I was told that I need my timing belt changed on my 99TL at 105,000 miles...well thats what is suposedly recomonded (I'm at 106,ooo) .....although I have not changed it yet i am going to. I was just wondering if any of you have had your changed?? Any input or advice would be great...thanks guys!

 

Jenifer,

A timing belt change is necessary. If the belt fails the damage to the engine is pretty severe. That being said, the recommended 105,000 mile change interval is pretty conservative. It is a ~$1,000 job including the replacment of the water pump, and plan to do it in the next year or so.

Miner

 

if i were u i would do it asap, its more age that can make the timing belt go, and with ur tl, the 99, ur closing on the 10 year mark...its had its run, change it asap..

shop around, i got my 120k service done (all belts, tensioners and water pump) for 700 total parts/labour in canada, im sure u can get it cheaper in the US

 

I paid $800 2 months ago. It is a necessary maintenance item if you plan to continue driving your car....the $800-$1,000 you spend now will save you probably $2,000 when it shreds. I waited until 110---, but I'm a 2002. You should replace it within the next few weeks - tax refund coming your way?

 

age is a bigger factor in a low mileage car, and the water pump is part of the timing belt job.
7 years is considered the max safe time limit, and with the Ozone layer disappearing- that rots rubber even faster.
The radiator coolant has a life limit as well-5 years normal- max 7 and the PH goes acidic- in an aluminum environment- thats not a good thing
Find a private shop and ask a few for the price- should include new NGK spark plugs- valve adjustment- a few belts and tensioner pulleys, oil change- filters-
figure a grand and hope~

 

Could the timing belt needing to be changed impact my check engine light to come on? I got a diagnostic test done it said catalyst problem .... but who knows jus throwin it out there...

 

cat codes may be cat- have a muffler shop test that for you
Or could be EGR clogged or many things

It is NOT a warning of time to change the timing belt and water pump

 

i changed mine at 90,000. it is one thing i DO NOT want to mess with cuz once it goes, your whole engine goes with it basically. because most likely it will tear wen ur goin down the highway or sumthin.

 

i bought my car used a year ago.. and its at 140k already, how can i check if its been done already??

 

I got mine done at the dealership. It was a big job. they said its about 6 hours labor. They had a special going on so i got mine done for 850+tax.

 

Where are you located and what dealer? That is a very good price to me. For that price (with parts and water pump, I hope), I almost would be willing to let a dealer do the job.

Miner

 

My personal rule is if you can,t document that it's been done, assume that it hasn't been done. If it was done at an Acura dealer, your local dealer might find out for you. Other than that, you could pull the cover, and check the brand of the timing belt. If it's any brand other than Honda, like Gates, Goodyear, Napa, then it's been changed. Don't judge by the alt/a.c./ p.s. belts, as they are sometimes changed without touching the timing belt.

 

I went to the Pohanka acura in Chantilly, VA. The price is normally 950 but i got mine for 850 and that includes the all the parts, timing belt, and water pump and a some belts too i think and the best part was they gave me a free loaner! its a 2007 acura MDX...I got it done in November so its been a while. You might want to call if your interested and see if they can give a special price too.

 

Acura_VA20,

Thanks for the info. I was hoping you had the work done at one of the Acura dealers in Seattle, but perhaps the dealer here would match the price (doubtful).

Miner

 

where is the little window on our engine so we can look at the condition of the timing belt?

 

thx for the advice

id like to know too...

 

you can try!

 

The little plug doesn't show the timing belt, just the front cam gear. The upper front cover is held on with 3 screws after you first remove the front valve cover cozy.

The condition of the belt will not tell you much, unless you see cracking, or fraying. In my experience, they look similar at 50k or 150k. If it is a different brand, however, you can tell it's been changed.

 

I just got quoted for the timing belt and water pump for 1150 from Acura of Westchester, REE-DICK-U-LOUS!

 

Just take it to the shop you TRUST the most. Don't go for the cheapest. Go for the best (usually not the cheapest). Remember, you get what you pay for.

 

dealership labor rates average 100 to 125 per hour- with the job being a good 6 hours in the book and in real life~
Look in the phone book automobile repairing and service of the yellow pages
Most towns have a number of private small honda acura import specialist. 60-90 per hour.

