edgar62902

I have a 99 4runner Limited and i just went to the dealership for a quote on timing belt job,they quote me $800 for timing belt,water pump,thermostat,seals and driving belts.not sure if idlers and tensioner included in this price maybe not but i would want them replaced too.i want you guys opinion.i can get a kit from ebay for $350 and have a local mechanic install it but haven't get a quote for labor yet to compare. does $800 sounds right? i just don't want to get ripped off or should i get the kit and hope to get charged for labor around $450 or less? dealership told me 4.5 to 5 hours labor

DeathCougar

iTrader: (23)

Dealers typically charge $80-$120/hr for labor. Its just simply the going rate.

Smaller shops usually charge less, $70-$100/hr labor.

For timing belt, water pump, thermostat, seals, and all 3 drive belts, $800 installed isn't a terrible price. I would say average to good price. Considering 5 hours@$100/hr, you are getting the Ebay parts for cheaper AND they are factory part. Plus having the dealer install it means you get a warranty on the parts.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

I think $ 800.00 is a very good price.

I have found most mechanics unless they are Toyota people can be quite clueless at times.

4x4boating

My friend, there is a tool over the internet called youtube.com there you will find several videos for DIY things, here is a good one regarding Timining Belt for 1996-2002 4Runners / Tacoma. Just get an ebay Timing Belt kit, watch the video, THEN grab a beer case with a friend and DIY. You will SAVE BIG BUCKS!!!!!!
Yes, I know, IM THE MAN!

PlainJaneYota

Great suggestion, I was about to look for a video and tell him to do it himself also

Also, get the haynes manual, it's the bible of car repair. http://www.haynes.com/repairmanuals/toyota/4runner

habanero

..and a torque wrench that can do 217 ft lbs.

emoto

You can do it! Get a complete kit. I got one on Amazon for around $200 with new tensioners, belt, water pump, etc. Don't skimp since you'll be in there. It's not that hard. Use a pulley holder for torquing the balancer, I have the tool for holding the tensioner in position if you want it. pm me. I used it as an opportunity for acquiring tools, however they're quite specialized.. you can get a pulley holder on loan locally.

DeathCougar

iTrader: (23)

Shirley, you can't be serious.

Get a Factory Service Manual (FSM). THAT is the bible of car repair. Haynes manuals aren't worth the paper they are printed on.

Robb235

For sure. Haynes manuals are about as helpful as a third armpit. Step 1 is usually something like "Disassemble entire motor" and then "Installation is reverse of disassembly".

Sent from my iPhone using YotaTech

chadsy

I was able to find my FSM in PDF format. I just print whatever pages I need for the project I'm working on. super detailed compared to Haynes/Chilton.