My 2000 Acura 3.2TL is due for timing belt replacement. I'm saving up enough (around $1K) to get it done. I know what the consequences will be if the timing belt breaks in an interference engine. However, according to my OEM Manual, there is a simple way to inspect the timing belt. All it takes is to remove two covers and it will expose the timing belt over the forward camshaft sprocket. If there are no visible cracks around the belt and no evidence of oil or coolant around the belt and the adjoining components, can this be taken as an indication that the belt will be OK for a while? I'm still going to have the belt replaced down the road.

 

$1K is a LOT to pay for a timing belt. Sounds like the dealer; they will rip you off. Go to an independent shop. I replaced the belt on my 2000 Accord V6 before I gave it to my mom a few months ago. It costs me $500 through an independent shop.

 

Shop around. 1000.00 is the high end for timing belt service. Ultimately of you can do it yourself might be around 200.00. It`s the labor that gets you.

 

Yeah, depending on your mileage.....the belt is normally replaced at 100K or 7 yr intervals. Removing the T-belt cover doesn't show the underneath area of the belt, which sometimes will have signs of hairline cracks.

Your best bet would be to buy the "OEM" T-belt kit from Aisin for about $200 and then find a local experienced mechanic to install it for about $300. ( 1/2 day's labor ) So, for a ballpark of $500 to $600 would be a fair price to pay.

 

thats for a mechanic to ck for broken t belt when car comes in with no start- stopped running while on bridge etc
knowing its an interferance engine- one should ck visually for broken belt
before causing damage by testing!

the inside of the belt has to be bent outwards to see the tiny cracks in the rubber
Once you remove the tbelt- it needs to be replaced, and its tensioner!- the more miles on the originals the more likely to fail soon after belt replacement