Timing belt service - DC,MD,VA region
#1
Timing belt service - DC,MD,VA region
Good evening all,
I am at 92k on the my 2012 TL advance. So far I've had 92k of worry free driving aside from the air bag recall (had rental) and a few days for a TQ converter swap. I am approaching the timing belt service in the next 4-6 months based on my driving habits. I asked my service advisor this past week while I was getting an oil change and he said anywhere from 1550-1750 depending on if it needed a tensioner or not. That included spark plugs, water pump, timing belt, radiator flush, valve adjustment, etc.
I have two questions:
One does anyone in the DMV have a dealership they would recommend for this service? if so what was the price you obtained if you don't mind divulging
Two: I plan on contacting a few other Acura dealerships in the region, do anyone of you recommended using a Honda dealership or a privately owned shop? There are a few by me that specialize in imports.
Thanks in advance.
Grant
I am at 92k on the my 2012 TL advance. So far I've had 92k of worry free driving aside from the air bag recall (had rental) and a few days for a TQ converter swap. I am approaching the timing belt service in the next 4-6 months based on my driving habits. I asked my service advisor this past week while I was getting an oil change and he said anywhere from 1550-1750 depending on if it needed a tensioner or not. That included spark plugs, water pump, timing belt, radiator flush, valve adjustment, etc.
I have two questions:
One does anyone in the DMV have a dealership they would recommend for this service? if so what was the price you obtained if you don't mind divulging
Two: I plan on contacting a few other Acura dealerships in the region, do anyone of you recommended using a Honda dealership or a privately owned shop? There are a few by me that specialize in imports.
Thanks in advance.
Grant
#2
The price will vary from dealer to dealer. Obviously any Acura/Honda dealer would be the best place as they only touch one product line day in and day out.
If you do decide to go with an independent shop for the repairs then make sure they have a good Honda guy doing the work who has experience with the product and specifically the valve adjustment. It will be wise to have the valve cover gasket sets replaced while they are in there as it wouldn't cost any extra labor during the adjustment. If they do charge you extra for labor to do the gaskets then don't take your business there and look elsewhere.
Most importantly is to use genuine Acura parts/coolant and nothing less. I would highly advise you to replace the hydraulic tensioner while doing the timing belt. There are numerous guys on the forum with failed tensioners and it wouldn't be good to have that happen to you down the road.
If you don't mind the drive down to nova, then I can set you up with an Acura master tech who would be willing to help you out for a reasonable price.
If you do decide to go with an independent shop for the repairs then make sure they have a good Honda guy doing the work who has experience with the product and specifically the valve adjustment. It will be wise to have the valve cover gasket sets replaced while they are in there as it wouldn't cost any extra labor during the adjustment. If they do charge you extra for labor to do the gaskets then don't take your business there and look elsewhere.
Most importantly is to use genuine Acura parts/coolant and nothing less. I would highly advise you to replace the hydraulic tensioner while doing the timing belt. There are numerous guys on the forum with failed tensioners and it wouldn't be good to have that happen to you down the road.
If you don't mind the drive down to nova, then I can set you up with an Acura master tech who would be willing to help you out for a reasonable price.
#3
Personally when my timing belt is due I am going to try the T329RB - Gates Racing Timing Belt - Excelerate's Honda & Acura Store - Japanese Performance Specialist and see how it holds up, just a thought for you. If you want to try the upgrade vs oem. However there is nothing wrong with OEM.
Last edited by Anicra; 12-23-2016 at 12:26 AM.
#4
Good evening all,
I am at 92k on the my 2012 TL advance. So far I've had 92k of worry free driving aside from the air bag recall (had rental) and a few days for a TQ converter swap. I am approaching the timing belt service in the next 4-6 months based on my driving habits. I asked my service advisor this past week while I was getting an oil change and he said anywhere from 1550-1750 depending on if it needed a tensioner or not. That included spark plugs, water pump, timing belt, radiator flush, valve adjustment, etc.
I have two questions:
One does anyone in the DMV have a dealership they would recommend for this service? if so what was the price you obtained if you don't mind divulging
Two: I plan on contacting a few other Acura dealerships in the region, do anyone of you recommended using a Honda dealership or a privately owned shop? There are a few by me that specialize in imports.
