do I have to change the timing belt on my Accord 03 ? My friends said no need to change it (now 80k miles)?

Answer 1

I'd recommend changing it if it's a belt. If it's a chain, then no worries, as they'll never break.

80k is close to the typical 90k that most foreign models (i.e. toyota, acura, lexus, honda, etc.) recommend a change of belt, but while it's being done, I'd recommend changing out the water pump as well. Most dealers would recommend that not just to boost sales, but because the front cover of the engine is already removed and the water pump is easily accessable. If you choose to replace the water pump later on, it'll cost you roughly 3-5 hours labor more than if you change it with the timing belt.

Answer 2

What engine do you have. I know the V-6 has a timing belt. I own an 03 Accord 2.4l and I can't find anything that says it has a timing belt. I don't think that's required for the 4cl, although I could be wrong. Call a dealer and ask for the service department and see what they say.
I had a timing belt break on me and it can be costly depending on the engine. I got lucky and it didn't damage the engine at all, but it did cost more because I had to tow the vehicle. The service shop said a timing belt should be changed at around 75k miles.

Answer 3

There's an old engineering maxim that goes,
"If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

Most modern cars and belts are fully able to exceed their manufacturer's recommended changes. If you are an average driver, then you could probably go up to 100,000 miles; if you are make frequent stops (i.e., turning the engine on and off and on and off, etc), or drive recklessly, then you may need to change it sooner.

Considering the cost of the timing belt (for V-6 only), around $45 retail (probably double that in a professional garage; buy it and ask them to install it for you!), it is a cheap investment (if you have a V-4, then it has a timing chain, which you probably needn't ever worry about). The total cost may be about $500 at a typical garage; maybe twice that at the mfr's garage (don't ask me why!).

It is also worth doing a complete maintenance overhaul at the same time: change all fluids and filters, spark plugs, battery, etc, etc, etc. Barring any front end damage, transmission problems, tire wear, suspension woes, electrical issues, etc, you'll, essentially, have a brand new car! (it may cost about $2,000 total, though, so think it through!).

BTW, I presume you weren't referring to the "serpentine" belt, which you can see going around the alternator and other devices; you canNOT see the "timing" belt or chain.

Answer 4

All I know of timing belts is that I didn't change the one on my 96 Eclipse when I should have, and it ended up ruining the engine when it gave out. A new timing belt is a lot cheaper than a new car!

Answer 5

SINCE ALL OF THE HONDA MOTORS ARE INTERFERENCE ENGINES EXCEPT FOR THE PASSPORT 3.2, I WOULD CHANGE IT NOW BECAUSE 80,000 MILES IS REALLY A LOT FOR A TIMING BELT.

INTERFERENCE MEANING: WHEN THE TIMING BELT BREAKS YOU MIGHT HAVE TO REPLACE THE COMPLETE ENGINE.

Answer 6

your friends are wrong. consult with your owners manual or the haynes or clymer manual for your vehicle.

the bottom line is that if you DON'T change the timing belt, and it break you are in big trouble and it will cost more to repair the car, than if you had doneit beforehand.

Answer 7

will your friends repair the car when the belt brakes going down the road???...look in owners/shop manual and change it when they say...80,000 would be a safe time to do it...

Answer 8

you shouldn't need to worry about that until you hit at least 100k miles. there's a maintenance schedule at evert dealership. they'll be glad to let you know what needs to be done, and when.