1997 Chrysler Cirrus water pump and timing belt

NOELLE38

MEMBER
1997 CHRYSLER CIRRUS

Engine Cooling problem
1997 Chrysler Cirrus Front Wheel Drive Automatic 140000 miles

I thought I was told my car only had a serpantine belt. Now I am hearing it might also have a timing belt and that my water pump is belt driven. It is being recommended that when my water pump is replaced that the belt is done at all since there is no way of knowing when or if the belt has been replaced before my 5 years of ownship.
Cost $650 = mostly labor, water pump and belt.
Does this sound resonable or jacked?
Is the work on these two things something a blow joe garage mechanic can fix or def. A prof. Job

3 Replies

MERLIN2021

MECHANIC
17,250 POSTS

At most dealers the cost for just a timing belt is the same or more, very reasonable.

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Monday, March 3rd, 2008 AT 4:27 PM

RANDYD36

MEMBER
14 POSTS

I just did my timing belt and water pump and it was a bear to do. I also got a defective timing belt from parts store and that cost me lots more money and time. If you can afford to have a professional do it then do it if not then get a haynes manual and follow it carefully. Also if you do it yourself triple check your timing before cranking it up by rotating engine by hand at least five to ten revolutions and then lining up the timing marks. For the timing belt tensioner you can use a large c clamp or a vise to compress the piston.