Looking for shop to replace VVT Actuator

[discharmingman]

I have close to 75,000 miles on my 07 Speed3 and discovered that the rattling noise coming from under my hood was because of the VVT Actuator. So I called my dealer for a quote on parts and labor and I got about $175 for parts (VVT actuator and other recommended parts to be replaced) and about $700 for labor.

So I'm looking for alternative solutions instead of going to get this job done at the dealer. Does anyone recommend any shops in the Southern California area, near Downey, CA to be specific.

I'm looking for reasonable, friendly, clean shops.

Thanks!

 

[Kain]

I'm looking for reasonable, friendly, clean shops.

The unicorn of shops.

 

[discharmingman]

ha ha! Ok, pardon the tall order. I just don't wanna go to the damn dealer! ha ha.

I mean, does anybody go to a shop that is not the dealer? And I'm not talking about DIY, either.

 

[88323GT]

As ive done this to my own speed, as well as customer vehicles, you will need to take it to the dealership for this. This requires removal of the timing chain and oil pan/front cover. When you do this, you need 2 specific SST's (Special Service Tools) that are only available to dealers. It is a timely procedure, so as to my the cost is high. I know it sucks, but me personally (and not because Im a tech for Mazda) would trust no one other the certified trained Mazda techs to do this with Factory Service Tools. It is very crucial to get the timing perfect as this is an interference engine with no Key Ways on the Cams/Cam Gear/VVT Gear or Crank and Crank Pulley. THIS is why its so danm expensive. Believe me, I know it sucks. Ide rather have cars like my 323 where everything can be done in the driveway of my own home.

 

[destrux]

Hrm... tools only available to the dealer? You must mean only available FROM the dealer. I buy special service tools from the mazda dealer all the time. It seems like every damn car made anymore requires a special tool to do just about anything on it. To operate a garage you pretty much HAVE to buy the damn things.

The hard thing is finding a place willing to buy the tools (or that has them already) and has the knowledge to use them properly.

 

[88323GT]

Well, cant say Ive heard of any other shops getting them. Not saying they arent available, but at the same time, I know it takes for EVER! to get your hands on em. We busted one a month ago, and are still waiting for it. Eitherway, Takes alot of knowledge and training to play with these motors Ive learned thus far. So many ins and outs that are not typical of any other engine ive seen.

 

[Ninkumpoop]

Replaced mine at an independent shop. Actually just had a friend with a grinder make me the special service tool for timing after giving him the dimensions of the tool. I still recommend going to the dealership for this because it was a hell of a hassle for them. If I remember correctly, it's about a 17 hour job but still worth it to have the pros deal with it.

 

[88323GT]

Really? With a lift, and the SST's, Ive knocked em out within 4 hours. But experience helps out alot. My first one took my almost a whole day to figure out. After the second one, it became cake.

 

[Ninkumpoop]

Really? With a lift, and the SST's, Ive knocked em out within 4 hours. But experience helps out alot. My first one took my almost a whole day to figure out. After the second one, it became cake.

Man, I wish you were the tech that worked on my car. I didn't have my car for DAYS due to slow service.

 

[88323GT]

Without interuptions, it can be done in a timely manner. The most important thing is to allow the silicon sealant to dry on the front cover and in some cases, the oil pan if needed to be pulled. I dont like doing work twice, so its work smart, not hard for me.