Do I have to change my car's Timing belt and water pump together at the same time?

Question

If yes, why?
If not, why not?

Thanks,

Answer 1

It depends..... Sometimes the water pump is ran off a separate belt that is not the timing belt. If so, it can be replaced without worrying about the timing belt. If..... the water pump is ran off the timing belt, then it is unnecessary to change the timing belt unless it needs to be changed. Most car manufacturers recommend changing the timing belt every 100,000 miles. If you change the timing belt or water pump, make sure that the timing belt is returned to its original position and is on the same teeth on the gears.

Answer 2

It would depend on the car that you have. I had a Dodge Intrepid and the water pump went out and it was driven by the timing belt. So the water pump, timing belt and tensioner was all replaced. If you have over 60K miles on the engine, it would not be a bad idea to replace it now before there is another problem and it would leave you dead on the road. Good luck with the car. Keep up the maintenance and it will last you for a long time and a lot of miles.

Answer 3

A serpentine belt is NOT the same as a timing belt. The serpentine belt is a belt that runs the water pump, air conditioning pump, smog pump, and alternator, instead of two or three different belts running these things. The timing belt is very important and if your car has that many miles on it you would be smart to have it changed. If that belt should break you are looking at $1000. in repairs. A new timing belt job is somewhat costly but VERY well worth the cost.

Answer 4

it is always recommended to do the pump and the belt at the same time because (funny) they are thinking of saving you some money.....Unless you are real lucky.. If you go that far to do the belt and go down the road a few weeks or months, and the water pump goes out-you would be paying that same money again, but you must realize that some people are luckier that others.... do you feel lucky

Answer 5

generally yes, on later model vehicles, this is due that the timing belt removal requires heavy labor in getting into the engine (taking off the cover, disconnecting the camshafts etc, if you are gonna be there doing this, then it is considered preventative maintainance to do the water pump (or vice versa) as well

keep in mind some cars (especially german make/models) dont use timing belts, but instead use a timing chain, which will not need to be changed at all

Answer 6

If the water pump pulley is driven by the timing belt (see the Gates listing below for your car and it will tell you if you have an interference engine too etc) and you have at least 100,000 miles on the water pump, I'd change it for sure and maybe the tensioner pulley too.

Answer 7

it depends on your vehicle, some water pumps are located and driven with the timing belt, with these it would be a good idea to change it with the belt, but others are located on the front of the engine, they can be changed without removing the timing belt.

Answer 8

do you have to? no.....should you? yes! usuall when a cars water pump goes it weakens the timing belt therefore most mechanics recomend doing both together.On most cars you have to bipass the timing to get to the water pump.The timing belt is not a cheap job by any means! if your car is torn apart for the water pump then you may as well get a new timing belt while you are at it.It will save you in future labor costs.

Answer 9

it all depends on what kind of car it is, some vehicles, such as a chrysker pt cruiser, the waterpump is located on the inside of the timing belt housing, in this instance i would definetly reccomend replacing both just because you are right there and you dont want to tear the motor down again, otherwise no it is not necessary.

Answer 10

No. You don't have to but it's recommended. I had my timing belt changed at 121,000 miles when i used to own my Protege and I didn't have my waterpump changed. Sadly, at 143,000 miles, the waterpump went and I had to pay all of that money for labor again because you have to open up the timing case to get to the waterpump. My advice: Pay the money now or it will cost you more later.