binary_10essee

I posted a little while back about timing belt replacement. Well, I'm an idiot. I have no idea why I was interested in the timing belt. I was referring to the belts that drive the power steering, alternator, compressor, etc. D'oh!

Anyhow, seeing as how I just want to look at replacing those 2 belts, same questions as for timing belt: how much work is involved?

Are those 2 belts almost as simple as "release the tension, pull the belt off, route new belt, apply tension"? The only vehicle I've ever had to replace a belt on was that simple. But it wasn't an Acura, and it had tons of free space around the belt.

The belts I have now look old. While I have no squealing, I do see some very light cracks and other signs of wear. The wear is primarily on the belt that drives the power steering pump, but I believe they both have some amount of aging wear and tear.

How much time should I set aside to replace them?

MBP 03

Not a tough or time consuming job at all. It can be done in under an hour. The side engine mount has to be taken off for belt removal. The P/S belt is tensioned via a bolt on the P/S pump. The alternator belt has a spring loaded tensioner.

3.2TLc

Hey Binary_10essee, how many miles does your TL presently have on the dial ?

If you're close to 200k, and don't know for sure when the last T-belt service was performed......ya may wanna have the T-belt checked or replaced if unsure. The reason being.....normally at the 105k T-belt servicing, the drive belts are normally recommended to be changed as well. They are already off and it's only a matter of the belt's expense at the time.

So, presently....if the accessory belts appear worn, make sure that ya know the condition of the T-belt.

binary_10essee

Yeah, I understand your point. Is it possible to simply have the timing belt checked? Or would that cost an arm and a leg, too? Btw, I'm around 190K miles.

TLZINE99

U lookin at least $800-$1000 including parts and labor @ your local Acura dealer with the whole kit waterpump, tensioner etc. Not very cheap if u want it done right. =)

Skirmich

^ OUCH!


Nobody should go to any Acura Stealership to do any kind of jobs.
Honda Dealerships does them for cheaper (650-750 range for Timing Job) and its the same guarantee of quality job and done right.

TLZINE99

Yup, some dealer may even charge double, they will say including free alignment, oil change, vacum and car wash.

3.2TLc

OR......ya can buy the "AISIN" T-belt kit complete with all the oem components for about $200, and then shop around locally for a good import specialty repair shop experienced with Honda products. The independent shops should be able to competently perform the labor for less than $400 to install your parts.

binary_10essee

Is there a way to have the T-belt checked prior to actual replacement though? I don't know when it was changed last, but seeing as how I just bought the car in March, I don't know if it was changed shortly before that.

If they can't just look at it to determine its state it's no biggie. I definitely don't have that kind of money right now. I'll work on saving up for it so I can get it done. I just don't want to do it if it doesn't need to be done yet.

MBP 03

There's no way to fully inspect the belt without pulling the timing belt covers.

01tl4tl

there are tbelt inspection ports on the back of the covers, search here,,ck diys!
but- those will really only tell you its still there,,,as the working side is hidden
Next clue is the covers bolt heads- look like they were ever touched by human wrench- edge marks, torque not spec and even on every one? scratches on covers or other evidence man has been there and forgotten a clip or something?
same for bolts on pass side engine mount- if ever removed that points towards tbelt, or mounts replacement
see our diy for time on whole job for a noob to the procedure, all day- all weekend with a buddy will get it done with the extra things needed at this mileage

note on ps belt- adjustment is looser than you expect- see diy, too tight will destroy the pump in hours or less
I recommend new tensioners for all belts as replaced, 200 on them has been a really good lifespan

01tl4tl

binary- time to look in Regions section for ziners in your area,,make some friends and have a tbelt party- line up 2-3 cars and knock them all out as a team

binary_10essee

LoL. Meet people online? I'm too paranoid for that! Nah, I may look into that. Who knows, may get some good info from that!

3.2TLc

..........


Save the refreshments for afterwards, when ya know the T-belts are all fully installed !!!

01tl4tl

that's right, food only until all cars have been test driven
imagine how fast it is when one person does intake removal, another cleans them, someone else adjusting valves while another swaps out the belt and pump parts
Race car teams strip a car and rebuild it overnight,,what can ziners do?

I did not suggest meeting PEOPLE thru the internet,,they are ZINERS! ask anyone, we are not normal people