Cam seals at same time as timing belt/water pump?

[Guest bowenlaw]

i'm planning on have a local shop replace the timing belt and water pump on my '97 SE. besides the ridiculous quote that i've received from every dealer, they all said that the cam seals should be replaced if they're going in to do the belt and pump. i know a little about cars, and absolutely nothing about cam seals. just wondering if someone could give some info on these seals. is there a recommended mileage for replacement or is there a way to determine when replacement is warranted? is it similar to the water pump in that you might as well replace them as long as you are in there for the timing belt? any idea what the replacement of the cam seals should cost?

 

thanks if anyone can help

[88pathoffroad]

The only way to get to the cam seals is to take the t-belt off and then the cam sprockets, so yes, it's a good idea. Cam seals cost about $11 each. The old seals simply pry out and the new ones are tapped back in carefully. Cheap insurance against leaks later...

[Guest ksakella]

I agree with 88. I was losing some oil from the cam seals when I first started my broken exhaust stud extractions. Stopped the slow leak and the mess it was making on my power plant! Gotta love a clean engine!