Starter and timing belt at same time?

[Maniac]

Is there any economic advantage to replacing the timing belt and starter at the same time compared to two separate jobs?

I have a 2000 with 105,000 miles. I believe the starter contacts are going bad, but the dealership's reco is replace the entire starter. On occassion (1X/week) but becoming more frequent, when I turn the key nothing happens--after 4 or 5 attempts, the engine cranks right up like nothings wrong.

The dealership estimate was $600 for timing belt replacement and $830 for the starter.

Thanks

 

[Maniac]

Dealership said add another $300 for water pump replacement while doing the timing belt.

 

[Jim_Chow]

Dealership said add another $300 for water pump replacement while doing the timing belt.

I think they're ripping you off. According to http://www.toyota-parts.com (check '02 LC water pump, says it fits 98-05), list on the water pump is $131.02, discount price around $98.26. Additional labor is typically 0.5 hrs more (say @ $90/hr), so I'd expect more like $150-200 max. See if your dealer allows you to bring your own parts. Some do, some don't.

 

[EdsCruisin]

That number looks like just the price of a whole new starter, what about labor? I had a dealer do the contacts (approx. $25) with about $500 labor.

While you are in the starter area, I recommend cleaning the throttle body.

 

[LXPearl]

Should be able to do better on price if all are done at once - only tearing into the engine once. The dealer pricing seems high.

 

[ppressle]

Not too much overlap on the two jobs once you are past the engine plastic. Starter is under the intake manifold and the timing belt is on the front of the engine.

 

[ppressle]

I would (and did) replace the water pump when doing the timing belt. It is
deep in the front of the engine... I would also do the idler pulleys and all the hoses that are removed.

 

[jp213a]

Is there any economic advantage to replacing the timing belt and starter at the same time compared to two separate jobs?

There is probably no economic advantage to doing these two jobs at the same time because the only common parts to be removed are the V-bank cover and air intake assembly, a five minute job. I'd do the starter contacts first. Try to get some recommendations on good shops and then check their prices.

 

[BMWSTOY]

Agreed - only the contacts need to be done - a rebuild. Stealerships will not do it because it takes one of there techs away from jobs. My previous owner had it done and they just talked them into replacing it - same with the Throttle Body - replaced, not cleaned.
I had a starter rebuilt at a a place called Start Mart in Colorado. I have since read horror stories, but mine lasted 6 years before I sold it and it was less than a rebuilt starter at the parts stores.
Good luck

 

[Cruiseronland]

Friend of mine who work at Lexus dealership as service writer said those price are negotiable. Go back to ask a better quote. I asked the tech who did the side job. He flushed all fluid (PW,Brake,ATF,DIffs,Tcase,SLLC,Engine Oil) at dealership and charge me $100 only. (He becomes friend of mine now)