Cost for Timing Belt Change

[Al Dave]

J30 hit 121k. From the informations I got from previous owners, seems like none changed it.

So my question is how much should I pay to a mechanic to change it ? A ball park figure would be great. Other question is should I go to the dealer to do that.

Also what are the other things that I should change while changing the timing belt. I remember there was a discussion on changing some of the things while changing the timing belt.

[GerryO]

I get coupons in the mail from the local Bay Area Infiniti dealership group.

60K mile factory maintenance service for the '93 M30/J30 runs $1,059.88 plus tax and is listed at $609.88 for the '96-'99 J30/I30. The same servicing for the '94-'95 model years probably falls somewhere in between.

60K service should also include new plugs, some intake/fuel systems cleaning and new coolant. Prevenative maintence (belts, oil seals, WP, tensioner, etc) is worth a lot in terms of trouble-free ownership and other things such as fuel injector and transmission issues may not surface for another 60K miles. It's a bigger question at 180K miles.

There's an almost complete kit price (parts only) listed on one of the Infiniti websites. I think it runs about $380 plus tax and shipping. I requested free ground shipping with one big dollar order.

[coolyun_98]

the price sounds right.i will suggest do it either in t3 auto or dealer.a timing belt job can go really wrong if not careful.

[j30t_Dan]

Don't do your own timing belt unless you own or have access to a lift. Although if you have skinny lanky arms you can do it with less trouble. I started and it was a nightmare

[yodawill2000]

I did mine without a lift.Just have to be slow and careful.

[GerryO]

A great way of getting to know your J30, possibly too well, if all turns out OK.

Drove mine up on a pair of $5 ramps (eBay and no shipping, as they were local). Had to remove the entire front bumper assembly, lights, grill and all in order to clear the ramps and doing so did give better access to other things. It was sort of spooky driving up on them (didn't want to Evil Knievel it). If I had it to do over, I might first bolt the ramps to some sort of planking set-up.

[coolyun_98]

"rhino ramp" will be your best friend if you love DIY

[Al Dave]

Thanks for the responses. Frankly, I could not make a 2+2 from the responses. The 60k servicing (every 60k) does not include the timing belt change cost. It changes the other 3 belts, and does other maintenance stuff.

The kit costs $380, how about the labour cost. Does it take 10hr or 3hrs of labour. Is it advisable to take it to the dealer or a Firestone/Tuffy type place can do the job.

Please advice..

Thanks

[gr8scott72]

Thanks for the responses. Frankly, I could not make a 2+2 from the responses. The 60k servicing (every 60k) does not include the timing belt change cost. It changes the other 3 belts, and does other maintenance stuff.

The kit costs $380, how about the labour cost. Does it take 10hr or 3hrs of labour. Is it advisable to take it to the dealer or a Firestone/Tuffy type place can do the job.

Please advice..

Thanks

I wouldn't take it to a firestone type place unless you personally know AND trust the mechanic that works there. The dealer is a great place to take it IF you want to pay top dollar for the work. Here, we have an independant Infinit/Lexus shop. They did the timing belt on my 93 J and it was around $400 parts and labor.

[NASCARLANCE]

I've got my paper work from where my mechanic done my timing belt/ tensioners/waterpump. If you want me to scan it and email it to you let me know. I got all my parts from Joe, except for the water pump (I got a new oem off of Ebay).