Replacing timing belt

I have a 2004 4X4 quad cab with the V6, 5VZ-FE engine. I'm due for the 90K mile service, which includes having the timing belt replaced. The local dealership is quoting $248 for the timing belt. I spoke on the phone with a highly recommended ("excellent mechanic, honest, and reasonable prices") mechanic who said it would run around $600 because he claims that there are water pump seals, etc. in there that should be replaced at the same time, and that the dealership will probably make the same recommendation once they're in process, which would increase the cost significantly.
Is he feeding me a line, or is this a legitimate recommendation?
Thanks for any advice you can give.

John

 

It is a very legit recommendation. The tech is trying to save you money in the long run. Your water pump is driven by the timing belt, so doing the timing belt AND water pump at the same time is cost effective.

Otherwise, you pay x amount of labor to do the timing belt only, then soon afterwards need to replace the water pump, paying the same labor to remove the timing belt again.

On the 5vz-fe (3.4l), i'd say 8 out of 10 times during a timing belt change, there is coolant leaking out of the water pump. If you want to inspect it yourself, look for pink crust in between the timing cover and thermostat, or under the crank pulley/harmonic balancer. If you see pink crust, that is seepage from your water pump. Id also change the thermostat at the same time.

 

Great! Thanks so much for the info, it's what I thought, but wanted to make sure.
Cheers,
John

 

Glad I could help!

-Brian