Hi guys:
I have a 2011 MDX with 98K on it and the timing belt service should be coming up.
I have gotten quotes from a local mechanic who uses the Gates kit ($911.00) and a far away Honda dealer (90 minutes away) that says they use all OEM parts. (845.00).
Local Honda/Acura dealers (within 30 minutes) want $1400-1700.00 for the same work.
Any advice on who to choose ? And no I cannot do it myself--I don't have the time or experience to do so.
Any advice would be appreciated.

TY

 

The local shop is way overpriced… 500-700 bucks should be a fair price for a mom-and-pops shop.
The Honda dealer (90 minutes away) is fairly reasonable I would choose that.

The local dealers are within what most charge, I would use the 90 minute dealer instead, Same work, same parts and for a fair price.

 

Did each of the three tell you what parts are included in the quote?
Hopefully, the 90 minute drive Honda price includes at least one of the two tensioners.

the timing belt (14400-rca-a01) =$104,
the water pump (19200-rdv-j01) =$192,
a tension pulley for timing belt adjustment (14510-rca-a01) =$147,
a hydro tensioner (14520-rca-a01) =$183,
one gallon antifreeze = $25

The above listed prices are full retail totaling $651.

You need to find out which parts are being sold to you.
I think that the Honda shop is trying to do the job as cheap as possible, to get your business.

 

Is the Hydra tensioner needed ?

 

The Hydro Tensioner is the most important part, You are doing this work basically for it.

 

dont forget the spark plugs, and to check for any sort of leaks and repair them as necessary. I always suggest valve cover and spark plug tube gaskets. The oil pump seal requires timing belt removal and so does front main seal so be sure to check those! Seals are a few bucks and shouldn't add much to labor cost.

 

However...if there is no leaks around these seals, don't mess with them until the next (2nd) timing belt job.

 

I just had our 2012 MDX priced for the timing belt (kit plus new water pump and new engine coolant) $1,178, spark plugs (tune up/clean injectors) $350, valve clearance check $600/adjustment if necessary. Total around $2,150 -- not a dealership, but a well respected local shop. I am in the suburbs of Indianapolis.

 

That's robbery for the Valve adjustment!!! Spark plug service shouldn't be $350!!!

 

I agree you need to find out what parts the dealer is selling.
My local dealer quoted me 1200 dollars with spark plugs, but it only included "tensioner inspection" not the actual replacement of the tensioners.

I paid 187 dollars for the Aisin kit (OEM manufacturer) on Amazon and paid my buddy 350 dollars and I did it with him. I did not do the spark plugs.
In my experience with other Honda cars, Iridium spark plugs (OEM for Honda) last significantly longer than 105k miles. On my TSX they went 200k and I replaced them just because I was worried they would not come out of the block if I waited any longer

 

is this the timing belt kit to get for replacement of the belt at 105k miles?

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=1683&jsn=1683

 

Nothing in that kit is made by the same manufacturer that makes the OEM parts.

Aisin makes the parts and puts Honda or Acura labels on them.
Here is the correct TB kit:
Aisin TB kit

 

Man, respected shop should not mention tune-up these days. Gasoline is a very good cleaner. Injector cleaning is BS until the problem is diagnosed.

 

Rockauto lists the Aisin timing belt kit . Has anyone used this kit from Rockauto? I'm very wary of getting a counterfeit kit. Already had to return one that I bought on eBay (I know...)

 

An average North American car is being driven 15K miles annually.

Let's make it 20 for the sake of the argument.

That means a TB change every 5 years or so.

Just get the OEM TB components (you can buy them much cheaper from OEM online shops like oemacuraparts and such). The difference between the cost of the OEM and third party or manufacturer parts is entirely negligible, especially over the period of 5 years. Certainly not something to consider if you want a peace of mind.

 

Sure thing. I agree completely, but in my case we have nine cars, so saving a few dollars with quality aftermarket parts adds up.

 

I bought that same kit from Amazon and put it on about a month ago. Went well.
The bearings and tension was identical to what came off the car. The water pump had a slightly different aluminum cast housing, but likely they just copied the tooling Honda paid for so they could sell their own aftermarket version. I had no issues, would definitely recommend it.

 

Thanks!