2005Es with 68K alternator died yesterday. About $450 to replace. Does that sound about right?
Also mechanic says there is evidence of some leakage around water pump. Is the recommendation to replace the water pump when the belt is replaced? What is experience with water pump life??

Thanks

 

a rebuild alternator doesn't cost that much.
and it's very easy to replace yourself.

try looking into that

 

You shouldn't need to replace your timing belt and water pump with such low mileage. Are you absolutely sure the water pump is leaking and not say a hose clamp that needs to be tightened? Sometimes mechanics "look" for work that doesn't need to be done.

Also, are you sure it's the alternator that gave up on you and not the battery that just died? Was the alternator light on the dash lighting up before it went out?

$450 is a little on the high side for a putting in a rebuilt alternator, but it's not crazy expensive. A rebuilt alternator from some place like NAPA is under $200. If you want higher quality, get a new OEM one from an online dealership for around $300. It shouldn't cost more than $100 to put an alternator in this car from a professional shop, it would take an experienced mechanic all of 15 minutes.

 

Hi All

Just curious if anyone who has done this job has kept the bracket for the alternator in place considering how much of a pain it is to remove it.

I'm in the process of removing it right now and I'm running into some trouble as it is.

 

The securing bracket on the alternator can be a little tricky; it is possible to re-assemble it incorrectly and it binds. I would google some instructions on it if you're stuck; they are out there but unfortunately I do not have one bookmarked to solve it for you quickly.

Also, feel free to start a new topic when you have a question. A new topic like "Alternator installation help?" is quicker to evaluate and no need to read ancient threads.