Should Timing Belt Service Include Replacing Water Pump?
11-25-2006, 05:05 AM
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Should Timing Belt Service Include Replacing Water Pump?
My shop (Eurasian Service Center, McLean VA) says my TB is frayed and should be replaced soon. Car ('01 A4 1.8TQ) has about 50K miles. I'm going to schedule the timing belt service soon.
Eurasian says it's not necessary to replace the water pump, but I've read (on this forum and elsewhere) that both are usually replaced together; something about the new belt putting pressure on the old water pump bearing seal. And given that the TB service is so expensive (Eurasian's quote is $1050 w/o the water pump), adding the water pump to it doesn't increase the cost that much.
Two questions: Should I have them replace the water pump, and is $1050 too high? Thanks.
Eurasian says it's not necessary to replace the water pump, but I've read (on this forum and elsewhere) that both are usually replaced together; something about the new belt putting pressure on the old water pump bearing seal. And given that the TB service is so expensive (Eurasian's quote is $1050 w/o the water pump), adding the water pump to it doesn't increase the cost that much.
Two questions: Should I have them replace the water pump, and is $1050 too high? Thanks.
11-25-2006, 05:28 AM
#2
Might as well replace it
If the water pump bearing fails it's almost as bad as the timing belt failing. And with everything apart to replace the belt, replacing the water pump and thermostat is a no brainer.
As for the price, that seems a little high for just the belt. My stealership wanted $1300 for the full 65k service which included the belt, pulley, thermostat and water pump. You should be able to get the whole job done for less than what they're quoting you if you shop around a bit.
As for the price, that seems a little high for just the belt. My stealership wanted $1300 for the full 65k service which included the belt, pulley, thermostat and water pump. You should be able to get the whole job done for less than what they're quoting you if you shop around a bit.
11-25-2006, 05:39 AM
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Do it all.
Once the belt is out, it's only a few bolts to remove and replace the WP. There is no good reason not to replace it, and the cost of the pump itself if minimal compared to the cost of the entire TB job. Also, have them replace the tensioner for the timing belt (and of course the rollers). Often times, that's the culprit to a failed TB. Finally, have them determine the cause of the frayed belt. This should not occur normally. If the belt was rubbing on something, you want to make sure they identified whatever caused that fraying, and addressed it during the service work.
I would not expect them to charge extra labor to do any of the above work. You should only have to pay for parts for the WP, and tensioner/roller. While the tensioner is a bit expensive, I would fork out the money, or not bother doing the TB at all.
I would not expect them to charge extra labor to do any of the above work. You should only have to pay for parts for the WP, and tensioner/roller. While the tensioner is a bit expensive, I would fork out the money, or not bother doing the TB at all.
11-25-2006, 05:39 AM
#4
Call around to other shops - $1050 is dealer range pricing.
My local independent guy charges $750, which includes water pump, t-stat, all the belts, new tensioner, all gaskets and fluids, etc.
11-25-2006, 06:06 AM
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Re: I had the TB replaced, new water pump and thermostat. for around $ 750.00 a couple of years ago
They are charging too much. Get a second opinion on the timing belt being "frayed". Stop eating fast food.....
