What a Waste

My Suzuki ERV 1.3 litre (2002) has clocked 83,000km, which mean it's time to have the timing belt changed. I was informed by Suzuki that when I change the timing belt, I should also change the water pump as well because if the water pump need to be replaced (after I changed the timing belt), I will have to replace the timing belt again. But, replacing the water pump, which is still in good working condition, sounds wasteful. Also, is it true that cars which use timing chains instead of timing belt, do not need to have their timing chain replaced.

Reply:
The mechanic may be correct in a way he may have found out in the practice that the water pump usually fails not long after the timing belt is replaced and therefore suggests you replace it at the same time. However, you do not have to replace it as the labour to replace the pump at a later date is not that high and if it is not making any noise and operating perfectly well, I see no reason why you should throw away something that is still good.

Timing chain, being made of steel, tend to last for a very long time and are seldom replaced, at least during the car is with the first owner.