Car Timing Belt Change.

[The Doctor 46]

My Nissan has just over 30,000 miles on the clock but is 5 years old so should have the timing belt changed. I phoned Nissan for a cost, it was over £400 but when I asked what exactly do they change for that, I was told just the belt.

I went to an independent garage today and talked to them. I was told by the boss that they would not change just the belt but the water pump and tensioner too. This is what I want and I'm surprised the Nissan garage didn't say that. What do you think?

The independent has not given me a price yet but will ring me tomorrow. I also told the chap that I don't mind after market parts as long as they are at least the same quality or better.

[kwackboy]

Normal (while we're in there) procedure to change the water pump.

I'd get several quotes ....

Its a big job on some cars ..
 

 

[2112]

Definitely change the water pump & belt. Water pumps do not take kindly to being disturbed.

[The Doctor 46]

Thank you both. I will definitely have the pump and pulley changed too. I may as well have it's service done too as it'a due soon anyway. I've just sold my BMW F650GS to a chap who insisted on giving me £200 more than my asking price ??? so I'll put that to it, then (in my mind) it will seem cheap 

[Gert]

It is good advice to replace the timing belt tensioner at the same time as the timing belt replacement. A failing belt tensioner squeal can sound like a slipping fan belt and to replace the failing tensioner, as an after thought, costs roughly the same labour rates as for a timing belt replacement.

[Brockett]

Belt, tensioner and water pump change as a set. If the water pump fails it might strip the belt and then you loose the top end.  After five years old I never use a main dealer for my car.

[SteveO]

Had the water pump, & belt changed on my Skoda Roomster at a local, independent garage.

The water pump had a leak, and although the car was low mileage, it was due a belt change, (5 years old).

About £350 all in, iirc.

[purplebikeunicorn]

£504 for TB/WP at a local VW dealer, all the local garages to me were quoting about £450 so I decided to just get it done at the dealer.

They found a leaking crank seal whilst they were in there, and they had some on the shelf as apparently they're very common to go. Another £100 for that little number 

[The Doctor 46]

With reference to my original post. I had a quote from an independent garage £575.89. I have just received an email from an other independent, £363.40 and he is also going to change the auxiliary belt along with the timing belt, water pump and tensioner for that, including VAT. It's booked in and I'm a happy chappy.