i'm thinking of buying a 2004+ TL. I am concerned with the cost of maintaining it. I'm hearing it is expensive to replace the timing belt. Over $1000 !!! according to this article

http://consumerguideauto.howstuffwor...acura-tl-2.htm

I'm not having luck finding info on a maintenance schedule. At about how many miles does the belt need replaced? Does anyone know if the estimates quoted in this article are accurate?

 

Welcome to the forums.

The owner's manual does not specify a mileage for this, but previous models listed 105,000 miles, so the 04 will probably be the same. It is an item in the MID (Multi Information Display) and I don't remember anyone posting yet that their MID showed Service E, which is the timing belt.

The price sounds about right, because the dealer should include a water pump replacement and also (I think) timing gears, because most of this is labor and you would have to pay labor all over again if your water pump went out shortly after the timing belt replacement.

Here's a link for the owner's manual, so you can check out things for yourself.
https://techinfo.honda.com/rjanisis/...01_OMANUAL.asp

 

I think most Honda/Acura vehicles require the timing belt replaced around 90K. I did my 4cyl Honda at 98K, along with the water pump. It was around $800 for that little 4cyl. I don't know what my Acura is going to cost....I don't want to know! I'm dreading that Service E reminder.

 

The timing belt on v6 honda's recommended replacement is 105,000 miles or 7 years im pretty sure the tl is the same! What is normally replaced is the timing belt, water pump, cam seals and crank seal. The timing belt tensioner is optional but would recommend replacement of this also since they are already in there. The $1000 cost sounds about right for this service maybe a little less, depends also if you want the belt tensioner and drive belts replaced during the service.

 

the labor is what you are paying so much for. the actual parts are about 250 bucks. the job itself is very easy, but if you don't know what you are doing you will destroy the engine

 

My dealer told me 105,000 and the cost is close to $2000. Of course this includes a bunch of inspections, so I'm sure it's worth every penny they charge.

This will be a job for which I'll be checking out the independent shops in my area.

 

glad im a tech for lexus and do timing belts and water pumps all the time :P

 

how easy and is there a DIY instruction.

 

Not soo easy, if you dont know what your doing i would reccommend not attempting this as a DIY, saving a grand or less may not be worth what a new engine may cost you if you indeed mess up. Just my 2 cents i would leave this to the professionals!

 

WOW why did I assume it was a chain and not a belt.

 

Read an article long, long ago, they use belts because they are quieter than chains. $1000 does not sound like too much $2000 does. Suggest you all look for Honda trained independent to do it for $500-$650.

 

2000??? uuuh i hope not.... better be looking into another shop at that price. You literally have to disassemble the whole side of the engine bay to get to the belt n change it.....I was looking into doing it myself because I have the service manual..... I have all the tools to do it but when i saw what the process it requires and how many hours i was like forget it....it says 5 - 6 hours so im guessing an experienced tech at acura could bang it out in 2-3 hours. and Id change the water pump at that point too...they tell you to look for specific things that show wear....to me that means change it even if it doesnt sho those things....its mentioned for a reason.

 

I am guessing building a car from scratch and getting it approved by NHSTA for road use is also a piece of cake for you, right ?

Back to the point, $1000 sounds about right and as everyone mentioned, its more labor then parts... how many miles are on the TL you are looking at?..find yourself something with low mileage...

Any car that uses a belt you need to have it replaced around $100K (I recall spending about $500 on a 94 Accord 4 CYL back in 99/2000) so...its not the TL that would be expensive, the timing belt change on any car in itslef is expensive...

 

sorry that i have a little more experience than most people on this site. i've done plenty of timing belts before. and as i said unless you know what you are doing, don't even think about touching it.