I need to get my timing belt replacement in Maryland. The dealer quoted $880.00. I am not having any problems. I have 70,000 miles so I want to get this done as soon as possible. Any recommendations???

 

What year / model vehicle? Which engine?

In N. America, Montero's came with a 2.6L 4 cylinder (carburated), 3.0L SOHC v6 (FI), 3.5L DOHC v6 (FI), & the 3.5 SOHC v6 (FI).

Which do you have?

I've done the timing belt & water pump on my SOHC v6 and the dealer wanted way more than $800 to do mine. But then again, I'm in N. Cal.

 

I have 2002 Montero Limited and I am looking to replace my timing belt. I have 70,000 miles on the vehicle. I have been quoted $880.00 by the dealer. Should it be so expensive without problems? Does anyone know a mechanic in the maryland area?

 

So which engine came in that model??? Also what labor rate are they charging you? That's usually the deciding factor with cost. Time & materials to do the replacement will be the same or pretty close between shops but the labor rates make the biggest cost difference between dealerships and normal shops. In N. Cal, the rates are +$80-90/hr for a dealer and $60-70/hr for a normal shop.

If they're replacing the timing belt, they should also replace the other belts (AC, etc.), pulleys, water pump, (maybe even the tensioner), and if there's any possibility that the crank bolts are the kind that breaks, it should also be replaced.

If there's any oil leaking from the front bearing seals, then those should also be replaced. You may as well do it all now while everything on the front of the engine is taken off. Most of the labor cost is from the time it take to remove all that stuff.

HTH.

 

I have 3.5L, 6 cylinder SOHC. I don't think they included the water pump. So this is about the right cost. I just expected $400-500 not so much.
I will check the cost of labor.
And if they need to repair/replace other things...it could easily cost over $1,000. I do love my Montero so I want to keep it going...

 

That is a 3.5L SOHC. That price seems a little high. As a minimum you should do the following additional items.

New alternater belt and AC belt. (they need to be removed anyway)
Replace coolant. I would replace the thermostat too since it will only cost about $10.

At 70k miles I would not change the water pump or anything else in there. However, I would plan on changing all that stuff at the next belt change. Say at 130k miles.

A list of additional things you could change. In order of importance.

water pump
Tensioner pulley
Idler pulley
tensioner
crank seal
cam seals

I have an '03 and will not change the timing belt until about 90-95k. At that time I will change everything on the above list.

 

I have 2000 sport 3.0 Monjero of course, bought new and never changed timing belt. In May 2022 and 316,356 miles it finally broke. just something to think about. Oh, yes this is the first major repair needed on mine.