I have a 2001 Accord V6 EX, at 105,000KM and last time I was at the dealer they suggest I get my timing belt replaced. The next time I called, they say i should also replace the water pump at the same time. Is this true? Keep in mind Im in Canada, where temp. does range from upper 30C to -30C in the winter.

Wanted to get a second opinion on if I should get both replaced together or just the timing belt... how can I tell if the waterpump should be replaced?

Thanks in advance!

 

Yes. It's common procedure to chagne the water pump along with the timing belt. Since the water pump has to be removed anyway to change the timing belt you end up paying for the water pump and essentially getting the labor to change it for free.

 

^^^ what he said.

 

Yes, get the water pump replaced when getting the timing belt replaced. It would be foolish not to do at the same time, you can save yourself a bunch of money.

 

doing the waterpump wiht the timing is a good idea since the mechanic is in that area already.
say if you just change your timing belt today and not change the waterpump, incase the pump starts to leak in a month or two, you will need to pay the timing belt labor again just to install the waterpump.

 

yes always replace the waterpump as if not and it goes out before the 210k mark the whole job has to be done again another thing is the hydrulic tensioner and tensioners and oil seals as if they fail or are leaking can cause the timing belt to fail.

 

Your timing belt is living on borrowed time. Our particular engine's are interference engines which means if your timing belt snaps when you're driving it could ruin the valve train and become 4 times as expensive to repair. I got lucky when mine snapped at 120k miles. I was coming to a stop and only going like 5 mph when it snapped so it didn't do much damage.

Everything your mechanic told you is correct. Change the belt and water pump at your earliest opportunity.