My service mechanic says the timing seal cover is leaking (2009 RX) it's a $2500 repair. It's an expensive repair because they have to pull the engine out to get to it. Anyone else experience this?

I'm having the same problem (leaking timing cover) on my 2008 Lexus RX 350 (with 158,000 miles) - is this a common problem? The quote for replacement is $3,300.

I haven't repaired it yet. What I've learned: 10 year old cars get leaks. As long as the oil levels are being maintained and the leak is minor drip - apparently, it isn't critical. Did the $3,300 include replacing the water pump? My estimate did not and when I asked they said yes, it should be done too.

It is on the Passager side(Timing Cover oil leak). The Problem is that the Front Of The Head Where Timing Cover seals has an Indent on the Head so over time the Sealant They Used Failed. You Must Pull Engine To Get oil pickup tube off! You Won’t have to mess with Timing chain at all. Just Clean Good And reseal With Permatex Hi Tech Grey! Cost Me $300 for oil, coolant and Brake clean, and the Sealant. Mine was a 2007 GS350. I also had just replaced the Waterpump and Thermostat. If You’re Mechanically Inclined it’s Easy! Just takes time to do it Right! About 16 Hrs. I also did Sealant and let set 1 day before adding Fluids!!

You will have to pull steel lower pan then Upper Aluminum Pan To Access oil pickup tube bolt(mounting). Remove ac Brkt, Waterpump, thermostat Housing(Aluminum Assy), Harmonic Balancer( air Impact is a must), then Timing Cover. This is Why it’s Best to remove the Engine from vehicle. I pulled Radiator,Alternator and Starter. The Ac compressor I Wired to car so I didn’t loose Freon. Pulled Top Intake(plastic) for this You will need a Deep 5 metric Allen head Socket. Remove heater hose and Aluminum Heater Assy Off Rh back of Head. Remove belts and ground wires from back of head. Remember Where and how they Go for reassembly. Remove all Wiring Carefully and Disconnect from fuse block(Black Box) On RH fender Apron. Engine mount bolts ,Tranny,Alternator Are 17 meteoric Most Else is A 10 metric,12 metric. Small Flat Screwdriver. Has 6 Torque Converter Bolts(14 metric) One is Dark Color For Ease Of Reassembly. Start With the Dark On First And Use Blue loctite (Small Drop) on each Bolt. Just Be Gentle With The Wiring( Don’t Pull From Wires). Drain the Block from each Side before removing any pans or T-Cvr. I Also Engine Degreased my Under Plastic and the Rack n pinion(Steering) But Didn’t Spray Any Fender Aprons. PS: Please Unhook the Negative Battery Wire Before Doing Any Work Under The Hood!! Exhaust Manifolds and catalyst comb pipes are 12 metric to engine and 14 metric To Pipes. The Slide Right Out Under the Car. Don’t loose or bend meter gaskets to Head. PS: Check Your Tranny Mount For Tears and Replace if Looking Bad. $80-100 on that. Part of my $300 cost for repairs. I Hope This Helps And You Never Know. I Could Be Your Neibor in Peoria AZ. Blessing To All! Lexus IS A Great Car Just Take Care Of The Leaks!!!GBU

what's the highest mileage 2008 Lexus Rx350 can go

Yes you have to pull engine. See my breakdown above. It’s not that difficult if you’re Mechanicly inclined. I used ultra grey from permatex to seal mine. Just clean both surfaces good. Don’t forget the center hole! About a 10 hr job. Lexus v6 can last 300k or more with leaks fixed!

Such a nice car with 173000 miles. Engine has 100000. Lexus to date 8-6-23 wants $3800. Mechanic wants $2500 with no alignment. Lexus is more familiar with this and gives a loner and alignment. Lexus said they have fixed what other mechanic shops failed at.