time to pick your brains

[ZRIFFIC]

Hey Zguys,
Ok I have read most of the forum from today all the way back to before December.I figured that was far enough .HaHa. So now comes the fun part my questions.
1. My engine has 70,000 miles on it, the day I purchased it I drove it straight to my mechanic and asked him to look it over.He inquired about the timing belt,and I told him I didnt know.I called the previous owner and he stated that it was changed at 60,000. Now lets say this guy was just telling me what I wanted to hear( hope not) What are signs of the belt slipping. My mechanic told me to change it would run me in the area of 500 is this correct or am I being screwed because I am female and blonde? ok finished that one on to the next.
2. The rear diff bushing needs to be replaced,I read a post that said irt was just a matter of a few bolts and a good jack if this is true why do they want to charge 400 to change mine.I am beginning to think I may need to find a new mechanic. I just put new breaks on the front and have to wait to do bushing for a few weeks. is this going to damage the rear end of my Z? ( Just in case anyone asks no I am not driving like a wild woman,at least not until the bushing is fixed) well while I could probably come up with more questions I will let it go with this for now.I am still waiting to find out how to post my photos so as soon as I find out I will let you all take a look at my dream car. Until then take care and thanks for any advice you send my way.

[Zgringo]

Hi ZRIFFIC, and welcome to past Z cars.
First off you timing belt can't or wont slip without doing possible major damage. Unless the old owner has reciepts for the change I wouldn't take any chance and change the belt. Unless you believe the old owner.
As for the rear differential bushings what you read is correct. Not much of a job.

[ZMan87]

They are going to charge you 400 not because its a few bolts and a good jack. They factor in labor costs and how much the part actually costs.


Umm, where do you live. I might be able to help you with a new mechanic.

[Broke_as_****]

Timing belt: Was that charge for just the belt change or for a 60K mile package (radiator hoses, water pump, belt tensioner...etc and so on)? Granted it's not the easiest motor to work on but if it's just changing the timing belt then I would have to say the price estimate sounds high.

Rear diff bushing: If I remember correctly the bushing is pressed into the sub-frame and requires a press to replace. I may be wrong on that. Again the price sounds high, but quite honestly I'm not up on labor rates, as I am fortunate enough to do just about any work that needs to be done on my own.

If you have the photos on your computer:

Go to www.imageshack.us and upload them.

Copy the URL they give you and put it in your post with the following:

[img] before the picture

[/img] after the picture

Like so:

[ZRIFFIC]

Originally Posted by ZMan87

They are going to charge you 400 not because its a few bolts and a good jack. They factor in labor costs and how much the part actually costs.


Umm, where do you live. I might be able to help you with a new mechanic.

I am in Phoenix Arizona ,if you know area I am up north by metro mall.
Thanks ZMAN87

[k3smostwanted]

$500 just to change the timing belt is way too high, especially for a Z31 but i would get it changed.

i have a buddy that broke a timing belt on his TT and we took the belt off and it looks brand spanking new except for the fact that it wasnt one piece. my point is that you will never be able to tell on that thing how old or if it needs to be changed or if it has been changed...

good luck and stick around...watch out for Jorge. he scares all the girls away that ever visit this site

[Hodo]

Most of that sounds right figuring in labor rates. Not a scam.

Also honestly the cheapest way to get things done on your Z is to learn to do them yourself. But I am just a mechanic so who knows. I personally hate working on cars older than 6 years old in the shop.... but I cant always get my way.... I do not mind working on them in my free time.

Oh and you live near the Metro Mall, I used to live up on Thunderbird Rd and 35th AVE. There is a shop that specilizes in Zs up on Bell rd, or Greenway.... I cant remember which. If I ever remember the name of the place I will let you know.

[DeleriousZ]

yeah, speaking of jorge i haven't seen him around lately... maybe he got sent to jail for molesting an ogreish minor... who knows.

dammit broke.. you just HAD to post the twinturbo one... i hate you.

yeah these guys prettymuch said anything i'd say.. good luck with it zriffic

[Zgringo]

Broke, your car is looking good......

[ExTrEmEDrIfT]

yah thats is pretty high prices for the job but sounds right.. im gunan be doing by timing belt along with all my belts , heater core , and the whole tune up as it needs it... im glad i know how to work on cars too it really helps out..