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2008 RAV4 coolant leak...
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BIGbadJOHN
Novice
Dec 31, 2011, 6:15 PM
Post #1 of 4
(7245 views)
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2008 RAV4 coolant leak...
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2008 Toyota RAV4 2.4L I4 w/50k miles
Noticed coolant reservoir level dropping about 6 months ago. We brought it into a local radiator and AC shop here in Orange, TX and he put it under a pressure test all day only to call back and say he saw no leak. He filled the reservoir back up and we went on our way. I knew there had to be a leak somewhere because the reservoir was bone dry when we brought it in. My worry then was that there was an internal leak with the intake manifold or something, which I highly doubted, but really worried that could be the problem.
We've driven it for about 2 months now I suppose and a couple weeks ago the level had dropped to about 1/4" below the low level. So before bringing it back again I popped the hood and took a look all around. This time I noticed some coolant spray on the hood and all areas around the belt. So now I was pretty certain that the water pump was the problem because I had read on the internet that this can be a problem with this make and model at this mileage.
We brought it back to the same shop and had it checked again and he found no leak again. Certain that there IS a leak, we now brought it to the Toyota dealership. Here's where I'm confused now and don't know what I should do.
The dealership called and said they had found the leak and it was the radiator. That didn't seem right to me at first, but then I remember that when we bought this vehicle it had VERY minor front end damage. BARELY noticeable. There are a couple spots where the fiberglass bumper has been punctured by the brackets, but nothing crushed. I don't know if this could have damaged the radiator, but it seems unlikely.
We declined to have the radiator replaced since they wanted $1,150 for it!!! $650 for the OEM radiator!!! I priced one at O'Reilly's for $140 with lifetime replacement. Most expensive I found was around $200. I called a couple local shops and one was $500 and the other $670 parts and labor.
Sorry for the entire backstory, but want to let you guys know everything.
What it all comes down to is....
Should I go ahead and just change the radiator or should I get another shop to look at it? I feel like the dealership may just be trying to screw me since changing the water pump isn't nearly as much as changing the radiator. Water pump changed is only about $400-$500. And that's the dealership's price.
It just doesn't make sense to me that if the radiator is leaking that there would be signs of spray from the belt.
Thank you guys for reading this long post!
(This post was edited by BIGbadJOHN on Dec 31, 2011, 6:25 PM)
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Dec 31, 2011, 6:30 PM
Post #2 of 4
(7210 views)
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Re: 2008 RAV4 coolant leak...
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I tend to agree with you. A radiator leak should be visible under pressure. The water pump sounds more feasible but it still needs to be verified.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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BIGbadJOHN
Novice
Jan 1, 2012, 7:07 PM
Post #3 of 4
(7176 views)
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Re: 2008 RAV4 coolant leak...
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Well, I changed the oil in it today and removed the skid plate and part of the fender well to get a better look at the water pump and radiator. Wish I would have done this to begin with and saved the $45 I gave to the dealership to lie to me. It's GOTTA be the water pump! I meant to take a picture of it before I put everything back together, but forgot. There is a lot of hot pink crust and residue under what I believe is the water pump. That is if the water pump is located just behind the a/c pump. I would try and change it myself but I've never done it before and it looks like it could be tricky getting it out cause it's right next to the frame and doesn't look like there's much room to get it out.
By the way, anyone have any tips on how best to clean all the dried coolant crud out of the engine bay?
Also, would the coolant have shortened the life of or damaged the belt? Should I go ahead and change it with the pump?
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Jan 1, 2012, 7:15 PM
Post #4 of 4
(7173 views)
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Re: 2008 RAV4 coolant leak...
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If the coolant gets on the belt, it may cause a habitual squeaking. You should probably change that along with the water pump. Water pressure will clean off most of the coolant unless it is real rusty.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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