So, my 2002 TL-S has 92,000 miles, and, per the owners manual, the timing belt is due at 105,000 (If I recall correctly). Since I have taken so long in years to reach this mileage, should I just go ahead and replace the timing belt now? Could be timing belt be getting weak just from age, and not necessarily mileage?

 

Yes, age is more of a factor than mileage. I would look into getting it replaced.

 

as well as looking to pay an arm and a leg

but seriously, try & find a local shop that specializes in honda/acura's, it'll be about 200-300$ cheaper than your dealership
you won't get a loaner car or that nifty lil free car wash of course

 

Any additional work that makes sense while the patient is open? water pump? other belts? thermostat?

I wonder what the book says in terms of hours for this job?

 

6-8 hours per book
have the timing belt pullies and tensioners replaced, anything that moves wears out
Change all the fluids, brake, ps fluids
Thermostat not a bad idea
Valve adjustment

See the many threads on this subject for complete parts list and prices~
Beware low quotes to get you in the door, then price jumps
Get a real estimate of actual parts being used, a good shop will be able to help you

 

under normal driving conditions- 7 years or 105k miles is the book spec

 

water pump is a given with timing belt, its the very last thing and right behind the belt!

 

some late 02 and some 03 get a recall timing belt pulley- ck your vin with acura 1-800-382-2238x5

you can pay extra for water pump and save several hundred as acura provides a new timing belt and its pulley and all its labor

 

I called an independent shop that I trust. Was told that for $1,100, he would install a timing belt "kit" that consists of the belt, water pump, rollers?, cam and crank seals, and the tensioner. Something about these being Asin parts, not Acura OEM parts. Says I could opt for OEM parts too. Cost breakdown was about 50% parts and 50% labor.

Gonna call the dealer to compare.

 

Honda dealer quoted about the same ($1,180), except his quote was for OEM parts, and drive belts instead of the 2 seals that he says rarely if ever fail.

 

the only part that ziners seem to think is really good from acura is the water pump and t belt- it lasted this long so hopefully its replacement will too

If its a well known aftermarket brand part the shop has used many times and cars are still running- go for it
those cam seals are rare to need- get the valve adjustment quote too, there is some co-related parts removal so you save over having just it done

Get spark plug prices too

 

OK i dunno why but my dealer Honda Optima in El Centro CA. quote me for: All parts (Belts [Timing, PS], Hydr Tensioner, Idler) and seals (Cams and Crank) (OEM FTW!) and Labor for 740$ + tax how does it sound it is OK to go with it? they have it done in 2 days 1 for parts shipping and 1 for install.

 

^ That's actually a good price for dealer. Dealers usually charge 1k-1200

 

1300 for me fml

 

low prices always get jacked up once the car is taken apart and you have no choice

I was a service writer- trust me~

 

I dont see water pump on that list--you replace that now because its important,, and right behind the timing belt!
add xxx dollars Sir

And its due for spark plugs if you have not done them yet- big price jump to do that

 

Or you could save yourself the money and do the spark plugs on your own. They're pretty easy to do.

 

Yea im starting to collect my stuff for my 105k im @ 102K

I still need to get my T belt water pump belts spark plugs and some other things..

have to replace my PS pump since its going out