VZJ95R MODEL 5VZ-FE engine - Timing belt /water pump done unnecessarily?

[Jess Canary Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Jess Canary]

Hello Everybody,

Thanks in advance for your help.

I have two questions.

1. I had a radiator flush completed along with top and bottom hose replacement in December 2015. This was done purely as a preventative measure. Now I have had my water pump fail and its not even 3 years/50,000km old. Has the pressure flush caused this? or is this unlucky but something that can happen?

2. When I last had the water pump done I had a full timing belt replacement including the belt pulleys, thermostat and cam seals.
Now, when my new mechanic has gone in and replaced the water pump he has also (without asking me) replaced my timing belt only. It had about 50,000km on it. He stated because he thought it was the best thing to do while in there. He hasn't shown/given me the old timing belt.

I would've thought if he was trying to be extra diligent that he would replace everything in there like 3 years ago. Or if he was trying to save me money - not replace the timing belt at all. It doesn't make logical sense to me.

I haven't paid the bill yet - can anybody give advice if the mechanic has done the right thing?

Thanks again

[AussieAndy Find all posts View Profile Close AussieAndy]

I doubt the pressure flush would of caused you water pump to leak, but they can sometimes show up any weaknesses in a cooling system.

Your mechanic has done the wrong thing in the sense he has not spoken to you and discussed exactly what was happening before he did the job. At the end of the day it is up to you with that mileage on the belt. I would of spoken with the customer and advised that changing the belt would be a good idea, and inspecting everything else while in there, but it's your decision. I would of given a quote to do the job without belt replacement and then one with belt replacement and let the customer decide. If anything abnormal is found while in there the customer would be phoned and informed of the issue with the options and a recommendation. Really it's your call, he should of discussed it with you before carrying out the work and didn't.

[Jess Canary Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close Jess Canary]

Thanks for your response. Realistically I trust the mechanic - he was referred to me by a reliable friend.

I just wasn't expecting the timing belt to be done - only the water pump was discussed due to it failing.