Serpentine belts , do you have to remove water pump belt to replace alternator belt ?? Dealer is replacing alternator suggest new belt, also suggest replacing water pump belt wants to charge labor for the water pump belt replacement , how much more time could it take to replace water pump belt , since the tech is already doing the alternator belt /?l

 

Important question. The flat rate manual they use to charge you, and to pay the mechanics, will show each job separately and maybe both jobs together. As you note, he's already in there so there's not that much work to change both belts. You might try phoning another dealership or independent shops and ask the total cost. You can find the cost of the belts yourself by checking an online source...napaonline.com is one. They may also feel it is necessary to replace an idler pulley...the bearings do wear out. Again, part of the group job, not just a separate job. How many miles on the car? Why pay dealership rates for such a simple job?

 

car was in shop already , they want 180 for the belts and labor , but supposedly no labor charge for the alternator belt install since they are replacing the alternator how much more time could it take to do the water pump belt ?? Does the water pump belt have to come to replace the alternator belt /

 

Everyone is always concern about the cost of parts and labor from there service shop but ... don't forget to consider the warranty coverage for both parts and labor no matter where you go for the service. On the service agreement carefully read all the warranty information before you sign and commit for the service..

Ask:
1. Will the warranty also be covered if the part fails within it warranty period?

2. If I bring *my own parts and the part fails after "X" (*parts and labor adjusted coverage) days will the labor be included free to replace the part. (don't assume that all parts have a labor coverage direct from the manufacture,warehouse distributor or retailer when they are purchased by customer and given to a shop to install.)

 

I just want to find out if the alternator belt has to come off first to get to the water pump belt ?? or if it doesn't matter

 

It helps when members ask service question to at least post


Production date (look at the driver door for this info)
Last 7 of VIN is very helpful
Model trim
Engine
Transmission type

 

If the belts are old, change them all.

 

Being a mechanic, it make sense to replace both belts at the same time.

 

Ya isn't funny on some thread if a Mechanic/Auto Technician suggest to change a part that has not yet failed or is worn out he ripping you off, but on other threads like this it is fine to change parts that may not yet need changes and it is perfectly acceptable.

 

If the two parts are in the same space/location, and they are both service parts which often wear out at the same time, its best to both at the same time to prevent repetitive work down the track.

If the second belt snaps 10,000 miles later, don't going crying to your mechanic asking why wasn't it replaced before it snapped!!