Hi all,

Found a puddle under the truck after a long trip last weekend (145K KM on vehicle). Looked like it was the water pump so dropped it off at the dealer this morning. Was just told it was the pump and it would be $650 to replace it. Was also told the valves were way out and would need doing for a cost or $620.

Does this sound reasonable?

What really sucked was that apparently the 7 year warranty ran out 2 weeks ago so I have to pay the full $650 for the water pump. Is there any recourse when the warranty expiration is so close? Since I need the vehicle I told them to go ahead and replace the pump.

Thanks!

 

The pump is just 3 bolts (at least on my 2001 it was). The hardest part is removing the belt which you should probably consider replacing while your there. Its also a good idea to flush the coolant out while your in there. I know my old 2001 had valves that I adjusted but im not sure about the 2003. Adjusting the valves just required you to take the valve cover off and a few tools.

 

Doh! Thanks EverydayDiesel. Lesson learned. Always check the 'net before agreeing to have work done. The dealership just called back to say the work was done so it must have been only 3 bolts. I wonder what they'll say their unit price was on the pump.

Sounds like I should also skip the valve adjustment and DIY or get someone else to do it.

 

I'm pretty sure the valve adjustment is 150000 miles too which is about 240000 kms. When my water pump went out they charged a little over 300 bucks but that's American money.

 

On an 03 it's two bolts. Mine leaked, but only at the gasket. I used two small vice grips to lightly hold the belt in place. A big screwdriver to prop behind the pulley to pop it loose. The a small wire brush to clean the surfaces. A little silicone, then all back together. This entire process took less than 10 minutes.

A valve adjustment is definitely something you can do yourself too. Look thru some posts here to find more than enough instructions. If FunFinder5 can do it, anybody can.

Oh, let an pressure off the coolant system and drain it down just enough to get below the pump, which is up high and is not much draining.

 

I just replaced mine... $60 for a rebuilt one and about 20 minutes of time total. Like said above, the belt is the most difficult part.

 

Thanks all. I'll been phoning the local police department tonight to report the rape that I received for this work. Just got home with the bill. Priced the water pump at rockauto for $53 (US = CDN these days). I was charged 1.5 hrs labour ($195) and $436 for the pump for a total of $630.

Again its my own **** fault for not checking here first...

Here's some other stuff they recommended:

- 3.5 hours labour to adjust the valve lash plus $165 in "rocker box gaskets" for a total of $620.
- $100 to do the fuel filter
- $65 for an engine shampoo
- $1400 to replace front axle u-joints and seals or just $506 to do the u-joints with "no guarantee that the seals wont start leaking"

Needless to say I'll be doing the rest myself...

 

Given getting those u-joints done means removing the unit bearings this is probably a wise decision. Read Mr. Gadget's writeup on that. And the following posts too. That one thread convinced me that no one is touching my front axle for ball joints or u-joints or anything else. In the interest of convenience, the shops will use methods that are not the best.

My truck is healthy for now, but I'm funding a budget to do DynaTrak no spin hubs with either their or Carli ball joints and replacement u-joints on the front axles at the same time. After that, the truck will probably not spin the front axle drive-line more than 5k miles over the rest of it's (hopefully) extremely long life.

 

wow that that dealer is a crook. I changed my water pump in 20 minutes in a Burger King Parking lot. 10mm wrench and new life time warranty pump for Auto Zone was $60 with tax. $506 for the front u-joint replacement. WOW, My local 4x4 shop did it for 185

 

WOW, same thing here. Changed my waterpump in a half hour with the $60 Autozone pump with the lifetime warranty. Thats just wrong man.

 

yeah do it yourself and pocket the 600 bucks!