2000 Sienna Maintanence Charges

Hi,

I recently took my Sienna out for its scheduled > 90K service at a dealership.
The service guy asked me to do the following additional maintanence because
of problems:

- replace valve cover gasket - $850
- replace leaking water pump - $833
- flush and replace steering fluid - $130

do those charges seem reasonable? Has anyone on the forum got the above
repairs done and what were the charges?

Any information about the above will help a lot.

Thanks in advance.
-NS

I got a 2000 too, about 65k miles. Questions for you:

1. How much they charge you for the maintenance (not including these extras)?

2. Why valve cover gasket? Are they leaking? I have never replace the ones on mine, but from my experience, it shouldn't be difficult. $850 seems outrageous to me.

3. Is the car loosing coolant? Do you notice coolant puddles on the ground at where you parking?


My opinion:

1. If the gasket is only "damp" with some sign of oil and dirt, don't worry about it. If you really concern, get a second opinion and price quote.

2. If you did see any coolant leaking from the water pump, why replace it?


Let us know.

Thanks Proman for your reply.

My only past experience with them has been during 2 visits over past 5
months:

1. 90 K miles maintanence (timing belt change and other maintanence for
90 K) approx $1000.

2. 95 K miles oil change and inspection. $87. They recomended the
additional steering flush, Valve cover gasket change and water pump
replacement during this visit.

To answer you queries and provide more info:

> Why valve cover gasket? Are they leaking? I have never replace the ones on mine, but from my experience, it shouldn't be difficult. $850 seems outrageous to me.

The technician there showed me oil and dust arround the gasket. He says
the labor for dismantling the additional valves for 6 cylinder reaching to
back of engine is too much. So, the charges.

> 3. Is the car loosing coolant? Do you notice coolant puddles on the
ground at where you parking?

The car is loosing coolant according to the technician, but no puddles on
the ground. The reserve coolant reservoir was empty and the technician
showed me pink deposits arround the "weep hole". He says the fluids
were topped off during my previous visit 5 months ago and should not
have dried up. Since it did it is indicative of a coolant leak.

> 1. If the gasket is only "damp" with some sign of oil and dirt, don't worry
about it. If you really concern, get a second opinion and price quote.

Yes "oily and damp" is the only visible sign arround the gasket.

> 2. If you did see any coolant leaking from the water pump,
why replace it?

Good question, I will try and get a second opinion.

Regards,
-ns