For this job- someone who does them all the time is a better choice- saves you headaches later becasue no one guessed as the went- they simply did a job the have done a hundred times before and know the tricks tips and shortcuts. Go to the shops in person and talk with them.
Look on the side of the engine and understand why it cost to work in there- no room at all for a mechanics hand with skin!!

 

A bit of a catch 22. Find a shop who does them all the time is usually the shop with the high labor rate. Seattle dealers are $125, even the local guy is like $90. I will end up taking the day off work and doing it myself. I've changed a half dozen honda timing belts, including a legend so its no big deal. Once the crank pulley bolt is loose, its just an effort of taking time removing and reinstalling a million covers, bolts, screws and belts.

Miner

 

I got mine done at the dealer in Canada for $775 (including water pump) at around 115, 000 miles. It hurts the pocket book but worth it for the peace of mind.

 

That would seem very cheap especially including valve adjustment. I just did my daughter's car and spent about $600 for parts and materials, even buying the timing package mail order for ~$400. The spark plugs had been replaced already which saved $70-80.

 

timing package? you can get the pump, timing belt and tensioner for 200. thats all you need. the whole project is labor intensive

 

yea they charge 850 dollars for timing belt,serpertine belts,water pump,coolant and labor is 6-7hrs probably the tough thing i encounered was how in the hell was i going to get to the
bolts in the back of the timing cover near the firewall but i found a tool from snap on..god he was a life saver hehe i can usually get the car in/out about 2hrs

 

Hey man, I am guessing you are from Vancouver. me too!!

I have been shopping around for the timing belt. I am getting around $850 taxes in for the timingbelt+ water pump. With the spark plugs change I am looking at like $950-$1000.
I think $775 is cheap I think. Is that with the tax? Did you change your spark plugs?
If you don't mind, can you tell me the name of the shop?

 

Hey dnam85

I got the timing belt replaced/all drive belts inspected/power steering belt replaced/water pump and antifreeze done for $750.00 including tax. Although I live 5 mins from Burrard Acura, I avoid it like the plaque after I got hosed there a few years back. I found their service staff to be nothing short of ignorant. I take my car to Richmond Acura where the service is outstanding and prices seem fair. I did not get the plugs done at that time. I have been postponing them due the fact my mileage is past warranty coverage and the manual says change plugs every 105 000 miles for normal (US) driving conditions (I had them done at 50 000 miles). I figure there is no difference between Seattle and Van climate so the extreme weather (Canadian) schedule need not apply. I would not recommend this if you are still covered by warranty though!!! Let me know if you need any additional info or if you find a good garage!

VR

 

Hey Ray,
Thanks for your post. So did you do your service at the Richmond Acura??
I don't think it's that cheap to get the service done at the dealer. If it is I will be very suprised.
I currently have 162,000km on my 03 TLS. I need to replace timing belt and the water pump and other things shortly.
So can you tell me where you got your timing belt stuff done?? Name and phone number if possible?
Thanks

 

dnam85

No kidding, I got it done at Richmond Acura in Dec 2007. I am looking at my old invoce right now. $427.73 for belt work and $235.10 for for pump before taxes which works out to $749.00 after tax parts and labour. Give them a call and ask for a quote. I am no mechanic but I can't see an 03 being much more than a 99TL. Let me know what they quote you.

 

Ray,

That's suprising news for me. I am sure that's cheap for the dealer to do timingbelt change. Anyways, I will give them a call and see what they quote me.
Thanks for your information. I will keep post.

 

Ray,

I just called Richmond Acura. They quoted me $970 including taxes. They say 2001 and 2003 is different. I am not going there, it's too much. I guess I will have to shop around little more. Best price so far is $950 for all timingbelt including tentioner, water pump, coolant and spar plugs.

 

The "timing package" includes the water pump, timing belt, tensioner, and two idler pulleys, plus the two external belts. It's probably a good idea to replace them all. The parts I got were OE Honda parts.

 

I have never seen a dealer sell it as a "Package" thats why i said that. All oem parts are sold as individual parts. not packages.