[colorman]

Is it neccesary to replace the waterpump when changing the timing belt at 85,000 miles.
I know the labor is the same.
Is it just the smart thing to do or do these waterpumps fail before the next belt change at 180,00 miles?
Thanks!

 

[Duiker]

I'm wondering the same thing. My dealer told me "it's a good idea" but I've never replaced the water pump in any of my previous cars. Toyota dealer tells me that the new timing belt can actually cause the water pump to break. Sounds fishy to me.

 

[bepperb]

The odds of the water pump failing are pretty slim, but when it does it's a mess. Personally, I would probably do it since it probably only adds ~150 to the cost and I can see myself keeping a car to 150,000~200,000 miles. But, if you're selling fairly soon you'll never see that money again. I wouldn't fault someone for not doing it, but it's not the dealer prying money from you... it is fairly standard practice and not just on these Toyotas, on most makes.