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Should a cambelt change be cheaper if a garage is also changing the water pump?

I have a Jaguar XF 3.0 V6 2018. I need a new water pump and have been quoted for this work, I thought while they are doing the water pump the workshop may as well change the timing belt. However they garage is quoting 3.9 hours to replace the timing belt although the timing belt will be coming off when they renew the water pump so i thought just the price for the belt would be charged? Can i ask if I am right in my thinking or is there more to changing the timing belt. I am only changing the front timing belt and not the back one.

Asked on 5 March 2025 by Andy BArker

Answered by David Ross
The pricing of a cambelt change will vary between engines and manufacturers depending on the precise arrangement of the main belt and auxiliary belts and the exact process for each job. On the 3.0-litre engine the water pump is driven by an auxiliary belt and not the cambelt, so although changing the water pump will require the removal of some components for access, changing the timing belt is a more involved job which among other things will require the camshafts to be locked off to keep the timing correct, something which is not required when changing the water pump. If you are unhappy with the charge you could ring around other Jaguar independent specialists for alternative quotes.
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