Repair cost - Water pump engine out?

[ozkluger]

08 kluger just had 120,000k dealer service.

Declined offer to replace wiper blades for $70 and cabin air filter for $100!! (Did these myself for a lot cheaper)

But was quoted $1200 to have water pump replaced! I questioned this. Was told pump had slight weep and Toyota say needs engine out to replace but they have worked out how to do without needing to remove engine.

Sounds crazy if water pump replacement needs engine out. I have not proceeded with water pump, partly as I have not lost any coolant (and winter) Think I need a second option/quote before would do this.

Also was told they inspected transmission fluid 'slightly off colour' and needed power flush/replace at $340 plus injector clean at I forget what price. Also not done.

Anyone actually needed transmission/gearbox fluid changed? ( I have had diff and transfer case fluids replaced as per Toyota service schedule.)

[Blackkluger]

Hi there. I find $1200 for a water pump to be more common for luxury brands rather than a standard Toyota. Get a second opinion as my old commodore only cost $400!

For transmission fluid, go to a dedicated centre for this. They say it is sealed for life however, things can enter it causing discolouration and hence, if this has occurred, and if it is true, it would be worth getting it done an I doubt it would cost that much. I had the fluid changed(not flushed) for less than $150.

Do you use premium fuel or regular? if using regular there can be quicker build up of carbon on your injectors. We use premium 98 where possible(and 95 only when 98 isn't available). Gets better economy as well. Stick away from ethanol as this is too inefficient.

[tpl]

If you tow heavy stuff or redline alot you probably need to change atf oil. in hot and humid country I used to flush every 20k km the atf.

[11/16Aurion 12Kluger]

When was the last time the cooling system serviced... ie: had coolant flushed and replaced? Most likely never and thus water pump failure?

It is the same engine as the Aurion btw... I have seen somewhere, maybe on Aurion forum, where some can do it without removing the engine.