Thanks in advance.
Grant
I am at 92k on the my 2012 TL advance. So far I've had 92k of worry free driving aside from the air bag recall (had rental) and a few days for a TQ converter swap. I am approaching the timing belt service in the next 4-6 months based on my driving habits. I asked my service advisor this past week while I was getting an oil change and he said anywhere from 1550-1750 depending on if it needed a tensioner or not. That included spark plugs, water pump, timing belt, radiator flush, valve adjustment, etc.
I have two questions:
One does anyone in the DMV have a dealership they would recommend for this service? if so what was the price you obtained if you don't mind divulging
Two: I plan on contacting a few other Acura dealerships in the region, do anyone of you recommended using a Honda dealership or a privately owned shop? There are a few by me that specialize in imports.
Thanks in advance.
Grant
The following users liked this post:
GYac (12-31-2016)
#7
Personally when my timing belt is due I am going to try the T329RB - Gates Racing Timing Belt - Excelerate's Honda & Acura Store - Japanese Performance Specialist and see how it holds up, just a thought for you. If you want to try the upgrade vs oem. However there is nothing wrong with OEM.
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#8
The price will vary from dealer to dealer. Obviously any Acura/Honda dealer would be the best place as they only touch one product line day in and day out.
If you do decide to go with an independent shop for the repairs then make sure they have a good Honda guy doing the work who has experience with the product and specifically the valve adjustment. It will be wise to have the valve cover gasket sets replaced while they are in there as it wouldn't cost any extra labor during the adjustment. If they do charge you extra for labor to do the gaskets then don't take your business there and look elsewhere.
Most importantly is to use genuine Acura parts/coolant and nothing less. I would highly advise you to replace the hydraulic tensioner while doing the timing belt. There are numerous guys on the forum with failed tensioners and it wouldn't be good to have that happen to you down the road.
If you don't mind the drive down to nova, then I can set you up with an Acura master tech who would be willing to help you out for a reasonable price.
If you do decide to go with an independent shop for the repairs then make sure they have a good Honda guy doing the work who has experience with the product and specifically the valve adjustment. It will be wise to have the valve cover gasket sets replaced while they are in there as it wouldn't cost any extra labor during the adjustment. If they do charge you extra for labor to do the gaskets then don't take your business there and look elsewhere.
Most importantly is to use genuine Acura parts/coolant and nothing less. I would highly advise you to replace the hydraulic tensioner while doing the timing belt. There are numerous guys on the forum with failed tensioners and it wouldn't be good to have that happen to you down the road.
If you don't mind the drive down to nova, then I can set you up with an Acura master tech who would be willing to help you out for a reasonable price.
Thank you for the response. No I have no problems driving to NOVA at all. I'll pm you. This service will be due sometime in the spring/ summer.
#9
Hey I drive a 2004 MDX, I just recently took my car to the dealer for a check engine light concern. It was diagnosed with multiple misfires. So the dealer had told me that the car needs 6 coils and spark plugs. I was hesitant at first, parts and labor was gonna cost me an arm and a leg, but I had no choice and pulled the trigger.
After I picked up the car, within 1 day the light came back on. I took it back to them, and are now telling me I may have injector problems. So in other words, they can't give me a definitive answer. I'm tired of throwing money to the dealerships . So I went to a small independent shop, and they told me the dealer has to diagnose it. Ok no problem, went to a merchants tire, and they think it may be the injectors or internal problems in the heads. I scratched my head thinking hey, my car only has 87k on it. And has been well maintained, how could the heads be bad?
So in other words, can anybody help steer me in the right direction with this issue, or recommend me to a shop that can help me? I would greatly appreciate it.
After I picked up the car, within 1 day the light came back on. I took it back to them, and are now telling me I may have injector problems. So in other words, they can't give me a definitive answer. I'm tired of throwing money to the dealerships . So I went to a small independent shop, and they told me the dealer has to diagnose it. Ok no problem, went to a merchants tire, and they think it may be the injectors or internal problems in the heads. I scratched my head thinking hey, my car only has 87k on it. And has been well maintained, how could the heads be bad?
