Leaking water pump after 55k miles since timing belt/pump were done. Replace one or just do both now?

[benlandis24]

I got my gx about a year ago. The timing belt and water pump had been done about 45k miles previous. Old owner did not use oem parts though so now I have a water pump leak I need to deal with.

My local dealer wants like $400 to do the water pump. Last I checked it’s usually about 1000-1100 for belt and pump. Is it worth just doing it all again?

I live in Phoenix and it’s starting to get hot again so this is something I need to do sooner rather than later. Just trying to figure out what my best bang for buck is over the long run.

 

[jiggletits]

I’d just do the whole belt kit with tensioner and idler pulleys. If what you have are non OEM, or non Aisin parts they are trash. A broken belt or failed tensioner could leave you stranded, or if you have the 05+ VVTi motor, could ruin your valves.

An OEM pump should last 150k+ miles. We replace them with the belts at 90k because they are inexpensive, critical, and difficult to get to.

It’s about a day’s job to DIY. A good tech with shop resources can probably do it in 3-4 hours.

 

[benlandis24]

I’d just do the whole belt kit with tensioner and idler pulleys. If what you have are non OEM, or non Aisin parts they are trash. A broken belt or failed tensioner could leave you stranded, or if you have the 05+ VVTi motor, could ruin your valves.

An OEM pump should last 150k+ miles. We replace them with the belts at 90k because they are inexpensive, critical, and difficult to get to.

It’s about a day’s job to DIY. A good tech with shop resources can probably do it in 3-4 hours.

Yea I was leaning this direction. I currently live in a condo and the HOA is not exactly on board with doing maintenance in the carport area. I think the receipt I saw for the belt/pump was like $850 so I can’t imagine they used quality parts.