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$638 to change a time belt????!?!?! WTF?

3K views 39 replies 16 participants last post by  PonyExpress 
#1 ·
Can this be correct? $638 including parts and labor to change the timing belt on a 91' Escort LX w/AC and power steering!! My poor GF's elx-2nd gen died today on the highway. Unfortunately, I'm in ames at college without a car and shes in des moines, so she had to have it toed. They want to charge her frickin $638 for it. Unfortunately I couldn't convince her to get a quote elsewhere since her family always goes to frickin Sear/Firestoan. As a festiva man, I'm not super familiar with the CVH escorts, but I know they're common, they have GOT to be ripping her off, but I wanted to check here first. How much is the timing belt at a parts store? It only takes an hour or two at most to change it for the pros right?
 
#3 ·
it sounds a little steep. I'm guessing that the cost for a new water pump and timing belt, as you usually change them both at the same time. If it's only the belt, than it is WAY too much money.

I'd do it for $50 an a case of beer, but unfortunately I am nowhere near there.
 
#6 ·
Because the timing belt has to be removed to change the water pump. So usually when you do one, you do the other as well.

I made the mistake of just having my timing belt changed on the blue car back in '98(before I knew any better). A few months later, my water pump let go, and chewed 2 teeth off my new timing belt. Now I know better.
 
#7 ·
Yep, ALWAYS change the belt, pump, and tensioner IMHO. Tensioner is optional but if there is ANY play or noise, it's not worth doing it twice.
 
#8 ·
why would a new timing belt ruin a water pump? new components are supposed to fix things. (then again, updates and upgrades on a computer are supposed to be benneficial, and as an IT, i know thats frequently rubbish)
 
#9 ·
the new belt wouldn't ruin a water pump. It's just the fact that the water pump still had 90k miles on it, and it let loose. When it did, it tore 2 teeth off the timing belt. So if you are going to spend the money to have a shop replace a belt, might as well replace the pump at the same time.
 
#11 ·
basically, I was driving home from a buddy's house, and all the sudden it felt like my car had a TON of power. I am guessing at that point, something had broke in the water pump, and it was spinning freely. Luckily, it was a short drive, so the car didn't overheat. I didn't know there was an actual problem until the following morning. I guess from sitting overnight, it siezed up. When I started the car, it sheared 2 teeth off the timing belt. Again, I didn't know what happened, but it sounded like my car was knocking REALLY bad. I took it straight to the shop, and they diagnosed it.

Again... that was back in 98, when I basically only knew how to fill the gas tank, and change the oil... I have since learned how to change wiper blades.
 
#13 ·
mine busted at a light as soon as i hit the gas. luckly i was able to coast out of the intersection into a parking lot. after i replace my timing belt, my water pump was leaking coolant everywhere. so yeah, replace the water pump too.
 
#15 ·
a lot lol
 
#17 ·
yeah, this is why i do my own work on my cars.
 
#21 ·
hey dave and boss man, where did yall get ur grills from?
 
#24 ·
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
 
#26 ·
IT'S A SCAM!!!!
 
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