Need help with estimate - legit?

[arracado]

Took my '99 SR5 into my mechanic today because I've noticed an increase in stopping time. The axle seal was leaking onto the rear left brakes, so that needs to be replaced. They recommend doing both if I plan to keep the truck, which I do.

They also found the water pump was leaking, so now i'm looking at a WP/timing belt job too (complete with idler pulley, tensioner). The pinion shaft oil seal is also leaking, so that needs replacement.

The total estimate is nearly $1900 ($623 parts/1250 labor). Sound about right? Way too much?

 

[the great him]

how bout a break down for the items...

and how many miles are on your truck?

 

[LittleCaesar]

Sad, but it is not too bad of a price if you are using all OEM parts, at least for in VA and DC. I know that the dealer charges about $1200 just for the rear axle seal replacement.

 

[J-money$$$]

way too much. the axle seals and pinion seal are easy fixes. wp and timing belt seems to run about 600 with parts and labor to have it done

 

[theizzardking]

my water pump and timing belt was $800, parts and labour, all oem.
rear axle seal is labour intensive and can be screwed up, i was quoted $650 to do that locally here as well including brake pads in the rear as well.

your not to far off, a little bit expensive but nothing to bulk at if everything is OEM and they have a great reputation.

if you have the skills i would recommend doing the rear seals yourself, you will save at least $400-500 bucks doing the labour yourself.

search the forum for write ups on both and read them to determine if you think you can handle it or not.

 

[arracado]

So it breaks down like this for the most part:

Timing belt/WP
Parts: $335
Labor: $488

Pinion Seal
Part: $9.43
Labor: $144

Brakes/Axle Seals/Bearings:
Parts: $261.50
Labor: $557

I pretty much have to have it done. We are moving from Southern Oregon to Southern California next week. Sucks, but I love my 4Runner and bought it with a lot of miles so it's to be expected. I'm guessing all this work will guarantee many more happy miles (Just passed 170k)!

 

[LittleCaesar]

If you could do the labor yourself excluding pressing the rear bearings in and exciter ring on, you would save a good deal of money. But your mechanical acumen must be up to par.

If they have a good reputation, I'd say use them. I'd be interested to see how the costs per item and labor are broken down. If you know the itemized list, please post.

Looks like I was late to the party. Since you are in a time crunch, go ahead and get it done if this is the dealer. If you are using an indy mechanic, think about buying a kit off Ebay that includes everything for less than the TB/H20 they are charging you. Make sure they ship the NSK idler and not the Koyo.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Toyota-3-4L...its=Model:4Runner&vxp=mtr&hash=item2c5bf69ef0

 

[the great him]

that looks fair, i dont think they are trying to pull a fast one over on you