Should I replace the water pump with the timing belt?

[jamesgarner83]

Here are a few pics of the old water pump and belts. The pump looked new except for around the top of the pump around the seal there appeared to be some seepage. Considering everything was 10 years old and 114000 miles it seemed to be in pretty good shape.

[EmptyTank]

It it was me, I'd go ahead and have the water pump replaced anyway. Once you take the machine apart this far, you might as well finish it, and then you don't have to worry about it.

The pump might look fine, but you really can't see the condition inside it, and you stated there is some seepage, which is not something to casually ignore. Spend a little more now, to save a lot more later.

[TXLadybug]

Hello. I just joined Piloteers today...at my wits end! Took my 2004 Honda Pilot to dealership for recall of headlight switch. Guy said timing belt should have been replaced at 7yrs...my car is 8yrs/86,000 miles. I drive TX-FLA so didn't want to take a chance...took vehicle to reputable repair shop...timing belt and everything around it replaced--$900--1/17/2013. Started drive home, VTM-4 light stayed on and idling/shaking like crazy! Drove back to shop...to make long story short, was told that piece of carbon dislodged and 'gummed up' works...9 days and $600 more dollars--1/31/2013--repairs completed. Well, car drove great first 8 days but on 9th day, struggled to crank...and it has strong gasoline odor all the time...even the car wash guys said smell is overpowering!! I am headed back to repair shop this week..sure hope Anglen guys can fix the problem AT NO CHARGE!! Hey, anyone got any advice? Sure would appreciate it!

[Scot Bailey]

Originally Posted by jamesgarner83

Here are a few pics of the old water pump and belts. The pump looked new except for around the top of the pump around the seal there appeared to be some seepage. Considering everything was 10 years old and 114000 miles it seemed to be in pretty good shape.

That is exactly how the seal looked on my wife's '04 when I did the belt and pump last month. I always do them together. It is not worth the chance of taking it all back apart again !

[ltp646]

Originally Posted by TXLadybug

...took vehicle to reputable repair shop...timing belt and everything around it replaced--$900--1/17/2013.

Too late now, but for information, dealer would have charged about the same for the TB job. The shop may be reputable, but since they work on many different makes/models, it doesn't mean they are the right place for TB replacement. Not much you can do now except to go back to the shop until they fix the vehicle to your satisfaction. You may want to suggest that they bring in a Honda tech for consultation. Good luck.