I have a 2016 RDX Elite, 121,000 KMs. I understand that the timing belt should be changed around 150K kms (in miles it is between 60-90K miles). I am getting into a new car sometime in May 2022 and don’t want to spend the estimated $1,500 in replacing my timing belt. However, when I turn on my car in the morning, the engine makes a bit of loud noise (like I am starting a truck instead of a car). The noise goes away after a few minutes of driving. And if the turn the car off and turn it on again, there is no more noise. It only happens the first time I turn my car on on any given day and subsequent same-day starts are normal. Weather in Toronto is also beginning to turn cold. Having said that, is the loudish noise upon start up a symptom of the timing belt wearing out? I have read somewhere that a whining or a ticking sound from the engine is a sign of the timing belt wearing out. Although, the noise I am hearing is not really whining or ticking….just a slightly louder start up noise than normal.



Should I get my timing belt replaced or wait it out until next May? Any feedback and thoughts will be much appreciated. Thnx.

 

why dont you record the noise?

I can tell you right away, it's not the timing belt....it may be an exhaust leak.
timing belt is replaced at 105k miles.. or around 168k KM's

 

I tried recording the sound/noise. But its not loud enough to be captured by my iPhone. I am pretty sure its not the timing belt.....but just wanted to check with the community here. Thanks for your response; makes me feel better.

 

well if you are that concerned, take it to a mechanic...because i still have no clue what you are speaking about.
and you shouldnt take my word on it; since I havent inspected your car.

i'm only relying on your text, which is very hard to diagnose something over the internet.

 

Tensioner noise. Common, do a search. Mine started at 85,000 miles. Aisin timing set, quiet starts again.

 

What kind of tensioner?

 

I can take it to a mechanic, yes. The problem is, by the time I get to his place, the noise will be gone. I will probably leave it at the garage and have them start-up the car in the morning. I just wanted to know if anyone thinks that the sympton/sound is related to the timing belt. Thanks.

 

My '14 was making similar noise (I assume); not terrible, just didn't sound good; noisy, ticking sound, especially when cold. Had timing belt, tensioner, water pump, etc replaced 2 weeks ago (was due going on 8 years even tho only 92K miles) and it is noticeably quieter now. No idea how close it was to a failure - I would assume not too close - but it did make a difference.

 

Is it a tapping/knocking noise behind the Right front wheel? Only on cold starts, that goes away after a few minutes?

Sounds like the timing belt tensioner to me. If that was the case, replace it as soon as possible. It won’t make it to May.

 

No, its not a tapping/knocking sound. It just sounds like a much heavier car than the RDX. There is no knocking, ticking, whining....or anything like that. And it doesn't happen all the time. Maybe 4 out of 5 times, first start of the day.