2005 RX330 with 65,000 miles. Dealer told me water pump was leaking and needed to be replaced. I pointed out that powertrain warranty should cover it and they agreed.

They also told me I might as well change the timing belt. First I was told that I need to pay for the belt itself. Then I was told that I need to pay for 1.5 hours labor. Is it true that it takes fewer hours to replace the water pump by itself and more labor is involved to get to the timing belt?

Water pump and timing belt cost is $850. Now I only need to pay $300. Timing belt by itself is $500 if I want to wait until 90,000 miles to do it. I think it's worth it to change the timing belt now, but I was wondering if it's true that more labor is involved to do that.

 

That sounds about right. If they were replacing the timing belt then it should not cost anything to change the water pump. But since they're replacing the water pump and not the timing belt then it's a little more work (taking the cover off, aligning the belt, etc). 1.5 hours of labor isn't much so let them do it now and you should be good for another 100k miles (fingers crossed).

 

Go for it.

 

Don't they have TO REMOVE the timing belt in order to get to the water pump? I believe they do. In that case all they should charge you is the price of the new belt.

 

Absolutely. Your timing belt does need to be removed to replace the water pump. So you shouldn't have to pay for anything additional except the belt. The same should be true if you want to replace the V-belts that drive the accessories. You might have a word with the service manager if your SA tells you there is additional labor and perhaps offer to take your business elsewhere. FYI, you should be able to buy a very good quality timing belt at an auto parts store for about $40. Expect to pay more than this at the dealer but it shouldn't be more than twice that.

 

it really depends on the vehicle and how it is set up, it could be possible to leave the belt in place, remove the water pump, and replace, then just slide the belt over the new pump. check timing and away you go,

 

I am pretty sure that the water pump removal procedure in the service manual for the 3GR-FE engine specifies removing the timing belt and one of the camshaft pulleys as well. In any case you'd have to agree that it's a very short leap to replacing the timing belt and it clearly wouldn't involve a hour's labor. I would never hesitate to remind the SA that this is one of those deals where the dealer has an opportunity to generate considerable customer good will at practically zero cost.

 

Negotiate, negotiate. Good luck.