I just took my Camry in for it's 60,000 mile checkup and was surprised when the dealer told me my water pump was leaking and I need a new one.

I asked isn't 60,000 a bit early to need a new water pump and the service manager told me that apparently my car has a timing chain and an external water pump and the external water pumps do more work and wear out more quickly (the car is a 4 cylinder SE model). I asked if I could expect to have to change the water pump again in 60,000 more miles and he said probably so.

I"m giving the dealer the benefit of the doubt that I actually do need a new water pump, but it sounds odd to me that a car as reliable as a Camry would have a water pump that typically only lasts 60,000 miles. Does this sound right to you?

Also, the dealer charged me $550 for a new water pump. I know I could save a lot by going to an independent mechanic, but I just trust the dealer more. I was told it took 3.5 labor hours to change the water pump. Again, this sounds like a bit much to me, should it take so long to change a water pump? Is my dealer being honest with me?

it seems the generation 5 four cylinders do eat water pumps rather early!

I have replaced several on the new chain driven four cylinders. The good news is they can be done in 20 minutes blind folded and one arm behind your back.