I have just replaced the timing belts on my 94 Civic Si and my 00 Elantra GLS. Both were done at different shops, but i got the same hounding to replace the water pump when doing the belt. My Elantra has 66k and my Civic 85k and i know how important the timing belt is-especially with a negative clearance engine like the VTEC. previously, i've never been told to replace the waterpump with the timing belt til now. is this just a ruse to extort more money out of me, or is there some validity in what the guy behind the counter is saying??
Rubbish, I've been a motor mechanic for about 10-11 years now, and have never nor heard of anyone advising this. The problem is if your water pump seizes up it will strip the teeth on the belt, if the garage is worth it's salt it will check the pump before the new belt is fitted simply by spinning it, to make sure the bearings are OK.
In these vehicles, the water pumps are located behind the timing belt. Remember that the MOST EXPENSIVE item on the timing belt replacement is the labor to do so. This being said, the shop is recommending the replace of the water pump you are already footing the bill for the LABOR to replace the belt and you want have that cost if/when the water pump goes out. Here's and example, let's say the timing belt replacement on your car came to a total of $250. The belt itself only cost $15 to $20, leaving the rest of the cost in associated gaskets and labor. If you don't replace the water pump and it fails, this time your cost will $300 with the difference in price being ONLY the difference in cost for the water pump and timing belt. It's not an absolute necessity to replace the WP when doing the TB, it is just a good idea! If your keeping the cars... change the WP... if not.. just the TB and sell it! Good luck and I hope this answers the question!
First, what determined the need for the timing belt? If it's due to be changed as part of the regular maintenance schedule, fine. And why do you need a fuel pump? If the car runs fine as it is, I would question that. The fuel pump is usually located in the fuel tank which can be a pain to replace, so I'm not sure that that total cost is comparatively unreasonable. BTW, when replacing the timing belt, it's usually recommended you replace the water pump at the same time, as it's located right there, and may prevent having to do the same labor again between belt replacements. You can also call various other shops in your area and get an estimate of what they would charge for the same service. Also, you can use the link provided to find a mechanic in your area who has good reviews recommendations from customers. Look for 'Find a Mechanic and enter your zip code for the info...(You may want to check out the whole site, for fun and car info)... Hope that helps! EDIT: Yes at 110k it should be due for the T-belt/water pump, now it's just shopping the deal!
Not sure about Elantra, but for Honda, the water pump is driven off of timing belt. If you are going to put in 4 hours of labor tearing up to replace timing belt, it would be silly not to replace the water pump because if water pump goes out, then you have to put in that 4 hour labor again. In my experience, water pump life is around 80 - 120K for most cars.
