Replacing Coolant Pumps As Part of Maintenace?

Discussion in 'Gen 4 Prius Care, Maintenance and Troubleshooting' started by Khantroll, Nov 15, 2021.

  1. Khantroll

    Khantroll Junior Member

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    Hi all,

    I'm sure some of you saw my post regarding my head gasket. I'm finally getting my car back Saturday, and I've made my appointment with a Toyota dealer to have an inspection and services done.

    I told them I wanted:
    A deep inspection
    Coolant flushed
    Both water pumps replaced
    Transaxle serviced
    Oil Change

    The technician couldn't understand, despite the the fact it's at 100k miles and has just blown a head gasket, why I'd want to change the pumps. He seemed very reticent about it.

    So my question is: How important is it to the change them as part of maintenance ? Am I missing something?
     
    #1 Khantroll, Nov 15, 2021
  2. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it is highly unusual, but not unheard of. i hoped you asked for prices before proceeding.
     
    #2 bisco, Nov 15, 2021
  3. royrose

    royrose Senior Member

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    A Toyota hybrid specialist that I respect recommended replacing the engine coolant pump on my 2010 Prius at 100,000 miles , so you are not totally off the wall. In my case age and miles are factors.

    If your spark plugs haven't been replaced, I'd wait until they are due at 120,000 miles and consider stuff like that when you do that service. That way, you can see if the head gasket is properly fixed before sinking more money in it.
     
    #3 royrose, Nov 15, 2021
  4. Khantroll

    Khantroll Junior Member

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    Hi bisco! What they were willing to quote me was pretty reasonable:
    Inspection: 125
    Coolant Flush: 140
    Transaxle Service: I forget, but less then 200
    Oil Change: 80

    I'm at just over 100k myself. My problem is that I need this thing to be as reliable as possible. I'm going to hit 120k in 5 months or just under with this car, as I drive a lot for work.

    Looking back at all of this now, I realize I should have handled it differently. But such is life.
     
    #4 Khantroll, Nov 16, 2021
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  5. Mendel Leisk

    Mendel Leisk Senior Member

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    Transaxle fluid change should be about on par with with oil change; it's not more complicated, and the fluid/washers involved are around $40 USD. $100 USD is about the max you should pay for that. Less obviously, if it were a third-party place and you supplied the Toyota ATF WS fluid (4 quarts) and the fill/drain bolt washers.
     
    #5 Mendel Leisk, Nov 16, 2021
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  6. Khantroll

    Khantroll Junior Member

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    I feel like it was more then 100 they were charging for it, but I don't recall exactly. We'll see what happens Saturday I guess. I have a feeling I'm going to wind up paying for an inspection and trailering it home anyway :(
     
    #6 Khantroll, Nov 16, 2021
    Mendel Leisk likes this.
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