Non-technical timing belt advice needed

[ManiacLachy]

Yeah, Automotive Plus said my pump was done for, so we changed it then, no extra labour costs because the labour is completed by requirement of the timming belt. Why not just ask your mechanic to assess it when he gets to that point and if it's not new, then replace it. Err on the side that if it looks suspicious, pay the money at the time and get the job done right, or it'll cost you a lot more a little further down the road.

[marty085]

That's a good idea, thanks Lachy, I'm going down there to pick up my wife's car today so I'll chat to them then about it.

[Mr Morlock]

Take a look at the so called invoice- it refers to a water pump cost and it therefore was replaced- is that not obvious? $140 for a pump- just get a price from Mazda you will find out. Bursons and virtually everyone else are selling aftermarket pumps and they don't cost the same as a OEM pump- and even aftermarkets pumps are not all equal.. The earlier work done was bargain basement.

[marty085]

Yeah it definitely says the water pump was replaced.. no question about that... I explained it to the mechanic and he said that they can take it apart and replace as necessary, and just leave waterpump if it looks good. I told them I'll accept that there's no warranty on the pump if they leave it in there. I've been going there a while and they've been good to me and not ripped me off a few times so I trust them. Re: water pump cost, it's about $15 more than a Repco branded waterpump at retail cost. Could get one cheaper e.g. the aftermarket japanese ones from Mania but don't want to be an ass about it and take my own in for the sake of a few bucks.

Thanks all for your help.

[ED_MX5]

As an insider from the aftermarket parts game.. if you do decide to buy your own water pump. Ask if the brand is GMB. There are a few brands that are in fact a reboxed GMB pump, so get them to physically check the pump itself. GMB pumps give the least trouble. And are pretty affordable most of the time.