Should I Replace the Timing Belt?
Posted by Single_Character1772@reddit | askcarguys | View on Reddit | 56 comments
Hello!
My 2002 Honda accord has 96k miles on it. A few years ago my mechanic told me I’d need a new timing belt around 100k miles. I took it in today to get it looked at before I move across the country (& drive it all the way). They recommended I get it done as there are a few oil leaks at the valve cover gasket, distribution o rings and behind the timing belt cover.
However, they quoted me almost double what my mechanic back home is going to do it for. That seems to be the standard rate here in the Bay Area. My Dad (who has a lot of car knowledge) and the mechanic both think it should be ok to drive across the country but I wanted to get other opinions.
x_ceej@reddit
You need to get the belts replaced, yes. Unless they visually inspected the belt, I wouldn’t trust either of their words.
Single_Character1772@reddit (OP)
See that’s my issue, they haven’t seen it in 4 years since I moved out here
x_ceej@reddit
It’s a must because these are interference engines. You lose the engine if that belt snaps.
Are you afraid to DIY?
xXCodfishXx@reddit
To be clear this is the v6?
Like others have said these belts usually don't snap (unlike say Subaru cough cough) but I still really think you should follow the maintenance schedule having owned and worked on these cars. There supposed to be changed every ten years regardless of mileage, and driving across the country on a twenty year old belt is a gamble I would not be taking, especially if it's being exposed to oil (which can cause belt failure.) If the belt fails, your car is done for. Typically in the bay area this would cost around 1-1.2k, but maybe you could find a guy to do it for 8 if you shop around, and the waterpump and belt tensioner is changed at the same time.
I would definitely get the belt done before dealing with oil leaks, but I will note that "AT 205" (which needs to be ordered either on amazon or from napa counter, but can be got in a day) is the only oil stop leak product that actually works.
Single_Character1772@reddit (OP)
They quoted me at $1850 for the timing belt, water pump, & replacing/sealing everything to do with the leaks. My guy back home said he’d do it for $1050. I’ve asked around in the Bay and they’ve all said around the same price.
It seems like I’ll probably be ok but at this point I’m just wondering if saving the $800 is worth the stress I’ll have the whole time. I’m a very anxious person :)
xXCodfishXx@reddit
It's not just anxiety, there's a very real chance of total engine failure.
I really think you can get it done in the bay for less, I had it done last year in LA for 1150. The cheapest places are gonna be in Oakland or San Leandro. You could also try calling the community colleges, although there often pretty busy.
u700MHz@reddit
Option A - Pay the higher price in your area.
Option B - Don't pay the higher price and take the chance - might be a fun trip you won't forget if it breaks.
Option C - U-haul / Penske (one-way) truck with trailer hitch and enjoy the drive back home and get it done for less once you move.
Single_Character1772@reddit (OP)
Option C isn’t one I’ve thought of, thank you! Although may be just as expensive
u700MHz@reddit
Shop for the price / cost of the rental and let the math make the decision for you.
Blow_Hard_8675309@reddit
Do you mean 2020?
Single_Character1772@reddit (OP)
No
yourloverboy66@reddit
If the belt hasn’t been replaced yet,I’d personally recommend doing it before the trip my guy,timing belts on older Hondas are very critical and if it breaks, the engine could be ruined.That said, if your dad and mechanic are confident it’ll make the drive, it’s likely fine, but peace of mind before a cross-country trip might be worth the extra cost.Think about it.....
ActionJackson75@reddit
Not could be ruined, will be ruined. A single engine revolution without a timing belt will damage the valves and the pistons
1slowlance@reddit
Only on interference motors.
ActionJackson75@reddit
Which to my knowledge all the Honda motors from this era were. Could be wrong of course
1slowlance@reddit
Yeah, I'm not sure if they were or not. But, even an interference motor won't necessarily bend the valves when a timing belt fails. Had an 03 lancer that the timing belt popped at a red light and threw a new belt in, and it ran for another 75k miles until it popped again while on interstate. Tried putting a new one in again and no go lol.
ActionJackson75@reddit
Interesting. I always assumed it was game over when one failed. I suppose it makes sense that if the piston dents it might make a tiny bit of clearance for the valve to fit, or otherwise the valve dents and it just reduces compression but not enough to stop the engine from running.
yourloverboy66@reddit
I didn't want to frighten our boy
AlanofAdelaide@reddit
A minor shock now avoids a massive future shock. Timing belts give no warning
corporaterebel@reddit
Honda guy here: you are probably ok and I would drive it.
AlanofAdelaide@reddit
You sound very confident about what could be a catastrophic ,costly and preventable failure so a couple of questions:
A. What is a 'Honda guy' - a qualification of some sort?
B. What does 'probably' mean?.
corporaterebel@reddit
Well, I've been YouTube certified for over a decade if that helps?
I've also changed timing belts on a lot of highly abused, overdue, and neglected Hondas. Well over the recommend use and time frames. The schedule is extremely conservative IMHO.
Probably means at least 50%.
If I was offering insurance, I would charge $20 (timing belt failure)+$30(policy overhead).
The only timing belt I've had fail was a factory installed one that was well within spec...but before the requirement of 7/70. It slipped a few teeth and died. I reindexed it and it lasted another 80k miles.
OP is probably just fine.
YMMV.
AlanofAdelaide@reddit
The person is looking for an informed opinion about driving a long distance on an ancient belt that's well past its use by date and your recommendation is 'probably OK'?
Hope you don't work in the aero industry
Wne1980@reddit
What answers do you think are available besides “probably OK” and “probably not OK?”
