Is this a normal practice?

[sasha]

I took my truck ('03 ford explorer xls) to a mechanic thinking the problem was that it needed a rear main oil seal, between the engine and transmission (friend, who is not a mechanic but knows a little about it, got under my truck and looked). The mechanic said that it needed a new front timing chain. I told him I just had the back done in Apr '21. He said he would have to replace the back also to make sure it was all done right. Is this normal practice for him to have to do the back also? He wants to charge $2700 for the front and back, and also do the rear main oil seal. I don't think he did anything other than start it up.

Any input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks!!!

 

[TechGuru]

I told him I just had the back done in Apr '21

The back crank seal should have been done at that time while it was apart...

 

[Mbrooks420]

I can’t imagine why the first mechanic wouldn’t have changed the front also. Seems like a guaranteed waste of money.

 

[sasha]

The back crank seal should have been done at that time while it was apart...

Yeah, well, sadly it wasn't. I'm just wondering if this is normal practice and if everywhere I take it is going to want to do the front and back, even though the back was just done. If this is the case, I'll know what to expect.

Thanks!