2004 Civic- do I have to replace the water pump when I replace the timing belt?

Tiny
S390325
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 HONDA CIVIC
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 95,000 MILES
I have a 2004 Honda Civic with 95,000 miles. Now that it is getting close to 100K I want to get the timing belt replaced, and my owner's manual also says the transmission fluid should be replaced after 6 years so I want to get that done too. I've gotten quotes from the dealer and from 2 local shops. I'm confused because at the 2 local shops they say they replace the water pump as part of the timing belt package because the water pump will eventually give out. They said they would check the serpentine belts and then make a recommendation about replacing them or not. (I can't remember when I've had them replaced before). However, at the dealer they told me they will check the water pump but only replace it if it's leaking. The guy I spoke with at the dealer said he has 180,000 miles on his Honda and has yet to replace the water pump. Also, at the dealer it would be an additional $300 just to replace the water pump. And they want to replace the serpentine belts- I guess regardless of what they look like.
So my question is, should I replace the water pump when I replace the timing belt because it's just going to eventually give out and they're in there anyways, or do I wait? I have the same question for the serpentine belts- do I wait to replace them until they're worn? Also all of the shops said they'd check out other things on my car like the battery, brakes, tires, etc, but I don't know if I should specifically get the 90,000 mile maintenance from Honda so they'll inspect some more things. Right now the dealer is actually the cheapest quote (without the water pump). ($465 since I have a coupon, the other places are $536 and $579)
Thanks for any help you can provide-
Thursday, June 30th, 2011 AT 8:22 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
MHPAUTOS
  • MECHANIC
  • 31,938 POSTS
Although it is not essential to replace the water pump, it is normally the best thing to do, the tech will have the engine dismantled to the point that the pump is only an extra few min work, I would do it and also fit a full timing kit idlers and tensioners as well, if not replaced now, you may be up for a heavy labour bill to do the pump before the next timing belt is due, as for the other belts, these are fairly easily replaced at any time so if they are not required now leave them.
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Thursday, June 30th, 2011 AT 10:45 PM

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