Radiator replacement, fair price?

[jthomasgray]

Hi guys, I lent someone my auto transmission 2000 4runner and as they were driving, it started to rev over 4000rpms then quickly lost power and came to a stop, the power was still on but it wouldn't move in any gear. I brought it to a mechanic (who i'm not familiar with) and he said the coolant was low, the cap was rusted off the radiator and he needed to replace the whole radiator, flush the lines, etc. He quoted me 500.00. I know a new radiator isn't more than 150.00 and they charge 60.00 per hour for labor. is 500$ a fair price?

 

[MONTYMTB]

Hi guys, I lent someone my auto transmission 2000 4runner and as they were driving, it started to rev over 4000rpms then quickly lost power and came to a stop, the power was still on but it wouldn't move in any gear. I brought it to a mechanic (who i'm not familiar with) and he said the coolant was low, the cap was rusted off the radiator and he needed to replace the whole radiator, flush the lines, etc. He quoted me 500.00. I know a new radiator isn't more than 150.00 and they charge 60.00 per hour for labor. is 500$ a fair price?

Not even close. Should be more like $300.
But... you need to make sure that you don't have any coolant in your transmission before doing anything.

 

[PoshSnoop]

I just got an estimate of $575 for replacing with a new OEM Denso automatic transmission radiator, cap, coolant, ATF, labor, shop materials, tool/shop costs, etc. and hazardous waste disposal. "Fair" is what both parties agree to. RepairPal.com can give you a range of what mechanics in your area are charging for this job. Your initial out-of-pocket cost will be much cheaper if you do it yourself, but you're taking on responsibility for and spending your time to figure out how to do it right, tooling up for the job, gathering parts, doing the job right, cleaning up properly, etc. I've gone both ways successfully. As I age, I value time more than numbers that I believe might be "money," so I'm leaning toward the service approach these days. YMMV.

 

[acr_ted]

I have been pricing OEM radiators for my '97 and they are just over $200.00 - Camelback is 208$ and other stores are right around there.

I bet though that your T4R has suffered the dreaded 'pink milkshake' - when the transmission cooler in the bottom of the engine radiator leaks and engine coolant mixes with the trans fluid and turns into a pink foaming mess. This will ruin the transmission.

The first thing I did once I joined this forum and then heard about this issue was to install a separate trans oil cooler and bypass the engine radiator.

A very easy mod and highly recommended.

Ted

 

[flyinbrick]

For some perspective:
Denso radiator $122 (JC Whitney)
Toyota Radiator Cap $15 (dealer)
Zerex Asian Coolant 3 Gal. $45 (O'Reilly)
Parts Total: $185 ($200 with tax)

1.5 actual labor hours would be my guess (removing/installing the grille is a PITA), so around $350 would be what I think is a fair price.

 

[Justin727]

Hi guys, I lent someone my auto transmission 2000 4runner and as they were driving, it started to rev over 4000rpms then quickly lost power and came to a stop, the power was still on but it wouldn't move in any gear. I brought it to a mechanic (who i'm not familiar with) and he said the coolant was low, the cap was rusted off the radiator and he needed to replace the whole radiator, flush the lines, etc. He quoted me 500.00. I know a new radiator isn't more than 150.00 and they charge 60.00 per hour for labor. is 500$ a fair price?

may add an extra 2500 to the price because you good sir will need a used or new transmission

 

[repo]

For some perspective:
Denso radiator $122 (JC Whitney)
Toyota Radiator Cap $15 (dealer)
Zerex Asian Coolant 3 Gal. $45 (O'Reilly)
Parts Total: $185

Labor would probably run 1.5 (actual) hours, so $300 to $350 would be what I think is a fair price.

Plus $50 or whatever for the hoses.

The 2 OEM trans cooler rubber hoses are weirdly expensive, about $75. The bigger radiator hoses are less than $30 for both.

 

[thor999]

Buy a new Denso at partsgeek.com, minutes to install. Flush the hell out of the system w/ white vinegar then distilled water before swap. Install a tranny cooler while you are in there, and relish the sounds of your grill clips snapping when you remove it and, if you are super lucky like me, you'll even catch one right in the eye! :cheer2:

 

[flyinbrick]

relish the sounds of your grill clips snapping when you remove it and, if you are super lucky like me, you'll even catch one right in the eye! :cheer2:

LOL! Yup, have some zip ties ready.