So in other words, can anybody help steer me in the right direction with this issue, or recommend me to a shop that can help me? I would greatly appreciate it.
#10
Hey I drive a 2004 MDX, I just recently took my car to the dealer for a check engine light concern. It was diagnosed with multiple misfires. So the dealer had told me that the car needs 6 coils and spark plugs. I was hesitant at first, parts and labor was gonna cost me an arm and a leg, but I had no choice and pulled the trigger.
After I picked up the car, within 1 day the light came back on. I took it back to them, and are now telling me I may have injector problems. So in other words, they can't give me a definitive answer. I'm tired of throwing money to the dealerships . So I went to a small independent shop, and they told me the dealer has to diagnose it. Ok no problem, went to a merchants tire, and they think it may be the injectors or internal problems in the heads. I scratched my head thinking hey, my car only has 87k on it. And has been well maintained, how could the heads be bad?
So in other words, can anybody help steer me in the right direction with this issue, or recommend me to a shop that can help me? I would greatly appreciate it.
After I picked up the car, within 1 day the light came back on. I took it back to them, and are now telling me I may have injector problems. So in other words, they can't give me a definitive answer. I'm tired of throwing money to the dealerships . So I went to a small independent shop, and they told me the dealer has to diagnose it. Ok no problem, went to a merchants tire, and they think it may be the injectors or internal problems in the heads. I scratched my head thinking hey, my car only has 87k on it. And has been well maintained, how could the heads be bad?
So in other words, can anybody help steer me in the right direction with this issue, or recommend me to a shop that can help me? I would greatly appreciate it.
When one takes a vehicle into the dealer you hope that a master/top technician will be in charge of diagnosing the problem, unfortunately this is not always the case. When it comes to engine performance/driveability concerns, ideally you want to request a master/top tech to figure out the problem on your vehicle. Usually they will have a couple of dedicated guys who are extremely good at figuring out driveability, performance, electric issues. Depending on the dealership structure, shop foreman and team system, the vehicle can sometimes end up with a less experienced technician/rookie and things can get expensive due to misdiagnosis with wrong parts being replaced.
Dealers pay big money to get someone through the master program and it requires a lot of time to achieve. Most shops have only a handful of masters whom they keep very busy so unless you request for one you may not get them to work on your vehicle.
If you are in the dc metro area then I can link you with an Acura master tech who can find the problem and fix it right the first time without any unnecessary repairs.
#11
Thanks for responding. I'm sorry to here that when you take your vehicle to the dealer, you don't know what to expect. I would like to reach out to your Mechanic and try to consult with him and hopefully figure out what's going on with my car. I'm in the silver spring, so I have no problem meeting in the DMV area. So please send me his contact information. And thanks again
#12
Can't recommend Century Auto in Germantown highly enough. Family has been going there for 20+ years and we've never had an issue. If you can get there, they might be able to diagnose you better than the dealership.
#13
Hey I got a chance to check your mechanic. I took it to him on Friday, dropped it off and was ready by Saturday morning. So he was very insightful, and broke it done to all the major factors that can cause this issue. Ultimately, the valve adjustment fixed my car. It's been a couple days, and so far no issue. Very happy with his work.
On another note, I didn't realize my car was over due for the Timing Belt. The same mechanic offered me to replace it for $700. I told him it had to be OEM parts, and he said absolutely. So I killed 2 issue at the same time. All Honda parts and having a certified Acura technician fixing the problem, it's a no brainer. So thanks again Cuurent Draw for his number.
On another note, I didn't realize my car was over due for the Timing Belt. The same mechanic offered me to replace it for $700. I told him it had to be OEM parts, and he said absolutely. So I killed 2 issue at the same time. All Honda parts and having a certified Acura technician fixing the problem, it's a no brainer. So thanks again Cuurent Draw for his number.
#14
Hey I got a chance to check your mechanic. I took it to him on Friday, dropped it off and was ready by Saturday morning. So he was very insightful, and broke it done to all the major factors that can cause this issue. Ultimately, the valve adjustment fixed my car. It's been a couple days, and so far no issue. Very happy with his work.
