This question is two-fold:

1. I'm pretty sure that my car has the plastic guides and the problematic tensioner. I went to a local shop to get a price to change them out and it was suggested that I also replace the water pump at the same time. The estimate I was given for this work momentarily stopped my heart ($ 2,800!). Has anyone had this work done recently and can tell me if this is the going price.

2. I used to own a foreign car repair shop and have worked on any number of brands, from VW to Ferrari. Is replacement of the guides and tensioner within the capability of a good mechanic, or does it require a variety of special tools and techniques? I seem to recall that someone had posted a series photos showing the steps involved in that project.

Thanks in advance for your comments and/or suggestions.

Max

 

Hi Max - My local dealer gave me a quote of $1200 for both primary and secondary tensioners. I will dig up the link I found where you can buy the whole kit including the water pump for $1100 and you can either do it yourself or find a mechanic that can do it for much less.

 

Here is the link - Continental Imports Mail Order

 

I got all the parts needed from Christophers foreign car parts .com for $700 for timing chains and tensioners.plus you can rent the tools needed for $100-120 for the job. my mechanic charged $500 to do the job.while you are at it clean and change the oil pan gasket .hope this helps

 

Thanks for all of the helpful replies and the quotes on parts and labor. The parts prices being quoted here are pretty much in the ballpark of what I was expecting and, frankly, the job itself is probably within my capability. However, knowing what I do about Murphy's Law, along with the prospect of working in a hot garage has me looking at farming it out to a good mechanic. But a quote in the $ 2,800 range is a real deal breaker for me.