just got my oil changed, the guy said i need a new transmission mount (said it would cost about 80-100), and a new water pump (said it would cost between 200-280). the transmission mount i definately need, but i don't know about the water pump. is there a way i can check it myself, and if i do need a new one, how much do they cost and could i put it in myself?
i'm just asking because this is the first time i ever went to this place, the guys at the car parts store i go to all the time recommended them, said they were good mechanics, but i really don't know if they're bs'ing me or what.

 

Dude, im not sure what a water pump costs where u live , but here its around 50 bucks , + max of 5 for the gaskets , and a max 5 for the coolant , cuz u do need to drain it before replacing the pump, now , if u have any general mechanical knowlage , and that depends on you , but u might as well change the pump yourself . i say it would take u about an hour to do that , but a general caution , the bolts holding the pump might be kinda stuck and breaking one isnt that fun , trust me i know from experiance, so take your time screwing them out . now myself i generally do all the work on my car by myself, actually , i dont think i ever took my car to a technician yet .... but that might be just me , nad the fact i have free time screwing broken bolts out .
now im not sure about how u can test the pump, i saw , if its not leaking , its ok, but again , that might be just me .
anyway , hope this helps ,
later

 

try pulling the belt off the water pump and spin it by hand. If there's any side to side play in it or you hear a grinding of some sort then it's time to change it because the bearing's goin, even if there are no leaks. Instead of paying a mechanic, buy or get from the library a Haynes or Chilton's (yuk) manual and do it yourself.

 

i just bought a brand new water pump from autozone for 25 dollars with a lifetime gaurantee. and comes with gaskets. they are screwing you. and if you can read instructions a water pump is a breeze. just remember to drain coolant and to not let your old gasket get in to the block.

 

Dude, you can get a new Stewart Stage 1 Hi-Flow water pump for $69.95 and it's way better than any of the auto parts store units.Do it yourself and buy a stewart pump.I think they're the best for the money.Serpentine Long Style is PN:13123
http://www.stewartcomponents.com/chevyS1.htm
-Rich-