. :cheers:
 
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I'll be doing the work myself. My hands are pretty torn up so I have to limit how much I do at any given time.
From what I have read, the starter will have to wait for another day.
 
@Markuson point stands though. The starter is the only other item to have problems with any frequency. Many models of Toyota’s over the years have had issues with the starter solenoid and these are in that group. The problem with these is overcoming the issue on the trail requires a special tool and minimum two people. So lots of us handle this one as PM also.

Just keep it in mind.
 
I purchased 2013 lx with 86k miles that had hairline crack forming on radiator.

I am not a mechanic but I did some research on the labor hours on radiator replacement and water pump. My water pump was not leaking but i figured that it would be good preventative maintenance. It is about 3.5 hours of billable labor for replacement of upper/lower hoses, radiator, water pump, fan clutch serpentine belt, idler pulley, and tensioner. Labor rate for master tech is on avg $125 to $150. I purchased parts from toyota parts store. I found an independent mechanic from this board.

Starter replacement by book is 5.5 hours of labor for the starter replacement.

Next year, my plan is to have starter replaced as preventative maintenance.
 
If you replace the radiator:
replace waterpump
replace thermostat
replace idle pulley - cheap and 1 bolt to remove
check fan pulley for excessive wear or if serpentine belt has melted to it, if so replace ( I changed mine for this reason)
check A/C bearing if it squeals when you turn on the A/C as you will be right there to replace if necessary.
I also replaced the fan clutch because it is inexpensive
replace serpentine belt, also inexpensive
replace belt tensioner, inexpensive and although it had no symptoms, mine fell apart in my hand after taking the belt tension off, 1 bolt to remove.
I also replaced radiator hoses
PVC valve is also right there in the front of the engine, I recommend a shorter 22mm Socket as my longer socket wouldnt let me sit flush on the valve without jamming up against the air intake.

Look through the repair threads for the radiator replacement, i was able to do all this myself just from reading through the threads. Best advice for the radiator is to leave the Passenger Side Radiator bracket on the vehicle. That way you dont have to remove any bumber or plastics. Simply remove the fan, fan clutch and so on. Unbolt the three passenger side 'mount-to-radiator' bolts, then remove the driver side radiator mount and the whole radiator will slide up and out.

I want to tackle the starter but I cant seem to find clear evidence on the Forum for if it is possible to replace without removing the exhaust manifold. I thought i found a thread on someone successfully loosening and pushing the pipes out the way but i cant seem to locate it again. Hopefully someone does the job themselves and posts a comprehensive work up. Until then i have the AAA membership paid up just in case.
 
I have in my possesion
2 radiator hoses
thermostat
water pump
pcv valve
radiator fan clutch
and the belt drive component kit
Radiator should be here Friday
 
i have 125k on the clock of my 09lx and radiator looks brand new and no leaks from pump. How long can awater pump typically go with mostly highway driving? Don't want to fix what ain't broke
 

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