Is $480 a good price for timing belt/ water pump replacement?

[AznSensation]

I have 2002 Honda Accord SE /w 4cyl. My local shop quoted $480 (parts and labor) for timing belt and water pump replacement. Is this a good price?

 

[Howard]

It's not bad.

 

[Rifter]

Not bad at all, most shops will charge 600-800 for that work around here.

 

[shabby]

Don't forget the tensioners, pulleys, balance shaft belt and whatnot. Its not just the two parts you listed that need changing.

 

[chin311]

hyundai did my wife's accent timing belt @ 60k for 300$

thought that was decent, with a water pump on top 480$ isnt terrible

 

[Rifter]

Don't forget the tensioners, pulleys, balance shaft belt and whatnot. Its not just the two parts you listed that need changing.

this is a good point and could reflect on why the price is so low.

 

[Lotheron]

It's probably good enough, that, even if you were find a better price, I doubt it would be more than 10% or so. This is assuming both shops are reputable.

That being said, it all depends on who's doing it and the quality of the work. Timing belts/water pumps are pretty easy so any reputable shop should be able to do them with ease, but there is little room for error ( like keeping the timing correct after the belt swap).

 

[Lotheron]

this is a good point and could reflect on why the price is so low.

Most of those should not need to be replaced unless they're bad or going bad. The only reason why belts need to be changed in intervals is more because the belts will stretch and the belt can jump teeth or break.

This is OK unless you have an interference engine where the pistons will slap themselves into the valves/rods.

 

[AznSensation]

does anyone know any cheaper place in LA area?

 

[JCH13]

Most of those should not need to be replaced unless they're bad or going bad. The only reason why belts need to be changed in intervals is more because the belts will stretch and the belt can jump teeth or break.

This is OK unless you have an interference engine where the pistons will slap themselves into the valves/rods.

Actually, a big reason to use belts is because they DON'T stretch. Belts are changed at regular intervals probably because they don't have an endurance strength, unlike steel timing chain.

 

[Rifter]

Most of those should not need to be replaced unless they're bad or going bad. The only reason why belts need to be changed in intervals is more because the belts will stretch and the belt can jump teeth or break.

This is true, but when im putting the time into a timing belt/water pump i usually always replace the tensioner/pully at the same time just because its a pain in the ass to have to rip it all apart again in a few months if it starts making noise. And a nice new tight belt will usually make a old/aging pully start to make some noise.

 

[7window]

too expensive. 250-200. 300 tops

 

[kalrith]

Have you called around for other prices? I had to get the timing belt replaced on my Suzuki Forenza recently. I bought the belt and was going to do it myself, but chickened out. My regular mechanic wanted $350 in labor to do it, but the dealership only charged $170, so I had them do it. It's a bit easier to change it on a Forenza than on a lot of cars, so that might be something to consider.

 

[kalrith]

Don't forget the tensioners, pulleys, balance shaft belt and whatnot. Its not just the two parts you listed that need changing.

To add to this post, make sure they replace all of this as well; don't just assume that they're replacing it. If you've got around 90k miles on the car, then you might need the tensioners, pulleys, etc. replaced before you put another 90k miles on it. I didn't get any of that replaced, because I'm supposed to get my belt replaced every 60k miles (it's an interference engine), so I'll get it all replaced the next time.

 

[summit]

kerechuk the only place for honda's in los angeles.

 

[bruceb]

Sounds like a reasonable cost. I would also add in new radiator hoses, flush the radiator, engine block and heater, thermostat, radiator cap, new coolant. No point doing all that work and leaving the rest of the cooling system neglected. Most of those items need to come anyway to get the rest of the work done.

 

[overst33r]

too expensive. 250-200. 300 tops

That's too cheap. I doubt you will find a reputable place that will stand behind their work and use quality parts for $300.

I would say $350-450 is the going rate depending on the car.

 

[andylawcc]

I got my 1996 Celica done for $400. belt, pump, the whole lot.

 

[5150MyU]

Water pump pays 4.2 hrs- add .4hrs. w/AC.

 

[exar333]

$480 is a fair price for that, assuming they are using quality parts.