Joe Paladino

I've owned my 1988 951 for 3-months. The previous owners partial records are incomplete. He claims that the timing belt was inspected in the last 6-mos, but has no idea when it was last changed.

So I went to a local independent european auto shop for a quote. The owner seems pretty well versed in the 944 particulars.

He quoted flat labor of $700 plus parts (non-discounted and only purchased through him). This would be for changing the timing belt, balance shaft belt, front-end seals, and tensionor bearings if required.

Total estimate with parts was $1,000 to $1,500.

Is this out of line? I'm located in Houston. If anyone knows of a good shop please let me know.

Thanks.

AndyK

That price should also include the rollers, AND water pump (for $1500).

PrerYDoG

Sounds a lil much, but of course, I use a mechanic where I bring the parts and the beer, he gives me a discount! Best P-car mechanic in 6 counties.

Wachuko

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by Joe Paladino:
<strong>...He quoted flat labor of $700 plus parts (non-discounted and only purchased through him). This would be for changing the timing belt, balance shaft belt, front-end seals, and tensionor bearings if required...

Total estimate with parts was $1,000 to $1,500.

Is this out of line? I'm located in Houston. If anyone knows of a good shop please let me know.

Thanks.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Seems high and the all bearings and seals should be changed, period. Also the water pump. The price should also include the retensioning/check of the belts after 1500 miles.

Let see the breakdown:

Front Engine Reseal Kit - 60.00
Belt and Roller Kit - 140.00
Water pump - 190.00 (he does not have it in the list, but since you are doing this, might as well replace it)
Water pump gasket - 4.00
Thermostat retainer ring, spacer, o ring - 12.00
Alternator and PowerSteering belts (while you are there) - 18.00
Oil and filter - 55.00
Coolant - 10.00

700 labor + 489 in parts = 1189...

1,000.00-1,500.00 with parts (an he never mentioned the water pump)? Get another wrench.

Wachuko

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by Joe Paladino:
<strong>...He quoted flat labor of $700 plus parts (non-discounted and only purchased through him...</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">I hate that bs! They just want to make more money out of you! That is what the labor cost is for... total bs

wjk_glynn

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by Joe Paladino:
<strong>He quoted flat labor of $700 plus parts (non-discounted and only purchased through him). This would be for changing the timing belt, balance shaft belt, front-end seals, and tensionor bearings if required.

Total estimate with parts was $1,000 to $1,500.
</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">I had something similar done out here in the SF Bay Area.

The following link documents the costs:

<a href="http://www.weissach.net/WP0AB294XMN410197-History.html#Service_2002-07-01" target="_blank">http://www.weissach.net/WP0AB294XMN410197-History.html#Service_2002-07-01</a>

Karl.

pete944

If you have a garage, tools, Haynes manual, and in internet connection to Rennlist, do it yourself and save the cash. I got all the belts, rollers, new water pump, heater valve, and all the little patrs & pieces for around $420.00 from Paragon and got all new hoses & clamps from AJ-USA for about $90. Do it yourself then tow it to a mech for final belt tension ($50-$100).

Joe Paladino

Thanks to everyone for the replies.

I'm going to talk to a few more shops.

icat

Joe, Which shop gave you the first quote?

Most of us in the Houston area use ProTechnik or Viking Motorsports. Both are in the same complex in Stafford.

As for the requirement to buy parts from the shop - I'm going to "buck" the trend and suggest that you consider doing so. The shop can then assume liability for any failures of the repair. If you supply the parts, then it becomes a pissing contest as to wether the part failed or the repair failed.

I've used ProTechnik in the past and have been satisfied with the work and the cost. I've also had good luck with Viking on several occasions.

Chris_924s

do it yourself and spend the labor cash on other goodies. and replace the waterpump and thermostat while your at it.. better safe then sorry..

Mark Hubley

The shop I use in Annapolis charges under $1000 for timing belts, front seal, water pump, and rollers. The last time I had the belts changed the rollers, seal, and water pump were fine (it had been over three years, but only about 20K miles) they charged me about $600.

The first time I had the timing belts done, I brought my own parts. This only saved me about $100 on the belts and pump. Most of the expense was the labor. After I had the work done, I thought, "What if one of the belts fails?" I would then have no leverage to get the mechanic to pay for repairs after the failure. I decided it wasn't worth the savings. So, now I generally let the mechanic buy the parts, even though I know I'm getting ripped off.

Fortunately, I do most of the maintenance myself. But when I need something done by the mechanic, I let him do it his way, so I can blame him if there is a problem. I haven't yet had the guts to try changing the timing belts myself. Maybe it's something I should reconsider.

ahofam123

Try the belts yourself. I am only eighteen yrs. old and the only previous automotive experience that I had was changing oil. However, I was able to change the water pump, belts, radiator, etc. with very little problems. You can buy the few specialized tools that you will need at a minimal price or you can probably borrow them. If worse comes to worse you can always begin the project yourself and tow it to a mechanic if you don't think you can finish it.

Mike B

Mother of God! Am I glad I do my own work...As ahofam123 posted you should consider trying this yourself...It's really not that hard...

stjobs

$1500 is extremely high for a timing belt change... when I get my 944 I plan on doing all maintenance myself, as much as possible... with manuals and the right tools nothing is that hard. It's not like you are doing any machine work or rebuilding the engine

stjobs

Joe Paladino

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Originally posted by icat:
<strong>Joe, Which shop gave you the first quote?

Most of us in the Houston area use ProTechnik or Viking Motorsports. Both are in the same complex in Stafford.

As for the requirement to buy parts from the shop - I'm going to "buck" the trend and suggest that you consider doing so. The shop can then assume liability for any failures of the repair. If you supply the parts, then it becomes a pissing contest as to wether the part failed or the repair failed.

I've used ProTechnik in the past and have been satisfied with the work and the cost. I've also had good luck with Viking on several occasions.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana,Tahoma,Arial,Helvetica,Geneva">Thanks for the recommendation. The shop I spoke with was European Star Motors in Spring, TX.

I'll definately go talk with the guys at ProTechnik & Viking. Good point on the parts, It would really stink to have a belt break shortly after install and then have the shop say too bad so sad, wasn't our part.

As far as doing the work myself; Well I'm afraid I'd probably be Doing it To Myself <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="wink.gif" /> I certainly have a great deal of respect for those of you who have the skill to DIY. Someday with more time, more tools, and a mentor I would like to learn. Thanks again for the info.