How do you know?

J

jputney

Member
Location
Harrisburg NC
Car
Infiniti FX35 2005
I took in my 2005 FX35 with 120K to the local dealer for a minor coolant & oil leak. The diagnosis was water pump $575, valve cover gaskets $850 & PCV $200. On the maintenance side they recommended front, mid & rear differential oil change $400, & coolant flush $200. How do you know if it is a good value? Is there a web site that would provide time and cost per service item? I love my FX but don't want to waste money because of my emotions.
 
Price is high on every single one of those items...

850 for valve cover gaskets!? You could replace the entire valve covers for less than that...
 
I just got a new water pump with the two seals for $110 from InfinitiPartsUSA.

Rear diff I know is easy, just need a suction/pump and a specific hex nut attachment. I'm now AWD, but I can't imagine the other two are much more difficult. Fluid is inexpensive as well.

If you'd like to read more about the services you can download the service manual for free here. You do need to have an account, and only get 2 downloads per day I guess, but I think maintenance is it's own section so it should all be in there. http://x.infinitihelp.com/forum/local_links.php?catid=9#.UvWnFaSYZvU

Coolant flush is pretty simple as well, although I don't know if they would do a better job just having done them before. It's basically empty out old coolant from drain plug underneath the radiator. Pour in distilled water. Run the engine for a bit (the service manual has the exact procedure) so the thermostat opens and the water can circulate. Then drain it out and repeat if needed until you see just clear water come out when you drain. Then cap it off and refill with fresh coolant and probably need to burp out some air bubbles. Can change out the upper and lower radiator hoses as well, ~$15 each, as well as radiator cap which is ~$15 as well.

Basically, if you want to DIY these are some good ones to try out. You can find DIY's on here as well as in the service manual I linked above. Definitely will end up being cheaper to go that route since you can shop around for the best price on parts/fluids and labor of course is free.
 
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