i know the tsx uses a timing chain.....but what about the drive belt? when do we need to change that? i checked my service manual and it doesn't mention anything about a maintenance interval, just inspection. anybody changed theirs yet?

 

If the wear indicator is close to the outer limit (on the right side), then it's time to replace it. Another indication is a brown dust band on the bottom of the hood liner above the power steering pump.

 

What?

Unless its making noise, replace your rubber drive belts @ 10-yr/100k miles, whichever comes first.

That rule of thumb has always worked well for me, and could apply to rubber hoses as well. It may be a bit too frequent to some, but to me, after 10-yr/100k miles, none of my rubber hoses or belts owe me a dime.

 

Yes, mine started to crap out just shy of 70k miles. Brown dust all over the pwr steering unit, alternator, hood liner and such. Made weird noises during startup in cold/ damp weather that would go away as the engine warmed. You'll know when it is time. More than likely, you'll get plenty of audible and visual warning. However, there was still travel left in the tensioner when I finally replaced the belt.

 

I guess YMMV.

I've known of people with well over 100k on their original belts. On many Hondas equipped with a Timing Belt, the drive belts are replaced at the same time, at 105k, and they have no whining/screeching noises at all.



OTOH, with my gm, I did the first belt change after 63k and eight years. Then two years and 25k later, the tensioner failed on the freeway. Apparently its a common problem with that particular engine/car...