Timing belt water pump co$t

[exodus0784]

See these two images. You only really need to follow the steps until you've removed the belt cover. Then just take a peak at the belt and look for: separation, cracks, missing teeth, chips, gnomes, etc.

[xintersecty]

I still say do the work yourself. This part of the right of passage in freedom from Dealerships! The job is a challenge but not too hard. Besides I am sure you can find a mechanic friend to help. I actually found instructions online and used those in combination with the instructions that came in the kit.

For inspection, all the stuff I read on this forum says there is really no way to inspect the belt just replace the parts at the recommended millage. Find the instructions on doing the underdrive pulley and you can at least get to the parts for visual inspection