Water pump question

Been a long time lurker, but this is my first actual new thread.

Got a quick question.

I took my 06 DCSB 4wd V6 with just under 95k miles into the dealership. They are replacing the timing chain/cover/gasket, which is covered by my aftermarket warranty when I purchased the truck used about 3 years ago.(thank god)

They suggested that since they are already going to be in there, I should replace the water pump and belt as a preventative measure.(even though it doesnt show signs of leaking/wear) The labor will be covered under warranty for the timing chain, so I will just have to pay $300 for the water pump/belt.

So the question is....Just pay the $300 for the parts and take the free labor? Orrr leave it alone and replace the water pump myself later down the road if/when it poops out?

 

There is no service interval for a water pump. They can last a very long time and die young. You never know. If you are skilled in this task, then you can replace it when the time comes.

 

Yes. If you don't, it will start leaking next week. Always.

 

Post some more info - yr/cab style, v6? mileage, etc. that makes a decision easier. Also, I do q quick check on a replacement WP for both aftermarket and OEM. then make a decision... Nice for the dealer to offer the free labor though!

 

Brand new OEM water pump is about $90 on

$116 AISIN WPT-802 New Engine Water Pump with Gaskets - Compatible with Select Toyota 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, Tacoma, Tundra

Amazon.

You could buy the pump, and have them install it for free, saving ~$210 dollars.

They of course will not warranty the part, but that's what I would do.

See here:

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/206244-diy-2nd-gen-water-pump-replacement.html

 

Thanks for the suggestions guys.

Was thinking of buying one and having them install it but its already in the shop and no time to wait for shipping. So, I checked the local Oreillys/autozone and they dont have the oem Aisin brand. Only masterpro, import direct, or duralast. (not sure of the quality for these brands)

Even so, $90-110 for the pump + $40 for the belt= ~$150 (plus my own labor). Although Id like to think I'm pretty handy with a wrench, messing with the pump and belt is slightly intimidating.

I think I may just have the dealer do it for the extra $150 to have the warranty and piece of mind. I just hate the thought of replacing something that could have lasted much longer or forever.

 

Change the water pump! It is easy to get at now with them removing the stuff from in front.

Change the belt too... be done with it and not out in the boonies or coming home from work when it breaks!

Neither of my second gen water pumps 'failed'... BUT, a drip was seen coming from my 2010 at a recent service (60,000 miles), so I had it and the belt replaced.

My first gen had the scheduled timing belt change at 90,000 miles and they saw a drip from the water pump, so it was changed... no extra labor, just the part.

 

Pump and belt should be nowhere near 300, even dealer prices. (If the labor is covered under the warranty work)

It's not that hard to change on these trucks, and it's run off the serpentine belt that runs everything else.

 

The serpentine belt is super easy, about 30 minutes if you never done it before. Remove skid plate, work from below, use screwdriver to hold tensioner open. New bando belt was $20. Pictures on Tacoma world made it possible for me.

 

Just remember that's a 8 years old truck with 95k miles on it. That's about the right time to replace the water pump. The engine heat cycles that rubber gasket thousand of times already. Since you have access to that part already, I say replace. Just not at that dealers price though.

 

x2

 

No way would I pay 300 for a water pump and belt. 150 dollars all day long for an Aisin and less than 100 dollars for aftermarket. They are not giving you free labor, they are just hiding the labor charge in the price for the pump.

 

Price of the coolant is also added into that price. Your getting that much covered for free, you might as well give them alittle business. Sad part is its not like the tech benefits from it at all....

 

I agree, go ahead and cough it up...Piece of mind is worth a lot more than 300 bucks

 

Why is the Tech not getting paid?? IT's a warranty job - I do believe they get paid for these types of repairs. As for the water pump - Why would someone expect to get paid twice when the water pump is changed anyway ?? What am I Missing here ??

 

The tech took the time to upsell a water pump and belt. He doesn't see a cut of that profit since hes already paid to do the repair. No added time gets billed or added to his time card, that's if hes flat rate tho. Point is hes not gaining anything from recommending you a water pump and belt, hes saving you money since he could of said nothing and just swapped the old parts over. Hoping when the water pump fails or the belt needs replacing he can do the job again.

Warranty also pays half the book time, its sad.

Think you can do a power steering rack in an awd sienna in 1.1? No way

 

I don't think it's necesarily an upsell, it's just a recomendation that is followed by most mechanic/techs that since they are in that far and have taken other factors such as mileage (95,000) that this is a legit recomendation. I don't think the tech is looking forward to see his truck again so he can do the waterpump. Yes the part is going to cast more, but it's already apart and at the dealer - let them do the new water pump and not worry about it anymore.

 

Thanks for the input. I went ahead and gave them the ok to replace the pump and belt. Might as well just get it done now and not have to worry about it. I should get her back within a few days

 

They will have to dump the coolant to do the warranty work anyway. They shouldn't charge for that.