I have a 2008 Toyota Highlander with 130K miles and took it in for routine oil change at dealership and was told I have a leak and will need front timing cover reseal completed at the cost of $2,920.00!! What is interesting is that when I took the car there in July for oil change I was told I had VVTI line leak that would cost $160 to repair. I have noted a small amount of oil on pavement for awhile. I don’t know what to believe anymore. Both oil changes were completed at same dealership and I have been taking car there since I bought it. I have not had either repair completed and wanted some thoughts on this.
$2,920.90?!? Get a second opinon at an independent garage. STAT.
Sounds way to high! $14.88 part and 3.3 hrs of labor
Parts Information OEM Part # Price
Front Crankshaft Seal
22 - Front Cover Seal 90311A0005 $14.88
Labor Information Skill Level Mfg. Warranty Standard
Front Crankshaft Seal
Replace B 0.0 3.3 hrs
That quote is outrageous! The seal can be replaced without removing the timing cover.
You remove the old seal with this tool.
And install the new seal with a seal driver or a piece of pipe.
Tester
A few thoughts . . .
Toyota has LONG known about the VVT-i oil line leaking. The line in question feeds oil to the cylinder head closest to the firewall. There is a recall or campaign, and what they do is replace the line with a "better’ part. The problem is that the line consists of 2 lines that are connected with a hose in the middle. Naturally, the hose part is what leaks. Toyota’s idea of a fix is to replace the hose with a “better” hose
F . . K THAT! My brother’s 2008 highlander had that hose blow out . . . the original, unimproved part. I replace it with a Gates oil cooler hose. That lasted about 3 years, before it started seeping again. This time, I went to Toyota and installed a 1-piece steel line for the 2009 and up 2GR-FE engine. Trust me, the part fits perfectly. It took less than 20 minutes to replace, and its a better design, because there’s no rubber hose to leak
As far as that timing cover reseal, unfortunately, there is a rather extensive TSB concerning that. And it does involve removing and resealing the cover. I’ll post it if I can find it for free, floating around on the internet
This is the closest I could find. Believe, me, the 2GR-FE engine in the 2008 Highlander has all the problems as when it was installed in previous model years, or other chassis. And there is a bulletin for OP’s car, which states the labor hours. And it is very high
Stay away from that dealership…in fact, stay away from any dealership for oil changes. Your best bet is to find a good independent mechanic and get a second opinion about your leak. I shouldn’t have to mention it but stay away from chain shops, as well, for any maintenance on your vehicle.
@knfenimore
That’s good information which you provided
Unfortunately, the TSB isn’t for the front crank seal, but for the timing case cover itself
If it is the oil pipe you may be in luck Toyota has released a warranty enhancement and I believe the Highlander is covered. For the people who say the quote is too high to RESEAL the timing cover they have obviously never done one. This job requires removal of the engine to do properly I think Chilton time is over 20 hours. The other issue is that oil can also leak from the head gasket where it and the timing cover come together. The timing covers are very labor intensive to replace when done correctly.
I can check the bulletin for the oil pipe Monday and will post back if the Highlander is covered. I would recommend replacing it first. Ask to have dye added to your oil so the leak can be better diagnosed. I would also contact Toyota customer sat. they may provide you with assistance on the timing cover if you have done all your maintenance with Toyota.
Steve
1 Like
@SteveC76
Yes, the 2008 Highlander is definitely covered for that pipe
My brother got the notification . . . years after I replaced that hose I mentioned
But he never took it in for that repair because I later installed that one piece pipe for the 2009 and up model
Just for kicks and giggles, I went to the dealer and asked them to show me their exploded parts diagram for the 2008 Highlander. It showed that BS line with the hose in the middle
Then I asked to see the diagram for the 2009 Highlander. It showed a 1 piece steel line
I just laughed
Perhaps I’m a pessimist, but I believe putting on the 1 piece steel line is going to be a longer lasting repair, versus replacing a leaking hose with another hose. Naturally, I also replaced the sealing washers on both ends, and I also replaced the banjo bolts. Torqued everything to spec, so I suspect I won’t be touching that line again for quite awhile
I instructed him, that if he ever takes his car in to the dealer for any more warranty extension, recall, campaign, etc. work, he tells them to leave that oil line alone. I paid for that 1 piece line, and I’ll be darned if they’re going to replace it with the old design