1986 Toyota Camry Timing Belt Question

[LadyElizabeth]

Hi, folks.

My car may need a new timing belt. I won't know for sure until tomorrow.

I had the timing belt replaced about 10 years ago and, at the same time, the water pump was replaced, too.

My question is, is it necessary to replace the water pump, too, or is it done for the sake of convenience?

Any responses appreciated. Thanks very much.

[Grego 92]

It's more like preventive maintenance, rather than convenience. It's convenient for the mechanic to change it since he had to remove everything else to change the timing belt anyhow, but he shouldn't be charging a whole lot since he had to do most of the work for the belt. Pumps do go out, so it having been 10 years, it might be a good idea.

Since you're having someone do it, ask the mechanic how much he will charge you for it, it may help others on here who are more knowledgeable to give you a better idea on whether you should have it done or not.

Having done this myself on a 90 v6 before, I changed the pump and many other things since I wasn't paying someone for labor.

[LadyElizabeth]

Thanks for your response, Grego. Well, as for cost, my "regular" mechanics quoted $640.00 for both the timing belt & the water pump. It cost me about $400.00 for the same thing, ten years ago.

In the meantime, a friend recommended another mechanic in town, and I was quoted about $300.00 for the timing belt. No mention was made about the water pump.

I've taken the car to the $300.00 mechanic, not only because the quote is less, but because they're closer to where I live, and they can work on it sooner than my regular mechanic (ready by Thursday, vs August 22nd), and it's my only means of transportation.

I also stopped into the local auto parts place, and asked the manager, whom I know, if it was absolutely necessary to replace the water pump, too. He said the same as you.

The $300.00 mechanic is going to determine exactly what's wrong, and call me tomorrow.

I'll let you know the diagnosis.

Thanks, again.

[Doctor J]

the water pump is checked for the bearing play. there should be no detectable radial play (when trying to rock the pulley up/down) and no more then 0.3 mm axial (back and forth) play
same applies to the belt tension roller and idler roller.

[white90dx]

Replace the pump. The labor should be effectively free to have it done (maybe 15 minutes extra work?), so it is just the cost of parts. A water pump going out would be a 'bad thing' and could cause the death of your motor (unlike a broken timing belt for this particular engine). You can even buy the pump yourself and bring it to the mechanic if you are worried about parts prices.

-Charlie