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Post by mctweety on Oct 31, 2009 22:10:20 GMT -5
Yes, always replace the idler and tensioner. They are cheap anyway.
No, you do not have to replace the hydraulic tensioner. You only have to replace that when you see it's leaking oil, which is very rare. You can only push back the plunger with a bench vise. Go SLOWLY.
I would replace the waterpump every other timing-belt (so once every 120,000 miles), unless you have reason to believe it's worn or leaking.
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Post by akalt24 on Nov 1, 2009 0:12:47 GMT -5
maybe i should have waited on the hydrolic tensioner but its a good thang i have a new fresh one i guess im assumeing i got a great deal as far as having a shop do it only for 310-320 in labor seems like ever other shop wants 400-600 in labor dealer more mad props to you for doing your own t-belt install
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Post by n2audio on Nov 16, 2009 16:09:07 GMT -5
I just read the whole thread but I still can't stop laughing at the 15 hr quote. A semi-competent home mechanic can do it in that amount of time on their first try. I would guess a mitsu pro can pull it off in 2-3 hrs. Anyway - having done a couple -- $600 or so doesn't seem unreasonable for a complete job. I was getting $400-500 when I was having it quoted 3-4 yrs ago in the KS/MO region.
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Post by mctweety on Nov 16, 2009 16:37:32 GMT -5
I'm not sure if the job can be done in 2-3 hours. I would guess closer to 4 hours for a trained Mitsu mechanic.
Unfortunately, it appears many cash-strapped dealerships (not just Mitsubishi) are using the TB replacement to make some good money. They know many people can not do the job themselves and it HAS to be done.
I got 2 quotes from local dealers (full TB job, incl waterpump, tensioner, idler): Mile High Mitsubishi in Denver: $1050 Skyline Mitsubishi in Thornton: $1200
Both are probably without tax, so add that.
It's ridiculous. It's not just labor though. Parts are marked up big time as well. They will probably sell you a waterpump for $200, whereas you can get them for $50-70 at RockAuto/Autozone.
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Post by n2audio on Nov 17, 2009 11:40:00 GMT -5
Well, I think practices like that are a good way to force a lot of customers to learn things themselves. That's what happened to me. I once thought I couldn't do it either. I do 90% of my own stuff now.
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Post by montypower on Nov 17, 2009 18:50:55 GMT -5
Be careful who does the timing belt job. I'd recommend factory parts. I purchased my MS from someone who "saved" money having an independent shop do the work. They had replaced the timing belt and water pump. 20K miles later the timing belt broke. The heads got destroyed.
$3,000+ later everything was replaced.
Spend the money for quality parts. Then do it yourself or find someone who is knowledgeable to do the work.
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Post by mctweety on Nov 18, 2009 11:29:37 GMT -5
You had a timing belt break at 20,000 miles?? That's amazing. I have never heard of that. What brand was that, did you see anything printed on the belt when you took it out? Are you sure the seller did not just lie to you about the replacement being done? Wasn't there something else that caused the belt to break (idler/tensioner locking up or coming loose, improper installation of automatic tensioner, ...)? I'm sure there is a quality difference between all the different brands. But they all should last at least 60,000 miles. The more expensive ones will probably go 100,000+
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