First the facts according to the service technician. The coolant system pressure is about 15 psi but the water pump could go at any time and when it does, goodbye 2.4L twin cam :disappoin
"I read the news today, oh boy!" I wish I had the Beatles money when I ponder the notion of having my beloved water pump replaced on my 2.4 liter '98 Cavy. According to my local dealership, it will run me about $1200.00! I couldn't believe it but thanks to the water pump's design, it's a part of the timing chain setup as well. I'd love some feedback from the mechanics out there. In a word , the 2.4 liter engine is nice in terms of performance, but don't have to replace anything on that puppy. I almost died when this guy showed me where my starter was; buried under the exhaust manifold in front of the engine not underneath it. What an education. I can't wait to start saving up my overtime pay so that by mid July, I can hand over 1.3 GRAND and sit back for the 8 and a half hours of pure LABOR time it will take to tear that puppy apart to replace a water pump!. Long live DEXCOOL! Yeah right! :evillol:

just buy the part and do it yourself... or DO NOT take it to a dealership... take it to a private repair shop... when my slave cylinder in my 2.4 crapped out, the dealership itself wanted 1400 for the entire thing... i took it to a private shop, and they replaced the slave cylinder AND the clutch for only 800... now whats better? slave cylinder only for 1400 or slave cylinder AND clutch for 800... i think that dealerships are a rip off and always over charge... private shop is the way to go...

I would take it to a private shop also. Sometimes you can even talk them down in the price that they give you. Or if you have the time do it yourself

Pick up your phone, dial your local auto parts store (AdvanceAuto, AutoZone) and ask them how much the part is. It can't be that bad, find a local mechanic to do it, dealerships are a joke.

Thanks for the "private shop" suggestions. I kinda figured that that might be the way to go. Since I had the car (September 2004), anytime I needed something done, I have never taken it to the dealer for work, I took it to a 3rd party regional chain (think tire chain) for repairs. I've never had a "check engine" light, I'm definately trying to avoid that. For the water pump job, I would be willing to let a local shop do it for me instead of the "while you wait, sip some coffee watch some TV you'll have it in an hour" insta-shop!