Ap3x

I live in the Washington D.C. Area and received four different estimates, with the two highest being the closest apart from each other. I'm supplying the parts ( ); prices are for labor only. The estimates are:

• $350
• $450
• $588
• $600

The last shop I spoke with has a good reputation, and he gave me an estimate of $588. I asked him why I received much lower estimates of $350 and $450. He pretty much cautioned me about "too good to be true" estimates like that, considering this generation TL's water pump is in a tough spot.

Wondering if anyone has any input on what's fair price for an independent ASE certified shop in a major metropolitan city. Thanks in advance.

zeta

iTrader: (1)

Does the labor charges include at least a couple gallons of coolant?
If not, you may want to supply your choice of coolant with the Aisin TB kit.
IMHO, for a major metropolitan area like D.C., those higher end quotes sound reasonable.
Good Luck!

Ap3x

Thanks for the response. To be safe, I assume it doesn't come with coolant. I just bought two gallons of Honda Type-2 coolant to take to the shop tomorrow.

peter6

There is a 5h labor for water pump replacement. Expect to pay ~$400-500 in independent shop for labor alone.

Job is easy - just time consuming. Plenty of space to replace the water pump. Actually there is enough space to put M12 ratchet in there.

thoiboi

i used this video to just finish my TB job

but if you're asking for a price, i take it you're not exactly trying to DIY

1black_seven

iTrader: (2)

Yes.

SPOLOVILO4EVER

Another option you might consider is going to a trade school that certifies mechanics. The students work on your car and they charge very little if anything for the labor because it is a learning experience. Keep in mind they are supervised and the students that do work on cars have already had the classroom training etc...You just have to ask yourself if you trust them to do it to save yourself 500 bucks.

csmeance

beware that other stuff might be needed while doing the TB job so it might be worth it to pay slightly more on labor to have someone who knows what to look for and can wait for you to order the needed parts. Perfect example are the mounts/bolts for the side engine mount, cam seals, lower timing cover seals, etc.

NBP04TL4ME

I have no personal experience but you could try this -

https://acurazine.com/forums/mid-atl...region-952713/

pohljm

not a bad price in a high cost market

DMZ

If I trust a Dental School clinic to do my dental work, I'd probably trust a mechanics school to do my mechanical work.
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