Water pump leaking at 38,000, have a question...

[Rumble]

Looks like our PT has developed a water pump leak (non-turbo '04 with 38K miles). Although I do most of all the mechanic work on our vehicles, this looks like a major headache (I removed the side-shield and took a peak ). So we'll probably take it somewhere for a repair. Not under warranty either.

My question is, should we bother with the timing belt at this time? I'm guessing we could just do the water pump now, and in a few years do the timing belt and maybe another water pump by then (say around 80K-90K miles). Thanks.

[CREWZIN]

That's entirely up to you but it is early for timing belt to be changed even though it might even have to be removed to get to the water pump (not sure on that). If it does, and you plan on keeping the PT for a long time to come, you can change it now and delay the timing belt change in the future by about 40K. The serpentine and alternator belt plus the belt tensioner also should be changed.

[Rumble]

Yeah, those 2 belts are 4+ years old, so it's probably a good idea to change them as well. We're gonna get a couple estimates Monday, so from what I've read here on this repair, it might be a little painful on the wallet. Been a good car though, this is the first problem we've had with it in 4 years. Thanks.

[notadodge]

I had an estimate for the water pump and the at the same time replacing the timing belt it was $435 parts and labor they have to take off the timing belt to do the water pump so the only xtra charge should be the part that was 78 dollars at my dealership make sure they dont double bill the labor

[Rumble]

One local indy shop gave us an estimate of $438 labor, but he was kinda booked until another week. The Chrysler dealership gave us a price of $495 labor, and could start the job immediately. We decided to go ahead and replace the timing belt as well.

All parts (Mopar: belts, gasket/pump, timing belt), and coolant/flush will be around $260. I could have saved a few bucks off NAPA/Advance parts, but of course, no one had anything in stock. The Chrysler place had everything on the shelf. They may even have the car ready later today.

[Rumble]

LOL, just got a call from the dealer. We're covered under warranty! Just have to pay for the belts. For some reason we thought the warranty ran out at 3 years/36k miles.

[CREWZIN]

Nice surprise.

[BLUEH20]

The Service Manager and the Warranty Administrator, sometime the same individual, did their job for you.

Good for you and who were they so we can all feel more comfortable visiting their facility.

[Rumble]

Got our PT back today. The warranty paid for the water pump, gasket and new coolant and most of all, the labor. We paid for the new belts pulley/tensioner and timing belt (these were more or less preventive maintenance). There's also a $100 deductible on the 7yr/70,000mile powertrain warranty. So right now, we have around 3yrs/40+k miles of warranty left.

The dealership was East Carolina Chrysler Dodge, Lincoln/Mercury (Greenville NC). Their service was great, and we're quite pleased with how quickly they were able to get the car back to us.

Thanks for the comments everyone!