Looking for some repair advice.

[KiKaZz74]

So I have a 2009 dodge journey SXT. 3.5L v6. 104k miles on it. I took it to the dealership to have work done using my extended warranty. Well the wording fucked me up so most of the work I was trying to have done wasn't covered. So I'm gonna talk to our mechanic and see if he is willing to do these and how much it would be. I want to know if you guys would do it or forget it till it goes bad.

Some of the work

-Replace timing belt (owners manual recommends to do around 100k)

-To go along with that since the engine has to be dropped, do water pump, front engine seals, belt, and tensioner since its a transverse engine.

-I have a set of struts that I got and never had out on. Too late to return so should I out them on? How to tell if the ones in are bad?

-Flex pipe has a hole. Worth replacing?

Some other issues too I'll update later buy that's what I can think of now. For the dealership to do that it would be over $2k. My warranty runs out at 107k so I'm trying to get anything I can done since its only $100 deductible per trip regardless of work done as long as it's covered. What would fair prices be to do each piece of work would you say?

Thabks guys. This is just stuff I don't have knowledge of so I wanted some others opinions.

[KiKaZz74]

If there's other stuff I should have checked let me know or need more info on something please ask. Stuck with this turd for a while so trying to get it in good shape so it will last for a while.

[Broke_Audio_Addict]

Warranty isn't going to cover it unless it's broken,

They don't believe in preventive maintainence.

If you do a timing belt you should always do everything else that's in there,

Always.

So you are right in doing in it all.

Shocks and struts even if they are bad good luck getting your warranty to cover them since they are considered a wear item.

[KiKaZz74]

Ya that's why I'm asking now. This is all stuff not covered but found to be bad or I would like to have done. Of the things I have listed should I spend the money and have it done? Everyone is saying well I've never heard of replacing a timing belt until it breaks. Neither have I but it's in there to do so I'd rather be safe than sorry. Am I wrong for thinking that way? How can I tell if struts are bad? I have them sitting in my garage just need to put them on if it's worth it.

[Broke_Audio_Addict]

You should for sure due the timing belt and don't cheap out on the kit, get the good stuff, stay away from dayco.

People that say you shouldn't do it until it breaks are morons,

Even in a non interference engine it can do major engine damage if It breaks.

People that don't believe in doing things preemptively are mechanics favorite customers.

[Ron36]

If they are dropping the motor to do timing belt witch is a great idea the struts are coming down with the cradle so they should cut u a break that, and yes on water pump Serp belts ,should also be no extra charge on labor because all that shit comes off with the timing cover. Don't be afraid to ask questions u will be getting all new coolant and oil , tell them to through in spark plugs . I've done heads on those before didn't have to drop the motor but the cam bolts are like 1ft long no joke fucking crazy

[KiKaZz74]

What would a good kit and or manufacturer be? We usually buy from O'Reilly or advance. Either one good? And damn. Forgot the oil. Just did an oil change. Coolant is new. I want to buy it all myself but I'm sure I'd forget something or get the wrong part and he gets it cheaper since he has an acct there. But if someone could do a parts list I'll look and see if I can do it all at once just to get it done. Plugs are new within 15k still do it? Idk bout wires. This car is becoming such a headache but I've got a few years in it still.

[Ron36]

I'm a fan of OE parts , for timing belt just need frt timing cover kit plus belt ,Serp belt, water pump, coolant,oil and filter plugs are good if u just changed them. About your flex pipe that's where u normally unbolt the exhaust when dropping the cradle so it's worth replacing.

[KiKaZz74]

I'm just so lost on this. Repairs and PMs are gonna be over $2k I figure. And I do trust our mechanic he doesn't have a full shop and isn't licensed. Should I shell out the extra at a dealership? Or save money and support him?

[Ron36]

If u only plan on keeping it a couple more years why do anything if there are know issues but it will help resale if this gets done. But if u are only gonna keep it 2 more years I wouldn't do shit . Looks like a lot of highway miles for over 100k for an 09.