How bad is $1,632.65 to replace timing cover gasket?

When the dealership inspected my frame, they also gave me a list of things they recommend be serviced. Truck is 2.7L 4cyl.

$99.95 for a 'four wheel alignment'. I've always wondered how they align the rear wheels on a solid axle in a truck, but that's another conversation.

$218.50 to replace serpentine belt. Seems pretty high to replace a $20 belt, but I digress.
But then there's the quote of $1,632.65 to replace the timing cover gasket.

Then we got $195.11 in 'shop fees', which is, *coincidentally* 10% of their quote for timing cover gasket + alignment + belt. Then there's $117.07 tax, which is exactly 6% (our tax rate) for the same $1951.11 that they added 10% for shop fees.

At first glance, it seems they are really pulling all the tricks out of the book - laying on an additional 16% on an already high quote, but I have limited experience with legit shops and dealerships, so maybe this is proper?

Also, what I'm really here for is to see how difficult it is to do the timing cover gasket myself.
I tried to search for a write up on how to do it, but there didn't seem to be much help. I think I either found threads for the v6, or they weren't comprehensive enough for me to commit to ordering the parts to do the work myself.

 

I am sure that is way high for the timing cover but I’ve never done one so I can’t tell you 100%. As far as the belt goes, literally a 15 minute job if you get the belt. There is a write up on this forum I think under the 4 cylinder section on how to do it..

 

Everyone is going to say that's high and to do the work yourself.

When i lived up in the Metro area, i bought my truck from Koons in Tyson's. About a year later i picked up a nail in one of my dunlops. $380 was their price for a new tire, not including mounting. Yea, i went and bought a set of larrger ATs and had a local shop put them on for a couple hundred more.

 

So you just need a gasket? not the cover itself?

That is super high! gasket itself is no more than $20. It's literally a few bolts than you pull cover off, scrape off old sealant/gasket, put new gasket on and some RTV. If you have the tools, do it yourself.

EDIT: forgot to mention, you will probably have to drop oil pan.

 

How much is their labor per hour charge? I don't see that taking longer than 3 hrs to replace gasket if they know what they are doing...

 

Thanks for the replies guys.

I'm not the type of guy to ever pay a shop to do any work I can do. $2k for repairs, especially of this variety, is certainly laughable, I just wanted to know how loud and long I was allowed to laugh at the estimate is all.

I'm sure the belt takes 20 mins, and the timing cover gasket is a 1-2 hour job with an experienced tech, but I've never worked on one of these 4cyl before.

Also, I think charging me 6% tax is questionable at best since services performed in MD are not tax-able....

 

Someone is about to fuck you hard with no lube, no reach around or kiss!

Please tell us what dealer this is in the area so we can boycott these fuckers....

 

Dealers are always super expensive. Find a reputable shop and have the work done. I have found dealers repair prices range from 30% to 70% more than outside mechanics. I try t avoid dealers when ever I can.

 

Just noticed you are in D.C. Apparently they think you are a politician and are just trying to get even.

 

Good one!

Yeah, after thinking about this for more than 5 seconds, the estimate is criminal at best. Preeeeeeetty sure it's illegal for them to charge tax on a service rendered, and the numbers are off the wall insane.

 

For that price, just leave it. It’s realy not going to affect anything unless it’s gushing oil

 

Where is it leaking from? "Found engind oil leak" is vague.

I've got my money on two known spots. Especially since yours is an '05. Front main seal, and near the power steering pump. Both are easy to fix without removing the cover.

 

I heard it was so cold this morning, the politicians were caught with their hands in their own pockets!

 

They shouldn't charge for an alignment, as they are replacing the lower control arms/adjustment cams/LBJ that work to replace them requires an alignment to do.

My extended warranty covered my timing cover reseal, it was like $1300 before warranty

 

Tax is right for DC

 

Also replace the valve cover. It is old and brittle.

 

There is a couple of guys in the local NOVA group that have mod days and can knock this out in no time....

 

Much thanks for the link, will check it out when I have some free time to read it thoroughly.

Oh it's plastic? I couldn't tell in the 10 seconds I spent skimming through the link provided above

 

OP what dealer is this so we can get the word out that they give dry humps?