Washer Fluid Tank - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

micmonty · 01-09-2010, 03:39 PM

Hey gang,

Is it odd that your washer fluid tank gets a crack in it by itself? I have a feeling because of the long tube on the top of the tank my service center was a little to rough with it and now they are asking me to purchase a new one from them which would cost about $200 for the part and labor.

Am I getting hoosed or this has happen to be before? Its now winter and I can't hold any washer fluid which can be dangerous with the mud and salt that needs to be removed on the windshield on a daily basis.

Thanks
Micmonty

Bitter · 01-09-2010, 04:40 PM

it can happen if the fluid inside freezes.

tarbasd · 01-09-2010, 05:09 PM

It can't be that complicated to replace it. So maybe the tank is that expensive? I would look into buying a cheap aftermarket or used tank from a junked car, and probably would install it myself. Or you could take it to an independent garage.

micmonty · 01-10-2010, 09:23 AM

Yeah so I looked up an aftermarket tank on Ebay and I can get one for $44. I check the price quote from the shop. "Water Bottle Assembly" - $142.99

Is there more the shop is replacing then the tank in that part? I wouldn't think they would have to if the tank is cracked and all the wires are fine....

tarbasd · 01-10-2010, 12:22 PM

This kind of price discrepancy is not unusual. It's probably only the tank.

NMGeorge · 01-12-2010, 01:25 PM

Wow... I'd be on my way to a junk yard!

micmonty · 01-12-2010, 03:46 PM

Total cost $200.47. The price at toyota was $133.00 for the tank.

JasonA · 01-13-2010, 07:21 PM

It goes in from the bottom, so they're also including an hour's worth of labor to remove various splash shields, etc. I'd get the $44 one from eBay and do the job myself. If the book rate is 1 hour, it'd probably take you no more than that, even going slow.

cowboycorolla · 01-14-2010, 09:25 AM

I have had my water reservoir tank crack in a minor accident... have not replaced it.. but probably should. Toyota was saying $110 for tank + labor... so about $210. Now an Advance Auto parts sells the tank for $70 and ebay $44 with free shipping.

tarbasd · 01-14-2010, 07:48 PM

Even $70 seems to be excessive to me for a piece of plastic bottle.

cny03owner · 01-23-2010, 04:13 PM

The tank is a bit vulnerable to damage, given it's location behind the bumper cover and in front of the wheel well. While a light bump isn't going to damage it, an impact in that area of the car can crack the tank.

I had mine replaced after an accident that resulted in the wheel well liner getting pulled out. The tank cracked on a vertical seam, so it's likely a weak point.

The prices that everyone is finding doesn't surprise me. It's not just a plastic jug... it's a part that needs to fit right, with some rather tight tolerances. The dealer's always gonna be high, that's the cost of having the part in stock and the Toyota name on the door.