On another note, I didn't realize my car was over due for the Timing Belt. The same mechanic offered me to replace it for $700. I told him it had to be OEM parts, and he said absolutely. So I killed 2 issue at the same time. All Honda parts and having a certified Acura technician fixing the problem, it's a no brainer. So thanks again Cuurent Draw for his number.
On another note, I didn't realize my car was over due for the Timing Belt. The same mechanic offered me to replace it for $700. I told him it had to be OEM parts, and he said absolutely. So I killed 2 issue at the same time. All Honda parts and having a certified Acura technician fixing the problem, it's a no brainer. So thanks again Cuurent Draw for his number.
I went to Honda dealer had work done with all that included for $536 including coolant.
#15
He changed the water pump, timing belt tensioner, timing belt, drive belt , coolant, both can seals. He even replaced my o rings on my power steering pump.
Hey what dealership did you go to? That's an amazing deal. I may take my wife's Pilot there.
By the way, what kind of car do you drive?
Hey what dealership did you go to? That's an amazing deal. I may take my wife's Pilot there.
By the way, what kind of car do you drive?
#16
He changed the water pump, timing belt tensioner, timing belt, drive belt , coolant, both can seals. He even replaced my o rings on my power steering pump.
Hey what dealership did you go to? That's an amazing deal. I may take my wife's Pilot there.
By the way, what kind of car do you drive?
Hey what dealership did you go to? That's an amazing deal. I may take my wife's Pilot there.
By the way, what kind of car do you drive?
I have 3 Acuras; an RL, and 03 and 08 Type S. Had all timing belts done and then some at Anderson Honda near Baltimore Md. Not only was price awesome but facility is top notch and techs are awesome. Guy was so happy to work on an Acura he even wiped down the front end with speed shine of my RL after he finished working on it.
I also bought extra parts for RL and TL's like a bunch of the pulleys and side motor mount and thermostat and underdrive pulley (RL) and they didnt charge me but $30 only to do thermostat on RL cuz of where it was located. So much better than quotes I got at local dealer. I did all 3 cars for less than what they were quoting me for 1.
#18
I saw on Slickdeals.net that Honda of Freehold in New Jersey is having a special on the timing belt change for only $299.95. It's only for the timing belt though, everything else would cost extra.
https://www.hondaoffreehold.com/serv...vice-specials/
https://www.hondaoffreehold.com/serv...vice-specials/
#19
#21
Hey I drive a 2004 MDX, I just recently took my car to the dealer for a check engine light concern. It was diagnosed with multiple misfires. So the dealer had told me that the car needs 6 coils and spark plugs. I was hesitant at first, parts and labor was gonna cost me an arm and a leg, but I had no choice and pulled the trigger.
After I picked up the car, within 1 day the light came back on. I took it back to them, and are now telling me I may have injector problems. So in other words, they can't give me a definitive answer. I'm tired of throwing money to the dealerships . So I went to a small independent shop, and they told me the dealer has to diagnose it. Ok no problem, went to a merchants tire, and they think it may be the injectors or internal problems in the heads. I scratched my head thinking hey, my car only has 87k on it. And has been well maintained, how could the heads be bad?
So in other words, can anybody help steer me in the right direction with this issue, or recommend me to a shop that can help me? I would greatly appreciate it.
After I picked up the car, within 1 day the light came back on. I took it back to them, and are now telling me I may have injector problems. So in other words, they can't give me a definitive answer. I'm tired of throwing money to the dealerships . So I went to a small independent shop, and they told me the dealer has to diagnose it. Ok no problem, went to a merchants tire, and they think it may be the injectors or internal problems in the heads. I scratched my head thinking hey, my car only has 87k on it. And has been well maintained, how could the heads be bad?
So in other words, can anybody help steer me in the right direction with this issue, or recommend me to a shop that can help me? I would greatly appreciate it.
#23
Warren is awesome, I like the attn to details, nice guy and more than fair rates. He has a 2nd car of mine to work on a Mazda and will take on my Subaru also. Cannot say enough good things about Warren and his work.
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CurrentDraw (02-22-2017)
#24
http://candcgarage.com
They have a retired Acura tech who is great. He did timing belt on our MDX and a valve adjustment on my TL.
They have a retired Acura tech who is great. He did timing belt on our MDX and a valve adjustment on my TL.
