850 timing belt replacement query

pt850 · Post by **pt850** » 27 Jan 2006, 06:30

My wife is being told the timing belt was replaced on her 1996 850 GLT wagon because the water pump needed replacing, and "they always replace them together." The car has a sticker saying the belt was replaced at 70K miles, and has 105K miles currently. Is this work legitimate? Many thanks.

Jot · Post by **Jot** » 27 Jan 2006, 07:22

The timing belt was changed at the correct mileage. I have read that the waterpump is bulletproof and only needs to be replaced if leaking. When you change it at 140 K you should change the tensioner.

pt850 · Post by **pt850** » 27 Jan 2006, 07:34

Jot: Thank you for your response. I think I did not choose my words carefully enough. The timing belt was replaced at 70K (as noted by the sticker). Now we are being told the belt has been replaced again at 105K miles because the water pump needed to be replaced, and "they always do them together." My question was, is it legitimate that they would replace a timing belt with 35K miles on it just because the water pump is being replaced. Many thanks. Preston Thayer

J_Guynn · Post by **J_Guynn** » 27 Jan 2006, 07:58

The timing belt has to come off to replace the water pump and it certainly won't hurt anything to change it now.

However, if you do let them change it now go ahead and have them put in a new tensioner...otherwise you'll be pulling it all back apart in 35K miles to do the tensioner. Basically have them do everything that would be done at 140K miles.

I do 90% of my own auto work. If I had to change the water pump and I knew the timing belt had 35K miles on it, I'd go ahead and change the belt while I was "in there".