I own a 2003 Kia Sorrento and recently I was driving and the car completely died. I had it towed to the dealership and the said that the engine was gone because the water pump failed causing the timing belt to snap. Does this sound right? I feel like I am being duped. They want 4,800 to fix I also owe 7,400 on the car. The timing belt was replaced 3 months ago. Could this be their error? Does anyone know how the water pump would affect the engine? HELP ME!
Timing Belt has nothing to do with the water pump on my car.. Not sure about Kia.. Running a car without coolant and overheating will wreck the water-pump and possibly crack / warp the head..
Well, you can definitely go to an independent mechanic and knock that price down to about $3000 for an engine replacement. I would definitely get a 2nd opinion on damage to the engine, I never heard of the water pump failing causing the timing belt to break. I guess you kept driving when the temperature gauge was rising and caused the engine to seize. Another shop may also be able to rebuild the damaged engine which could save you a lot of money. I don't know if you bought the Sorrento used, but if you bought new, now you know why a loan longer then 5 years is a no no no.
Its a procedure to replace the water pump at the same time when the timing belt is replaced because both involve the same work, now , not all the mechanics follow this procedure, if the bearing in the water pump froze that is enough to cause mayor damage, they might be right , check your records if you were charged for water pump and belt then you have a case.
