I need to have some work done on my truck and was wondering where people around Boulder use. I think the dealer is a rip off, so looking to save money. I am thinking about doing some of the work myself to save the cash, but I would still have to invest in some new tools.

I only have 75,000 mile on the truck.

I need to have this done:

1. Dealer says new brake rotors. I think maybe just have them turned would be enough. Does anyone know if that would be a bad move or should they be replaced?

2. Transmission flushed. I have never had this done. They said it was dirty but not that bad.

3. New spark plugs. Said they were the original.

4. The pocket breaker right here: Timing belt, water pump, and coolant flush. Not that it is time to change the belt, but they said acid was in water pump and crystalizing so that needs to be replaced, so recomended doing it all then. I read the article on 4x4wire about this, it sounds relatively easy. Anyone done this themselves? If so, how hard is it? I am pretty knowledgable and have done minor work on previous cars, but not my Toy.

I am broke as a joke, especially since I just ordered a suspension lift for the truck. I have read some articles online and think I can do a lot of this work myself. I want to know if any of you use a mechanic in town or do the work yourself?

Does anyone think I don't need to have all of this work done? If so, please give me an explantion why.

 

really theres no reason to flush the tranny yet, espcially if its not giving you any problems,

if they said theyeres acid in the water pump..inspect yoru coolant..the waterpump\timing belt isnt that hard...its just a PITA to do....on my motor atleast.

are you getting shaking in the pedal when you brake?..if not just have the rotors resurfaced next time you do the pads

spark plugs..look for yourself...you shouldnt need anything too expensive if they are gross.

get yourself a vaccum bleeder...they make flushing a lot easier

 

i don't see why you'd need new rotors at all...replace the pads, its cheap...my rotors are all scratched up, work just fine, even better really, scratches=more surface area=more stopping power...

Plugs-go toyota, do them yourself...flush coolant yourself, cost you a couple bucks for more coolant...tranny, flush yourself, cost you a couple bucks for more fluid/oil...timing belt, if your real comfortable, do it yourself, otherwise have a shop do it...not hard, but you don't want to screw it up

I always recomend that people buy toyota parts for maintenance....i've tried other parts, and they always fail...im sure some folks get away with it, but why take a chance...

 

Rotors do your self take them off and take them down to auto zone, checker and have them turn them, they will messure them and tell you if they are good enought o turn or have to be replaced, if you have to replace them then you are already there.

Change your plugs yourself use NGK or Toyota. Do a tune up while your at it plugs wires cap and rotor.

Timing belt you have another 15-25k on it, don't worry about it just flush your coolant and wait on the timing belt.

Tranny you can due yourself or goto a lube place and have them do it for cheaper than the dealership, same with the coolant. but wil still be about $100, for both.

you can get away cheaper and remember the dealership and other placed will tell you that you need stuff done when you don't to make $$.
B

 

What every body else said. DO IT YOURSELF. If you are in need of a garage to work in, I'm sure that I could clean mine up and you could use it and some tools if you need. It'll give me a reason to clean the garage any way.

 

head up to longmont and go to tim's toy shop near 21st and main (303-651-7895 ). tim is a really good guy and won't rip you off at all. i've taken my truck in a couple of times and i usually ask for tons of things and he'll call me at work and say that half the stuff i asked for doesn't really need to be done and that he'll do it if i really want him to, but it's just a waste of my money. i figure that's a good sign for an honest mechanic. i've always had good experience with the quality of the work he's done too. it's not like going to jiffy lube (or similar places) and having monkeys work on your truck, since it's an independantly owned place, he really cares about quality and does a really good job.

 

Thanks for the tips. Yeah I always figured some places want you to buy more than you really need, especially a dealership. So didn't want to waste my money. I might check out Tim's (thanks Mike_d)for the timing belt/water pump, but would like to do as much myself to save cash. 99_Runner thanks for the invite. I have a garage, but not much room for any cars, too many toys in there, but could squezze the front end in.

 

Try Charley's in North Boulder (near the Tire Rack). He came highly recommended and my few experiences with him were all good.

 

You spelled that wrong. It's STEALERSHIP.

 

Good point, glad you corrected me.

 

Start with the easy stuff like plugs, wires, distributor, cap etc... After a while you won't even think about sending it out for repairs.

Just my 2 cents.

Troy

 

The transmission should be changed or flushed LONG before 75k miles!!!!

 

I don't know of any shops in town since I have done all of my own work, but if you need help with something let me know I've been really busy lately, but if it is nothing urgent we could find some time. Again as everybody has said do all the minor things that save a lot of money, except the distributor cap, you don't have one.

 

I pretty much never go to dealers, ever. Yuck.

But I had a great experience with Boulder Toyota involving my girlfriend's 1987 Cressida - nearly three years after they replaced the timing belt we discovered a problem and they redid it for free. I was very impressed with the skill of mechanic Rick Hess. IIRC, Pat Brown was the man who made it happen promptly, for free, with no problems. My GF previously had bad luck with the service manager. I would definitely have confidence in Rick's work. (More details if needed)

Two months ago, I stupidly failed to torque the wheels on my (non-Toyota) car. I realized this enroute to work and Boulder Toyota was the closest place with a torque wrench. They tightened everything, no charge, and didn't even mock my dumb error.

My buddy Phill is the service manager of HonAccurate in Boulder, which specializes in Hondas and Acuras. I strongly recommend them for typical repairs and maintenance, including for other Japanese vehicles. But they're not a Toyota specialist.

I've also heard good things about Tim's Toy Shop in Longmont, and think Mike D (who I've never met) is one of the smarter posters on this forum.

I'll also agree with the general consensus to Do It Yourself. I've found my 1989 22RE Extracab Pickup is a breeze to work on.

For turning rotors and general parts, Broadway Automotive on Arapahoe has earned my business for being knowledgeable and helpful, open a lot, and having quality parts. They aren't the cheapest around, for sure. (But run a coupon in those stupid mailers.)

Good luck!

 

I am currently in Boulder, CO... And am pretty completely new to working on my 4runner. I need help/direction changing rear coil springs, brake shoes and CV axles before the 24th of this month. Currently I am working on it in an outdoor driveway in case this poses a problem to anyone.

 

if you can make it to castle rock i charge 400 bucks for a complete timing belt service, pulleys, belt, w. pump, ect... pm me if interested. ill even come to your house to do it for 500