I have a 1998 Toyota Camry LE with 130,000 miles.

Was told by my mechanic that everything should be replaced at the time of the timing belt replacement (water pump, other stuff related to the belt). He explained about the new tension on the old parts and it made a lot of sense.

He quoted me $650 for everything (labor, tax, all parts, etc).

Fair deal? The Labor was about $250 and said it would take a few hours.

 

If he is a pro... that would be fair enough!But he's only a starter it would depend on how he fix it.

 

Thanks, I guess what I really want to know is: In your opinion, does all of this need to be done at the same time? Or........is he just trying to sell me the whole package to make the extra money?

Is it your experience that the water pump goes out soon after the new tension of the timing belt is put on it? How about the other parts wearing out with the new tension? Is it better to do it all at once, or is it overkill?

Thanks again for the feedback.

 

There is always some overkill in these deals but if I was going to take it all apart I would probably replace those items, especially with 130k miles. At 60k, maybe not. I would even consider the oil pump seals, cam and crank seals. If those are not or have not leaked there is a good chance they soon will.

 

The issue is more the time needed to access these other parts.

If you replace the belt at 130K do think these other parts will last until the next change? If not you will need to once again remove all the engine parts needed to access and change the belt at whatever labor cost to you.

The water pump does not have any higher rate of failure then say the cam or oil pump seal.

Have never heard of the increased tension theory. The belt is tensioned by a spring then the idler bolted down. If the proper tension method is used it is not possible to over tension the belt.