Anyone know labor cost of a timing belt replacement? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

tooslow · 04-25-2009, 01:12 AM

I need to get my timing belt replaced. '01 XL with 150k on the clock. I have ordered all the necessary parts, and even some unnecessary parts(according to the dealers). This will include the water pump and thermostat labor as well.

I've received 3 quotes for the labor:

$520- Import Performance Shop(specializes in Toyotas)
$420- Large Local Dealer in town
$400- Small Dealer down the road

Even at $400, the labor seems high. Then again, if it wasn't such a PITA, I'd do it myself.

Thanks!

littlebookworm · 04-27-2009, 10:28 PM

I've got an 05 Solara with the 3MZ-FE engine (V6). Dealer wants approx. $800 for timing belt and water pump replacement. Local mechanic wants similar amount but includes the tensioner and idler pullies. Oil seals would be extra, if needed. They claim 6-7 hours labor. I'm debating doing it myself. I've done a few timing belts years ago when I was a mechanic, but haven't done one lately. I've got all the tools and have read and studied the repair manual. I just really don't have the time until the end of May. Problem is I already have 92K miles on the car and the belyts supposed to be changed at 90K. I'll put another 2500 miles on it from now until the end of May. Mileage makes me a little nervous. Anyone have any comments on going to 95K before changing the belt? Hy

tooslow · 04-27-2009, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlebookworm

Anyone have any comments on going to 95K before changing the belt? Hy

I can only tell you that on the 1MZ-FE, the timing belt will last at least 153k under normal driving use.(or maybe I'm reeeeeeally lucky)

Not sure about the 3MZ-FE.

***TrailDust*** · 04-28-2009, 01:14 PM

$800 as was quoted to littlebookworm is ridiculously high. To get a no b.s. assessment, I'd look at a Chilton guide and see what it says regarding the timing belt replacement. With that you'll know how many hours of labor are involved, most likely parts used, and can estimate a fair labor estimate. Shop around.

TrailDust

funnysam · 05-16-2009, 08:48 AM

453 including OE belt and water pump at the NY shop i went. this was 2yrs ago though

aznstylez · 05-28-2009, 12:32 AM

my car just passed over 01' 200,000 and haven't gotten a timing belt change yet. my dad's 99' got 276,000, haven't gotten a timing belt change also.

dizzymon247 · 06-06-2009, 02:00 AM

Just did mine with 80k miles on it for $500 with water pump and all the belts plus the tensioner.

***TrailDust*** · 06-06-2009, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aznstylez

my car just passed over 01' 200,000 and haven't gotten a timing belt change yet. my dad's 99' got 276,000, haven't gotten a timing belt change also.

You're definitely running on borrowed time. Just a suggestion, but I'd replace the timing belt pronto since it'll be sure to fail at the worst possible time...Murphy's Law kind of thing....

aznstylez · 07-21-2009, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrailDust

You're definitely running on borrowed time. Just a suggestion, but I'd replace the timing belt pronto since it'll be sure to fail at the worst possible time...Murphy's Law kind of thing....

Thanks for the suggestion.

rod jr · 07-23-2009, 09:15 PM

Just had mine done at 95,000 at largest so. Calif dealer for $250, all parts included.

erom43 · 07-26-2009, 01:58 PM

Toyota dealer in Orlando quoted me around $1200 for TB and water pump replacement for my 2002 Avalon. Sounds like I'm living in the expensive part of the country!

***TrailDust*** · 07-26-2009, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by erom43

Toyota dealer in Orlando quoted me around $1200 for TB and water pump replacement for my 2002 Avalon. Sounds like I'm living in the expensive part of the country!

Way, way over priced. Go to a private mechanic. Let you fingers do the walking via the phone book if no private party can offer a good recommendation...you'll be surprised at the difference in price and quality of work.

erom43 · 07-26-2009, 05:43 PM

Oops! My mistake. Quote was actually $899......still too high I believe, even including water pump and seals. They also quoted an additional $3500 for their standard 90,000 mile service package.

Boston Fireguy · 07-28-2009, 10:20 PM

Just south of Boston I just paid $570 for the belt, pump, tensioners and anti-freeze at an independent garage. The car is an '04 XLS with 92K miles.

Another independent wanted $1200 (!) because he would use Toyota OEM parts.

littlebookworm · 07-28-2009, 10:49 PM

Well, As I posted on another thread, I did the belt, water pump, and tensioner. Cost of parts (aftermarket) about $120. It took me about 15 hours because I have limited mobility since I had a total knee replacement about six weeks before I did the timing belt. I did run into a problem with overheating and with a P0016 "cam/crankshft sync. problem". I had to redo the timing belt because the rear cam was off by one tooth! The engine ran fine but the "check engine": light came on. The re-do only took 5 hours. I got help, indirectly, from a Lexus mechanic in Florida and from my brother (a senior mechanic at Jag, Mercedes, and other exotic car dealerships), now retired. Would the job be worth a charge of $800-$900? Yes, it would. The time involved is worth it. I decided to do it myself for a number of reasons. I just don't have that kind of money right now; I used to be a mechanic (pretty good one, I think); I usually do my own repairs on everything; and I love a challenge. Hy