How do i find out if my timing belt needs to be changed - Honda Accord 1996?

Question

I own a car which has clocked 133,000 miles (I'm the third owner). The previus owner bought it at 103,000 miles. He never changed the timing belt, and doesn't know if the owner before him ever changed it (there's no way of contacting the first owner). I've heard it's not possible to inspect the timing belt to find out it's condition. How do i find out if i need to replace it or not?

Answer 1

Rule of thumb, timing belts have to be replaced every 60,000 miles and if the car sounds rough running then it is obvious you will need to take care if that investment. You want to keep it running, right?

Answer 2

Most people go with 60,000 mile changes.
Since you don't know if the first owner changed it, but the 2nd owner didn't and that was over 30,000 miles ago I would get it changed. At least you would know and wouldn't have to worry about it for another 60,000 miles or so.

Answer 3

i own a repair shop and if you,ll pull the inspection cover from the top part of it,you can look at it for signs of wear,and cracks in it,also look for signs of dry rot ,this will make them break also,if your unsure about the mileage on it,id replace it,its not that big of a job to do.and it will help save a lot of headaches in the near future,that's what i always do,if I'm uncertain about it,i just change it,good luck,i hope this help,s.

Answer 4

just do it unless you plan to sell it next week. Why wait until it breaks? or fix it up for some other owner. Do it now. It is past time. Remember, a cheap skate always ends up paying the most.

Answer 5

remove timing belt cover on top at valve cover, inspect timing belt for cracks on back side. if you are not sure, you need to change it. it saves money in long run.

Answer 6

i think honda has a 100k recommended interval, or 7 years, whichever comes 1st. either way, i doubt that its ever been rplaced. if you are gonna keep the car, repl the belt!!