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Lexus Engine Save with This Easy DIY Test

Has your Lexus developed an unusual sound upon starting up? Here’s a common source of noise that could ruin your engine unless you use this easy DIY diagnosis test before it is too late. Plus, what to inspect on your Lexus to avoid problems.
Listen to Your Car for Unusual Noise

A good habit to get into is to be mindful of what your engine should sound like from the day you bought it or after it has been serviced by a mechanic who tells you that your engine sounds fine and is in good running condition.

The reason for this being a good habit is that it conditions your hearing―without having to even think about it―when something is not right with your engine and your ears automatically send a warning to your brain. Call it instinctual if you will, but there are cues of sight, sound, smell, and feel that often are there but for whatever reason might wind up ignored until a real problem develops―such as a blown Lexus engine.

In other words, trust your instincts when it comes to your car.

Trust Your Instincts When it Comes to Your Car! Almost Lost an Engine!

That was the lesson learned by one Lexus owner who recognized that something sounded slightly different about his car during startup and at times afterward while the engine was running. According to the mechanic he took his vehicle to for a diagnosis, the owner’s instincts saved his Lexus engine from catastrophic damage and failure that would have been costly to repair.

Related article: Changing Your Lexus Spark Plugs Can Save You $400

Follow along with the host of the Car Care Nut YouTube channel video and discover why it is so important to listen to your Lexus as he reveals a common problem, he has seen develop in some Lexus RX350 models with the 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 engine.

Just in case you do not have time to watch the video, a summary of the video highlights is provided below the video for your convenience.

Video Summary

In the video you will discover that the unusual noise that caught the owner’s attention is a bearing going out on the water pump. While the water pump is still operational with its bad bearing, it is just a matter of time when total bearing failure occurs, and the engine is no longer cooled and winds up overheating and resulting in a severely damaged engine.

The video demonstrates:

  • Where to find the water pump and how to gain access to it.
  • How to loosen the water pump belt tension tightener to remove the belt.
  • A simple test using your hands to determine whether or not the water pump pulley bearing is worn out.
  • Step-by-step how to remove the old water pump and replace it with a new one.
  • An especially useful demonstration of other important inspection points and potential future problems on this Lexus.

For additional Lexus-related articles, here are three useful ones for your consideration:

Timothy Boyer is an automotive reporter based in Cincinnati. Experienced with early car restorations, he regularly restores older vehicles with engine modifications for improved performance. Follow Tim on Twitter at @TimBoyerWrites  and Facebook for daily news and topics related to new and used cars and trucks.

COMING UP NEXT: The Reality Of Modern Car Repair is Why You Should Consider Buying an Older Used Model

Image source: Deposit Photos

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