So my daughter's car is an 02 Accord manual with about 127k miles. It's making a squeaky noise which apparently is the belts. The dealer says they're too tight, but are in okay condition. They want to change the water pump and adjust the belts for $750. This seems a bit steep to me. Does the water pump need to be changed if it's working properly? How much should it cost to adjust the belts? I'm thinking she should find a more reasonable shop. What are your thoughts?
The water pump is driven by the timing belt. I do the water pump and timing belt with the pulleys and tensioner for around $600. If the drive belts are making noise try dusting some talcum or body powder on them. Don't use belt dressings, they never work.The timing belt should be replace around 90,000 miles so if that hasn't been done you should have it replaced or you will bend all the valves when the timing belt jumps or breaks. That's a 14 year old vehicle and the timing belt needs attention.
Okay, there are two things going on here. First, the squealing. That would be the drive belt or belts. That's a completely separate issue from the timing belt. If the timing belt, which you can't see, has never been changed, it's probably a good idea to get it done. THAT is the expensive part because they generally change the water pump and other things while that part of the engine is torn to pieces. 750's a good price. If the timing belt breaks the engine is toast.
Belts can and do squeal. Usually because they are loose and have begun to glaze up. They get a real slick look on the sides. In addition there are several pully bearings that can and do make noise. My suggestion is to find a reputable shop (or two) for another opinion. While you are there, ask what the factory recommended time intervals are for timing belts and water pump on that make and model. At 127k I have to wonder if the timing belt/water pump have already been changed. My last 3 vehicles called for the belt to be changed 80-90k and the pump 100k (if i remember correctly). And as it requires removing all the same parts (on a transverse mounted front wheel drive car like yours) to gain access to either one, shops often recommend doing both to save labor in the near future. As a rule Dealer repair shops charge more, a lot more. Granted they only use factory parts, no used or rebuilt as a rule. The pump is as little as $30 (aftermarket) or more than $200 depending on make and model. If it is located where I think it is you can count on at least 4 and probably 6 hours of labor. However, if like my 2000 Mercury Sable the pump is on the drivers side, in plain view it would only take 1.5-2 hours to replace.
Have them do it, that's a fair price and required service. This is a complicated job because there's also a balance belt to do along with the timing belt, also a special tool required to lock things in place during the job. A water pump and new coolant is valid during this as it is so hard to get at otherwise. Do it there, the dealer is best for this or my shop but you're probably a million miles away. :-)
First taking a 14 year old vehicle to the dealership is not really necessary but it's your choice. If there talking about the timing belt then it is a expensive repair anywhere from $600-$1000 and it needs to be replaced to prevent it from breaking and causing the engine to destroy itself. If that is the case then the water pump also needs to be replaced since it's driven by the timing belt and in the same access point. There is a possibility that there talking about a serpentine belt that turns the accessories such as the alternator, ac compressor, but on that Honda I think there talking about the Timing belt.
