Water Pump/Timing Belt?

[96hondagirl]

Hi, I'm new here and I have a 1996 passport. It is an automatic, v6, 4x4. I am getting the water pump changed tomorrow because it is leaking really bad. My question is do you usually change the timing at the same time? The reason I ask is because the timing was changed at about 65,000 miles and it only has 98,000 right now. I really don't want to pay for it again if I don't need to. Also, don't they have to take off the timing belt to change the pump anyway? What is a normal price to pay to have each of these done? To me it stands to reason that I would only need to pay for the part on the timing belt since they will be taking it off and putting it back on already. Thanks for any help or suggestions you can give me.

[marcre]

It would make sense that if they take it off all you have to pay for is the new belt, unfortuneately, that isn't the case.

As far as if you should change it, it's a tough call. Honestly, if it adds a lot of money to the price, don't do it. The belt hasn't been on there that long. Ask the mechanic (if you trust them) what it looks like when they get in there.

[brielly]

The belt can probably be left alone but if the tensioner was not changed last time I would have that done while they're in there. Have them check the crank seal as well.