timing belt

Ok, so my timing belt is due soon. Went to my normal mech. and i told him that i wanted to change the timing belt followed up with some new spark plugs. He told me since were in there changing the timing belt to get a new water pump, thermostat, and someother crap that i forgot because i was spacing out on the price he told me ($600-700).
My question is, is that a normal price and/or do i really need to change all those extra parts out?

 

That seems about like a normal price, if not a bit on the low side.

Some other expenses that might pop up include the tensioner, pulleys, belts, and hoses. If all those need to be replaced, you could be in it another $100-200 if he didn't include those in the price (complete guess - might be more).

As far as if you should replace the water pump and thermostat at the same time, it isn't 100% necessary but your mechanic is right that you really should.

The water pump does have a tendency to start leaking about the same time the timing belt is due to be changed. Since the water pump is right there under the timing belt and most of the work is labor, everyone changes the water pump at the same time, as it'll cost you another $400-500 if it fails later. Its not worth saving the $50-100 on the water pump when its only a few bolts to remove it at that point. Think of it as you're replacing the timing belt and getting free labor on the water pump. I had the mechanic do the belts and hoses at the same time just to save on having to do them later as well.

 

sounds right. i did mine myself and it cost that much, so if he is including labor then thats a pretty good price.

 

What's he charging for the spark plugs? Save some money and do them yourself

 

That's not bad....considering the amount of work is involved.

If you haven't had your water pump changed, it's a good time to get it done plus the thermostat and all your accessory belts too.

My water pump leaked for over a year (on my 96) and I finally changed it myself at 85K miles. They don't last forever. Cheaper to have them do it now than have to pay them another $600 to do it again when it does leak.

 

Yup that sounds about right, the same price was quoted for my 2003 Taco but no sparks plugs.

 

FYI, I paid 163.93 for the t belt, water pump, and t stat at my local NAPA auto parts and did it with my dad in a day. It was terrible but worth saving the money IMO.

 

Hell yeah I would do it myself luckily mine was done right before I bought my truck.

I say but a Haynes Tacoma manual and go to Napa but the parts and do it yourself.

Shit you might even find some guys here that would do it for half the money i know I would if you were near me.

 

I thought about doing it myself, but I chickened out. Thats just a bit more than I feel comfortable doing by myself.

 

fair enough. The hardest part is breaking all the bolts loose. I think we broke 2 chinese breaker bars and a craftsman socket driver before it was all said and done lol.

 

the timing belt and water pump arent too bad of a job....mostly just time consuming. and its a good idea to change the seals while you are in there...especially if you see any signs of leaking.

to the op....that aint a bad price. i got the tb kit from ebay(reputable ebayer) and did it on a sunday...then me and tigerfan did his on a friday evening. hardest part....prolly breaking the crank pulley bolt loose. i used a breaker bar and socket..set against frame, and bumped starter over. worked easily both times for me.

 

I just purchased an 03 double cab TRD with 42K. At what point should I consider the age vs. mileage for the timing belt/water pump work? My guess is that I should be OK for awhile? thanks.

 

That's a pretty reasonable price and yes it's a good idea to change those other parts. The other thing he was talking about was probably the pulleys.

 

The recommended service on the timing belt is 90k or 72 months (6 years), so if you go by months, you'd be past due. There are a lot of factors that go into how fast rubber will break down, but I think it'd probably a good idea to get it changed just so you're doing it on your terms and not when your going down the highway at 60mph.

Knowing me, I probably still wouldn't put a rush on it, but still something I'd plan on getting done within the next little bit.

 

Yeah but it is a non interference engine so if you don't want to do it the worst case is that you'll need a tow (your engine will not blow up is what I mean).

 

Thanks. Good to know I won't mess up the engine. I'll plan for Spring replacement.