Water pump change interval?

[chrisbruck]

It's time again for another timing belt (335k)... I've had the water pump done before with them but have also been told these pumps are pretty robust and not prone to leaking and don't have to be replaced as often. Funds are a bit tighter now and curious how long others wait to really do the water pump? I know the timing belt has to come off to replace it and not trying to be cheap but saving $500 now is helpful (I can't really do this myself). Belt and pump were last done at 220k (I know it;'s long ovedue for the belt!!!).

Bite the bullet and do the pump now or wait until the next belt interval?

 

[GTV]

You always do the water pump when replacing the timing belt. That's why they come in a kit together. If your shop is trying to charge you an extra $500 for the water pump then you should find a new shop.

 

[2001LC]

You can skip WP now, if you like. But if it fails, before next TB service. Best case: Your long term maintenance cost increases. Worst case, you damage engine, if fail to notice coolant loss!

With a 2004, with no issues requiring a TB service at this time. Just, doing TB as 90K / 7 to 10 year PM service. Living in a relative mild climate. "Push off" Extend miles/time, save up money. Do all need at later date when $$ in hand.

Two other parts, may need replacing. Fan bracket, almost always with TB service. Serp belt tensioner. These are only a parts cost with TB service (no labor). If these fail before next TB. Again long term maintenance cost go up. It also also good idea to replace spark plugs with TB service, any leaky/aged vacuum lines & age PCV valve (tune up)

 

[Bisho]

The AISIN timing belt kit with water pump is under $300, and it shouldn’t cost an extra cent in labor.

 

[97 AZ LC]

...been told these pumps are pretty robust....

"these pumps" are not all the same. Do you know what was put in at 220k? If it was an OE / Genuine pump it should be fine for another timing belt cycle. The factory does not recommend doing the water pump with the timing belt. That's an internet thing. Keep an eye on the coolant level, as you should anyway. Switch to red coolant if you have to.

 

[Aracobuilt]

A timing belt interval is around 90,000-100,000 miles, some people will stretch this a little longer, myself included. If the water pump replacement is skipped to the following timing belt interval the water pump will have 200,000 miles on it and that is if it makes it. That is not worth the risk or hassle. The labor to replace the water pump once everything is taken apart to replace the timing belt should be close to nothing. The cost of the Aisin kit with the water pump is not that much of a difference. I would not cheap out on this service.

 

[chrisbruck]

The past two times it was done at the dealer with OEM factory parts (and coolant). Last time it was about $1100 and now the price has doubled. Shopped around a couple other highly recommended Toyota shops and not much different pricing. All are saying it's the labor rates they have to pay out now. I'll probably just pony it up and do the pump again. I do most other mechanical work but the timing belt just looks like a pain and I don't have the time for it to be down for a while.

 

[97 AZ LC]

The best argument for not doing the water pump, aside from Toyota not recommending it, is that the used OE / genuine water pump that's currently installed will probably outlast the Aisin Aftermarket pump that comes in the cheap kit. Based on the product reviews failure of those aftermarket water pump is pretty common, which feeds the idea that the water pump should replaced with the timing belt. 300k+ on the OE pumps is pretty common. The million mile 4.7 Tundra had only one water pump replacement in a million miles.