This is a widely covered topic although the finicky search makes it a little difficult to get answers. I am looking to buy or piece together a timing belt kit for '05 Base TL with hopes of cutting some costs via Rockauto or other online retailer.

I know Acura rebrands their parts and the same parts can be purchased for cheaper under the manufacturers' names like Gates. Now, the Gates kit is $163 at RockAuto:

GATES Part # TCKWP329 5 Components (1 Belt, 2 Tensioners, 1 Idler, 1 Water Pump) PowerGrip Premium OE Timing Belt Component Kit W/Water Pump

If you throw in the drive belt and tensioner, it comes to $235. I've read that Gates is the manufacturer of our belts but I am unsure on the other components, namely the hydraulic tensioner. Any knowledge?

 

I believe that Bando is another "brand" that is considered OEM. Additionally, I believe Bando is a rebranded Gates...but I'm less sure about that. Gates is a standard brand, or at least manufacturer of a variety of brands, for OEM belts.

 

Thank you, I will start a list with part numbers:

OEM Brands
Timing Belt: Gates (p#14400RCAA01 or T329) or Bando (p#TB329)
Timing Belt Adjuster:
Timing Belt Hyd Tensioner:
Timing Belt Idler:
Drive/Serp/PS Belt:
Drive Belt Tensioner:
Water Pump:
Thermostat:

 

Added my input.

almost certain the tensioner is also koyo as well. I dont know the part #s off the top of my head but those pieces are all included in the Gates 5 pc kit. You can probably also go with gates on the drive belt too.

According to my gates box the only thing not made in japan was the TB (US) and water pump (China). The AISIN water pump was already leaking coolant at 70k miles, so going aftermarket isn't a bad idea on that one.

I would just get the gates kit. 4 out of 5 pieces are OEM and it takes the guesswork out of the picture.

 

Why bother with all of this when you can get the kit for 299 shipped from https://acurazine.com/forums/3g-tl-2004-2008-93/timing-belt-special-still-going-strong-%40-%24299-shipped-819990/

 

This is who makes the Honda parts:
- Timing Belt: Gates/Unitta (same company)
- Water Pump: Yamada http://www.hondapartsnow.com/genuine...0-P8A-A02.html
- Hydraulic Tensioner: Aissin
- Tensioner Bearing: Koyo
- Idler Bearing: Koyo http://www.hondapartsnow.com/genuine...0-PGE-A01.html

lol. Cause then your paying 50% more for the exact same thing maybe?

 

woops....reread the post...makes much more sense now..

 

Amazon has a great deal on the Gates kit for $153. I also went ahead and threw in the crankcase pulley removal tool shown in the recommended items. It also seems to be at an all-time low price. All shipped with no taxes for $169. That is substatially cheaper than anything else I have seen for OEM parts (besides the non-OEM water pump as previously discussed).