Just got a 99 TL with 118k three weeks ago. I don't know if the belt has been replaced yet or not so i pulled the cover to do an inspection tho i cant tell if its the original one or not. Here's a pic i took if someone can identify if its new one not.



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Hey Vega_obscura, Hey I guess this is your lucky day !

Welcome to Acurazine, hope that the site serves all of your TL needs.

The T-belt shown in the pic is obviously a "Gates" brand. They are a top quality aftermarket alternative to the OEM original Acura parts. The original T-belt has been replaced at some point in time, hopefully the full 105k service was also done then. Check our DIY's and other sub-forums.

 

so curious...

does anyone have a pic they can post of a t-belt that is wearing out with signs of replacement needed? would be nice so i can pop the cover off and look

 

Hey Peewizzle, ya know that curiousity killed the cat !

While looking at the belt through the cover opening doesn't always give a complete inspection....ya can usually get a quick read on the belt's condition if it's oil soaked, frayed, or has worn cog teeth.

 

You need to look on the ribbed underside of the belt for small cracks. This is probably the first indication of wear. Hard to tell from its outer edge. For a good look, you will have to remove a few more timing belt covers, remove the tire...and look from under the engine.

 

Thanks for the reply's! This forum as been a lot of help with getting my new ride roadworthy.

 

Why I can not see any picture?

 

The way timing belts are made today, you can't tell by looking at them if they need replaced. If it does look bad, you're treading on thin ice already. Just be consistent and change them on their scheduled maintenance.

 

On the average .....figure about 100k intervals for T-belt replacements. Many owners tend to dump their cars once this expensive pm comes up. So, that being said, at about 10 years or 100k ......buyer beware !

If not documented, have the T belt inspected for wear......because we do have an "interference type of valvetrain" which could mean big problems if this mainitenance isn't done in a timely manner.

The best way to check the belt is to inspect the underside of it for wear stress and cracks.

 

That T-belt looks in good condition.

 

My 99 TL had 222,XXX miles on it when I picked it up. The cabin filter had never been replaced so I assumed the T belt had never been replaced either. I took the cover off and it looked fine, but I was not going to take any chances. I bopught the Gates timing belt kit along with a Gates WP. Well I'm so glad I replaced it. The only way I could "tell" that it was bad was after I removed it. The new belt feels a little ridgid. The old one I took off was soft and spongy and was stretched out. The only way I was ever going to tell was to remove the belt, since there were no missing "teeth" and there were no cracks. Gates also makes a BLUE racing timing belt that I almost bought but didn't, next time I do the service I'm definitely going to use the Gates Racing Belt, the part number is T286RB, you can get it at O'Reily Auto Parts.