QuestionI have a 2001 Camry LE with a 4 cylinder engine. It has approx. 98,000 miles on it.
Due to a pronounced "rattling" noise from the engine compartment, I took it in to a local Toyota dealership. The problem was diagnosed as a water pump, which I had replaced. While doing that repair the service department told me that my front seals were beginning to leak as well as the transmission pan gasket. They said it would save some money to go ahead and repair the front seals while they were replacing the water pump. I authorized the repairs.
Afterward, while checking through my old repair tickets, I noticed that I had an identical repair done 18 months and 20,000 miles earlier (I had forgotten about it). While having my timing belt replaced at a different local Toyota dealership, the front seals and transmission pan gasket were also replaced.
Is it possible that the front seals and transmission pan gasket would both require repair again within such a short time? I have had no reason to doubt the honesty of either dealership in the past, but this sounds a little too coincidental! Are replacing the front seals (whether they need it or not) a routine repair that dealerships push when they have to dismantle other components anyway? I'd appreciate your thoughts.
Thanks.
AnswerYou are correct in many ways. It is standard practice to "upsell" parts if they are easy to access during a routine procedure. The part that I don't understand is why did they not replace the water pump during the initial T-Belt replacement? I believe that it is possible for seals to go bad in such a short period but it is unlikely. I would be a liar if I told you that dealerships do not upsell unnecessary parts. I would recommend that the next time you are told that your car needs to have a part replaced, ask to see the evidence that that particular part is faulty. You have the right to see it, and they are obligated to show you. If they don't, go and get a second opinion.
