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I was recently advised by a mechanic following a service to get the cam belt changed and told the costs would be approx $650.

After giving the approval for him to proceed I received a bill for $900 which included amounts for a water pump, tensioner bearing, idler bearing, timing belt and drive belt.

Also 4 hours of labour, Does this sound right?

Sean

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 27 August 2009

Depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the total cost of the repair does not surprise me and I support the replacement of the water pump if it is driven by the cam belt which is highly likely.

There have been many cases of pump failures a short time after a new belt has been fitted through no fault of the repairer.

The tensioner and idler bearings are also not an uncommon replacement part.

What does annoy me about this job however is the repairer not making you aware of the possible 'extra's' before the repair was started. To add on an additional $350 is unacceptable without any prior warning.

In fact, there are many repairers who will not start these types of jobs without adding these costs into their estimates up-front before the job has been started.

It's almost a given that water pumps and tensioners will need to be replaced as part of a cam belt replacement job, so it should at least be discussed as a highly likely recommendation before the job has been started.

Not a good look for your repairer in my opinion and I would recommend you discuss your disappointment with the final account with them.

Depending on their response and attitude may influence you in deciding whether to use their services again or not.