Water Pump Replacement Question

Hi Gang,

I had my 2004 V6 TRD down at the dealership today to have my tranny fluid fully changed. Truck has 125K on it.

While at the dealership, they told me I need a new Water Pump and Timing Belt. (They are original.)

I was quoted 919.00 including all 3 drive belts and coolant.

I went into the DIY section, and I think this job is more than I can handle at this time.

Is there a way I can get this work done for a better price? Buy the parts myself, and see if a garage will do the work? (I know the dealership wont do that.)

Any suggestions on how I could save some money?

What could I expect to pay if I shop around?

Thanks for any help!

 

Well, I had mine done at the dealer. Not saying "You" can't do it for less yourself, about $300 in parts. Yet if anything fails on it after the dealer does it for 12 months, they fix it for free. I know a Shop will do it for less, yet they will not guarantee the parts if it craters. The price quoted is not too bad if they are replacing all the seals and tensioner as well. And you will get new Anti-freeze.

 

I won't be much help with suggestions for a shop. But I'll say I just did this job myself. Never done it before and didn't really know what I was getting into. It was pretty overwhelming and took me two days to do it myself. And with some help from memebers here. After I've done it now, it would be really easy for me to do it again. But yeah, it was a learning experience. Just glad I saved a ton of money.. Not trying to convince you to do it yourself, but, if you can find a couple days to do it, then I'd suggest doing it yourself. It's really not too difficult. Just time consuming. If you knew what to do it'd probly take like 5 hrs minimum I think. But if you're taking it to a shop, I'd make sure they know what they are doing. If you really want it done professionally and peace of mind, then I highly suggest taking it to the dealer and paying the extra for that peace of mind alone. That kind of job, I wouldn't trust any other shop to do it myself unless you know for sure they are trusted.

Edit: If you do buy the parts yourself and take it to a shop, I would get the whole kit with the idler pulleys and tensioner as well. They sell a kit on eBay with all genuine yota parts for $310. I can find the link if you want.. Then you'd just pay for the labor after that. Better to do it all than have to do it again later down the road just to replace a single part.

 

They quoted you a fair price. It will cost you at least $300-$400 to get OEM parts: timing belt, water pump, pulleys, tensioner, gaskets + coolant. All it looks like they are doing is charging you 5-6 hours of labor, which is fair.

If you want to get a discount, tell the Service Manager that you want to go ahead and OK the work, but the financial bite is too great near the holidays. But if he can give you the parts at the 'shop rate' you would consider it. That will knock 15-20% off the parts costs and save you anywhere from $50 to $100. Dont try to negotiate the labor because the SM will dick the tech and you dont want an angry tech doing your timing belt.

I havent done a Tacoma timing belt, but I did my girlfriend's V6 Accord last year. It was my first timing belt job, but I managed to get through it. Just give yourself plenty of time and ensure you understand the proper aspects of making sure the motor is timed right. Your hardest task will be taking the crank bolt pulley off. What Im trying to say is that you can do the job yourself with no problems - its not rocket science.

However, $900 or less is a pretty decent price.