TOday I had to take my maxima to the mechanic because my car had overheated. Come to find out the radiator busted so I had to get a new radiator put in a new pump and a thermostat, the total for the install 616.00 I couldn't believe it I was ****ed off!

 

Um....Radiator $100-$250,Thermostat $7-$13. I can't see how it would have been more then an hour of labor for a good mechanic
($35-$65 per hour).

 

damn mucho dinero my friend I did changed it myself. New radiator $170.00 + thermostat $10.00= $180.00 plus the help of my brother priceless and we took our time.

 

Come on PATRICK94SE, one hour to do a rad, t-stat and Waterpump? I don't think so..MAYBE the rad and T-stat, but if you can do all 3 in 1 hour your a damn good mechanic..ever put in a WP?

90inthemaking, I would question the need for a WP..verify that man. OK if the rad cracked and caused an overheat I see the need for that and the T-stat, but is the WP smoked too? Be sure, cause I bet this is what makes up the bulk of that $600 charge. Labor is the big expense on that. The rad is relatively easy to replace as is the t-stat. Test your mechanic, ask him to show you the pump leaking or, if it's out, look at it anyway. If the shaft has no play and looks ok (depends on if you know what to look for), I would question it. BUT, if the car overheated that bad, pump failure may have caused the problem to begin with..just make sure you are not getting shafted.
Good Luck!

 

h2o pump labor is pricey

 

OOH I did not see the water/pump. I still think it is some what high

 

You'd think that he would change the t-belt while doing the water pump, for 616.00 he should have. The radiator is about a 20-30 minute job.

 

if this mechanic of yours did the timing belt, thermostat, radiator and water pump $616.00 bucks is not that bad.

 

Yeah well my max hit my wallet too, $1560 for new tranny installed. Luckly thats with only a $100 install fee. So I feel your pain.......

 

It cost me ~$650 for a water pump, thermostat, front main seal, cam shaft seals, timing belt, and tensioner.