#25
#27
CurrentDraw - can you or anyone else that took their car to the master mechanic CurrentDraw introduced....PM me the contact information?
Thanks!
V
Thanks!
V
#34
Vienna, VA
Been in Vienna for quite awhile and fortunate that we have so many mom-pop repair shops doing very good work: All of these are all within a mile of one another:
C&C Garage - had our 2009 MDX timing and valve adjustment here; great job
County Transmission - had all our cars done here for fluid and filter maintenance
BWT - principally a tire store but great on general repairs
Frames Automotive - smaller operation but the guy is a quality fanatic
C&C Garage - had our 2009 MDX timing and valve adjustment here; great job
County Transmission - had all our cars done here for fluid and filter maintenance
BWT - principally a tire store but great on general repairs
Frames Automotive - smaller operation but the guy is a quality fanatic
#35
Been in Vienna for quite awhile and fortunate that we have so many mom-pop repair shops doing very good work: All of these are all within a mile of one another:
C&C Garage - had our 2009 MDX timing and valve adjustment here; great job
County Transmission - had all our cars done here for fluid and filter maintenance
BWT - principally a tire store but great on general repairs
Frames Automotive - smaller operation but the guy is a quality fanatic
C&C Garage - had our 2009 MDX timing and valve adjustment here; great job
County Transmission - had all our cars done here for fluid and filter maintenance
BWT - principally a tire store but great on general repairs
Frames Automotive - smaller operation but the guy is a quality fanatic
#36
Stay Out Of the Left Lane
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 9,017
Likes: 1,246
From: SE Mass --- > Central VA --- > SE Mass
Any Master Mechanics in Central VA? Family moved to outside Charlottesville mid last year and have two Acuras and one Honda. Plus my daughter has another Honda. We had the benefit of the services of a Honda/Acura Master Mechanic in SE Mass. We used him for everything and he saved me a ton of $$$. Would like to find someone similar - ideally along 64 and even up 81 to Harrisonburg.
NSXavier - I will keep you in mind but looking for someone closer as you look to be roughly 130 miles away. Maybe for major services..........
NSXavier - I will keep you in mind but looking for someone closer as you look to be roughly 130 miles away. Maybe for major services..........
Last edited by NBP04TL4ME; 04-13-2020 at 08:22 PM.
#37
Thank you. I have some specials going on right now for major services (30/60/90k’s / AB123456) Factory trained and Master Certified dealership quality work for a fraction of the price and the car will also be prioritized, as I have only been doing about 1 car a day as of late. Depending on the work needed- I can also have the car in and out it a very timely manner; so waiting in / around the area of my shop will be no problem. Thread to my latest review:
https://rennlist.com/forums/east-us-...-dc-md-va.html
I would also like to note, that if any members are owners of any other Makes/Models, I am able to work on PORSCHE and BMW as well. Experienced in the 997/E36/E46/E39/E9x platforms.
Hope to hear from some of you.
https://rennlist.com/forums/east-us-...-dc-md-va.html
I would also like to note, that if any members are owners of any other Makes/Models, I am able to work on PORSCHE and BMW as well. Experienced in the 997/E36/E46/E39/E9x platforms.
Hope to hear from some of you.
He responded within hours and gave me a breakdown of all three services for labor costs and parts prices from online vendors and those from his parts desk. All together it ended up being a fraction of the cost from what I was quoted at my local Acura dealer so I pulled the trigger and took my car to him over this past weekend.
Communication was prompt and concise. Pictures were provided throughout the work and explanations were given to any of my questions without hesitation.
At one point, my apparent diagnosis of one of the services I thought I needed was wrong and didn't require replacing of parts. He was honest enough to text me with pictures of the intact part and asked if I wanted to proceed with replacement or to cancel and save on labor cost. I decided to go through with the service since he had already taken all the surrounding parts apart and it wouldn't be fair to cancel. Another point for integrity was when I decided to pay him rounding up to the nearest hundred just to make it simple. He texted me on my way home and asked if he should PayPal me remainder.
I'll definitely be contacting him for any future services on either of my vehicles and would definitely recommend him to any of my friends.
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NBP04TL4ME (05-11-2020)