Camry Timing Belt / Water Pump Replacement Cost

[gnrboyd]

We have 96K on a 2001 Toyota Camry and need to get the timing belt replaced. As I understand it, generally you also have the water pump replaced at the same time since it is already torn apart.

A local shop quoted me 700+ tax to do the timing belt, water pump, and drive belts. The dealer quoted 650+ tax for the same thing. (I always thought the dealers were higher but the last time I had some work done, I found that the independent shops were just as high or higher than the dealer.)

I was just curious if these prices sounded about right or if you think I should check around more. I know prices around the country probably vary but was just curious what others thought. (I live in the Kansas City Missouri metro area.)

Thanks for your input.

[Brian R.]

There are more parts that may be changed besides what you mention. Make sure both quotes cover replacing the same parts. One or the other may be quoting the price for replacing idler pulleys, seals, tensioner, etc. in addition to the belts and water pump. Compare apples to apples.

Those prices are about right.

[Mike Gerber]

In addition to what Brian mentioned, there are a couple of seals behind the timing belt and water pump that you might as well replace if your are going to replace the water pump. Make sure those are included in the quote.

Mike

[gnrboyd]

Thanks for the info.

[artbuc]

I would definitely NOT replace the WP unless it is leaking or you feel drag/roughness in the bearing when you turn it by hand. That WP will easily go another 90k. I would not bother replacing any seals unless they are leaking. Howver, I would definitely replace the idler and tensioner bearings.

[Brian R.]

Another school of thought on the water pump is that it should definitely be replaced since the new timing belt installation may stress it differently than the old one, particularly if the tensioner pulley is changed, and cause the water pump to fail very soon after the timing belt was changed.

[suburbanstevie]

Mind if I ask a question... I've got a '94 Camry with about 100K miles. How can you tell if it is time to change the timing belt? I assume it is a rubber belt, so maybe it has strectch a little. But should one just change it every 100k miles?

thanks,
Steve

[Brian R.]

You change the timing belt based on mileage. They don't stretch or give any outward sign that they are about to break - they just break and leave you stranded. Yours is due to be changed. I wouldn't put it off very much longer. Toyota recommends changing every 90k miles, or 60k under severe conditions.

[artbuc]

Originally Posted by Brian R.

You change the timing belt based on mileage. They don't stretch or give any outward sign that they are about to break - they just break and leave you stranded. Yours is due to be changed. I wouldn't put it off very much longer. Toyota recommends changing every 90k miles, or 60k under severe conditions.

This is the most important point regarding TB's yet so many people do not understand it. There is always so much discussion about inspecting the TB for cracks, broken teeth, etc. Yes, you must definitely replace if your TB is deteriorating to the point you can see it. But, every study I have read says imminent catastrophic failure can NOT be determined by visual inspection. Visual inspections are basically useless.

[suburbanstevie]

Thanks for the response! I'll start the quoting process.

Steve

[Brian R.]

If you can afford it, I would replace all the idler pulleys, tensioner, seals, water pump, etc. It is important to have piece of mind that there is nothing remaining to go wrong. The labor to get in there is significant.

[javatrooper]

I'm getting ready to replace right now. Post office has timing belt kit waiting for me to pick up this morning. Got on ebay for around $130. My point is that my belt just broke after 30,000 miles. Not sure if the last replacement did not change out the tensioner or water pump, but obviously something isn't right in there. Kit includes water pump and everything else needed.

[RIP]

Some years ago in Temecula, CA the dealer charged me $1031 to change the belt, water pump, crank seal and oil pump seal on my 94. Water pump siezed while the daughter was driving home from college. Took out the belt. Sad thing was she was coming home so I could change the timing belt and pump. The infuriating thing was they installed the timing belt a tooth off leaving little power to get up hills the rest of the way home the next day. Spent another day getting it fixed again at my home dealership. If you want it done right DIY it!