Timing belt change?

Question

Anyone know at what mileage I should have my timing belt changed on my 2003 Honda Accord EX sedan?

My car is a V6, is 4 years old and has 70,000 something miles on it. I think I will probably end changing the belt this year since I will probably hit 90,000 by fall.

Does a timing chain have to be changed?

Answer 1

All cars need replacement of timing belts at 80-100k kilometers. I do it before I reach 90k just to be sure. You get more problems if the belt snaps on you.

Answer 2

You're playing roulette if you have a timing belt with an interference engine and you don't change the belt. I owned a first generation Honda Odyssey, (which btw is a 4 cylinder and does have a timing belt), and ran it 240,000 miles without ever changing the belt and got very lucky. But then again, I don't drive my cars hard at all and therefore don't put the kinds of torque loads on engine parts that some people do who only think the gas pedal is an on-off switch with two positions.....Off and to the floor. Seriously though, I would follow your manufacturers instructions if you intend on keeping your car.

Answer 3

I'm not sure if yours is a chain or belt. If it is chain you don't need to worry about it. If it is belt you should think about getting it changed sometime soon. The dealers recommend change at around 60,000 but they just want your money. An experienced mechanic who is also a teacher in auto tech told me that 90,000 is about the max you can go. I know someone who had a Toyota Camry and broke the timing belt at 130,000. So to be safe but also to not do it too early I would say around 80,000 to 90,000. But remember if yours is a timing chain you don't need to worry about it. Good luck!

Answer 4

you don't need to be pounding on anything. If you do not know what the hell you are doing don't do it. Its suggested that you buy a shop repair manual before you do any job you don't know how. Mechanics look up things they are not familiar with all the time. That is what you need to do sometimes. Any time you pull the timing cover off you should replace the timing belt anyway a long with the gears if necessary. It makes no sense to do a half assed job which is what you have now and you may have damaged the timing gear as well. good luck

Answer 5

Traditionally, auto makers recommend to change the timing belt at 70,000 and 80,000 miles. The reason it needs to be changed is that timing belts stretch over time and the material they are made from can deteriorate over time. And no, typically timing chains do not need to be changed for maintenance, only if they show signs of premature wear, noise, or failure.

Answer 6

timing belt and timing chain do the same thing ur car will most likly have a belt and 60 000 is a good time to think about changing it here in sunny australia 100 000ks is the reccommended milage

Answer 7

Now.
Your car has an interference engine in it.
Meaning if the cam belt breaks while you are driving it, the pistons will bend the valves.
That will cost many bucks to repair.
Do yourself a favor and contact your local Honda Dealer.
Ask the same question.
Do not listen to these Yahoo's with an interference engine.

Answer 8

It is a belt not a chain big difference. Belt is rubber chain is metal. this is one of those DO NOT FIX IF NOT BROKEN things. It is expensive to have done on a Honda and if your not certified mechanic don't attempt to change yourself, it is not worth it and can cause more problems if done incorrectly.

Answer 9

NORMALLY your owner's manuel will have a recomended milege on when your timing belt should be replaced. If you have a very good mechanic who you know you can trust; then have him replace it at the recommended milege. I personally wouldn't worry about my timing belt at all unless I was planning to make a out of town trip. Best Wishes

Answer 10

If the car is running fine, don't worry about it. The only time you need to worry about changing your timing belt would be if it broke or your car won't stay "timed," which would mean it stretched out