I always use aftermarket parts that carry the lifetime warranty. I haven't had any problems to date. The dealers always rip-off the customers for OEM parts. They have to, so they can keep the big machine running with the donuts and drinks in the customer service lounge. I understand businesses need to make a profit, but I don't like being cheated out of my lottery money ;<)
Being a chemical engineer, I would like to see the chemical analysis of both the OEM coolant and others, so I can determine the difference.
You can change those parts without special tools. What is your level of mechanical experience? I would HIGHLY suggest that you go over one of the "how to" w/pictures on changing those parts though, unless you have a Lexus factory manual (not Haynes or Chilton (same thing)). You should be able to find a "how to" with a search on this or the other Lexus site. There's been plenty of discussion on the subject. Good Luck!
I have the shop manual in pdf. I have been doing all the maintenance and repairs on all our cars since 1975. For example, I did the RX front pads a couple weeks ago in 30 minutes. Some of the "heavy hitters" here could probably do it in half that time. My wife's rx300 just rolled past 100k miles, so I am taking care of some maintenance I should have done a few miles back. It's been a great car with no problems what so ever.
I thought I would at least need a gear puller for the crankshaft pulley. I don't have one, but I could rent one if necessary.
Thanks again.
Cheers to you for changing the timing belt and water pump. I had the job completed yesterday at Lexus in Eugene Oregon for 534.58, which also included $34.28 for antifreeze that should not have cost more than $20 including profit to them and the belt at $64.65 that goes for $28 at a local parts shop. Lexus replaced the water pump for $136.39, and I bet one can be purchased at the same parts shop for under $50. Where did you purchase the front pads (and rear pads) since I need to do that myself. RX Lexus in Bend Oregon
It's your car and money so you may do as you wish but I can assure you from experience, Toyota/Lexus use some of the finest parts I have ever seen to build their cars. The parts that you buy at the parts store for the prices you are quoting WILL NOT likely be the quality of what T/L used to build the car, probably not even close. I have used a lot of parts from auto parts stores in my life in automotive, but after working on T/L and seeing the superiour quality they use, I would never use anything but original equipment parts on them. And you don't have to pay retail, there are plenty of places online that you can buy the original equip. parts for a LOT less that retail. And additionally, the Toyota coolant runs $32.95 a gallon, and believe it or not, it's worth it! All coolant went through the roof when crude oil went through the roof, and it didn't come down when crude came down. As with most of the stuff they use to build the T/L's, the coolant is also the finest I have ever seen. That $28. timing belt is NOT equivalent to the OEM belt, and I have one (aftermarket) to prove it, but I will say, they overcharged you above retail on both the belt and water pump.
