I have a 2017 RDX that has crossed 100,000 miles. I called an Acura dealership to get a quote for replacing the timing belt. Initially, I was quoted $1,925 for the timing belt job. When I asked what was included, I was told it covered the timing belt kit and spark plugs. I mentioned that I do not need spark plugs since I replaced them myself, and after some negotiations, they quoted me $1,400 for the timing belt "kit," including parts and labor.

When I inquired about what is included in this "kit," they mentioned the timing belt, drive belt, tensioner, and coolant. I asked about the pulleys, and they stated that they do not replace the idler and tensioner pulleys. The service representative mentioned that in his extensive experience working with Acura, they never replace the pulleys when performing a timing belt job. He explained that it is usually the tensioner that fails, but the pulleys do not typically fail. I was also told that none of the Acura dealers in the New Jersey area would replace the pulleys, which makes me think they might be trying to save costs.

Since I have been taking this RDX to the same dealer for the last 10 years, I know the service rep fairly well. He said he would talk to the manager. The manager then called me and reiterated that they do not recommend replacing the pulleys.

I am puzzled now. Doesn't it make sense to replace the pulleys since they are just bearings underneath and can wear out over time?

 

Don't listen to those dolts.

If you desire to get another 100K+ miles of utility from your 2017 RDX, then change ALL of the TB components.
To give you a example as to why it is so expensive to have this service performed at the dealership, just take a look at the OEM parts involved if you were to purchase them individually below.

This list is for the 'online' prices (cost would be higher with dealer markup) which includes the water pump & pullies they, your dealership, exclude.

Here is a complete Aisin TKH002 timing belt kit, for your year RDX, from rockauto at a fraction of the cost of the OEM components above.
These TB kits are a well known 'go-to' alternative, proven in use, and considered OEM equivalent in quality without the 'Honda' brand $$ markup on the box.


If you want to save even more money, find & establish a service relationship with a local Acura / Honda specialty shop and have them perform the TB service.
Good Luck!

 

I called another local Honda dealer, and they quoted me $1,250 for a timing belt "kit," which they say does not include pulleys. I don't know of any good independent shops in the Central Jersey area that specialize in Honda/Acura.

So, I am left with two choices:

1. Go with the dealer change the belts but deal with the pulleys.
2. Do it myself. I would need to invest in a car jack, jack stands, a special tool to remove the harmonic balancer, and some extra time.

As I understand it, all the timing belt components are:

1. Timing Belt
2. Water Pump
3. Drive Belt
4. Tensioner
5. Guide Pulley
6. Adjuster Pulley
7. Coolant

I did see the kit on RockAuto. I have bought spark plugs from them. Thank you for sharing the pricing for the Honda dealer OEM parts versus RockAuto.

 

In lieu of not knowing of a good independent shop, you have 'other' viable options available to you, as well.
1) Purchase the complete Aisin TKH002 for your RDX outright.
2) Take said TB kit to the dealer & make it a point to personally speak to the service rep you know fairly well.
3) Ask them if they want to make money, providing a reasonable quote today, for the labor required to install the TB kit you have in hand.

*Though, it is predictable that they will deny your request and state that they cannot 'warranty' the components contained within the 'customer supplied' Aisin TKH002 kit.

Or, there in lies an option which is to have them inflate the $1,400 quote, in your first post, to include the cost of the OEM water pump and pullies that they are reluctant to replace in the first place.

As a result, you get a full TB component service completed, with all dealer supplied OEM over priced Honda parts which they will gladly warranty.

 

It wouldn't hurt to look at a private mechanic specializing in Japanese cars that could provide a quote. It usually runs much less.

 

I shopped around and found a local Japanese auto repair shop. They installed an AISIN Kit TKH002 with a water pump and replaced the serpentine belt. The cost was obviously lower compared to the dealer’s quote—the local shop was roughly $400 cheaper. Additionally, the dealer was not going to replace two pulleys, whereas the local shop installed the AISIN kit, which included the pulleys. I requested the used parts, and the old timing belt appeared to be in good condition—there were no cracks, even under a magnifying glass.

 

Are all these cheap timing belt kits knock offs with a Honda logo on them?
https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw...enuine%2520OEM

 

Yes