Toyota 4Runner cooling system problem

AMAZONBIRD

MEMBER
TOYOTA 4RUNNER

Female looking for guidance. Have 2000 4Runner with 20,060 miles. Had coolant flush by dealer in Oct 2005. Brought in for quarterly oil change. Was advised both radiator and water pump are leaking. Cost to replace radiator quoted at $796. Cost to replace water pump with timing belt at the same time quoted at $735.

I realize the vehicle is over 6 years old, but with the mileage so low I'm thinking it's just too much of a coincidence to have cooling system problems after their service in October. Am I wrong? Also, am I getting hosed on the quoted prices?

2 Replies

HITEK

MEMBER
30 POSTS

Double check again to make sure. Remember everyone can make mistakes. :)

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Sunday, January 22nd, 2006 AT 7:58 PM

JOEMECHANIC

MEMBER
28 POSTS

It is very rare for a toyota to have cooling system problems, especially at such low mileage. The only way your 4runner could've developed leaks in the places described is if A. The parts are defective from the factory, which is extremely unlikely considering toyota's stringent quality control standards, B. You live in a reigon which has frequent freezing temperatures, and your cooling system had little to no antifreeze in it(mostly water)C. Your 4 runner overheated severely(possibly ran with empty cooling system)D. Your radiator was physically compromised by some object. If the engine is ran long enough without coolant the water pump bearing will fail, causing coolant to leak from the factory drilled relief hole. At 20,000 miles this vehichle is barely broken in, there is no reason for the cooling system to encounter any problems, aside from improper maintenance/deliberate sabotage, or defective parts, the prices you were quoted appear accurate, hope this is helpful