AlanofAdelaide@reddit
Something decisive instead of waffle
Wne1980@reddit
How are you going to give a definite answer from a Reddit post about a car you’ve never seen? Any answer other than “probably” is nonsense
corporaterebel@reddit
Aerospace is a little different: much higher costs, much higher exposure, and a lot of reputational harm.
Stating that: I would rate the odds of a Morton Thiokol failure MUCH HIGHER than OP's Honda, by a factor of about 40x.
Look people buy lottery tickets when the chances of dying in a car crash to go buy the ticket is greater than the odds of winning said lottery. The odds of OP getting to destination is much greater than winning the upcoming PowerBall at $1.6B.
I have a life long friend at RocketDyne, he complained and complained about SpaceX fail to succeed method and they were going to kill somebody. SpaceX has stuff the works well and Boeing does not...I point this out to him and he shrugs.
Cool-Conversation938@reddit
I’m going to start buying My lottery ticks online.
Thanks for the info
AlanofAdelaide@reddit
Mate, we're talking about an old timing belt, Stick to the bloody point
ManyInterests427@reddit
It's all been said by both camps: change it before the trip, or don't. I'm reduced to a vote. I vote change it before the trip and keep driving that low mileage Honda for years to come.
mandatoryclutchpedal@reddit
Your manual says every 7 years or 105,000 miles. Whatever comes first.
You are 16 years overdue for the timing belt service.
Shop around for a cheaper price if you dont like the cost and just get it over with.
Or just run on luck.
A 2002 may be old but as long as rust is minimal should have plenty of years of service with the mileage you have. Does the cost of the timing belt job equal the cost of a replacement car? Do you have money for another car?
Unfortunately Honda likes timing belts and maintenence cost like this is part of the deal.
mar78217@reddit
As everyone else has said, if your mechanic and dad said it will probably be fine, but something you need to consider taking care of, I am not sure why you are asking reddit.
That said, do be aware that if it breaks, it will be too late to fix the timing belt. You won't finish the trip or come home in that car. I had the timing belt snap on a 2002 in 2013. It had 145,000 miles on it. An independent shop said they could replace the engine for $3,000 or I could see if it could be rebuilt. I opted to buy another 2002 for $3,000 that had a new timing belt and water pump.
bigredokie01@reddit
Change it already. Not as worried about the miles as I am with the age of the belt. If it breaks the car isn’t worth the cost to repair the damage done when the pistons and valves start mating at 2500 rpm.
TheCamoTrooper@reddit
I normally do timing belts on my Honda's around 100k KM, if it has never been done before do it, Honda uses what's known as an interference engine which means the timing belts are a very critical component that can lead to catastrophic engine failure if they break
HenryLoggins@reddit
Mileage, you could probably go 110k or slightly higher normally- However your car is 23 years old, I would 100% change it before your trip. It’s also a good idea to put in a new water pump while you’re at it. The old one has to come off anyway, so no sense in re installing the old one.
Gunk_Olgidar@reddit
Bay Area has the highest cost of living in North America, so double labor rate is to be expected.
Timing belt should be changed at 10 years or 105kmi. If it's never been done, you're taking the risk on time (24 years), not miles. But, IMO, it's a relatively low risk. Enjoy your drive back home.
YMBFKM@reddit
The Kelly blue book says your car is worth $2,000-$3,500 depending on condition. Since the timing belt has never been replaced, your's is probably at the low end.
If it's worth it to you to pay roughly half the car's for a new timing belt, go for it. For me, I'd probably cross my fingers, save the money, and take the trip. If and when the timing belt breaks, leave the car wherever it dies, and walk away knowing it lived a good life.
Substantial-Log-2176@reddit
With the Low mileage, it’s worth it to fix it and keep driving it another 200k miles. Op won’t get another car as reliable as that for what it would cost to repair it now
Eziekiel23_20@reddit
Agreed
MarkVII88@reddit
I know this timing belt doesn't have excessive miles on it, but it's original and it's 23 goddamn years old! Do it now.
redd-bluu@reddit
It should be fine. It doesnt matter what type of driving you do either. Timing belts are under no more stress going up and down mountains or pulling a trailer than they are driving on flat level ground. Their only job is to open and close valves. Dont spend any more money in CA than necessary.
NovelLongjumping3965@reddit
On a cross country trip, any oil leaks you have will get worst.. but if you take a few extra breaks then it's no different than driving to work. Just don't drive like you stole it.
traffic626@reddit
I’m amazed it is running on the original belt. If you’re keeping the car, get it done. Bay Area isn’t cheap, but are you at an indy shop or the dealer?
Ok_Act4459@reddit
I’d drive it if I were in your position
ForbesCars@reddit
Honda says 105k OR 7 years. If you're still on the factory belt, you're on borrowed time. Will it make it? Possibly, but I'd never dare risk that. It breaking means a new engine, and that would suck in the middle of no where. I would get it done
Low_Thanks_1540@reddit
Drive it to where the work is done cheaper. It’s very little risk.
Maxxjulie@reddit
If your mechanic and dad think it's fine. Why ask people onlin. Car guys online will always give you the most conservative answer. The sane people think oil changes should be done every 4k miles even with full synthetic
Agharinagh@reddit
Should be replaced 10years aggo no matter the distance. 100k or 10years 👍
Necessary-Cookie-367@reddit
It could break, no guarantees, but if it’s half price after the drive I would do that.
Look, you were told to do it around 100k, that’s still 4K away. Drive home and replace it at half price still before 100k. The miles aren’t the risk right now, it’s the 23 years.
BeauKnows42@reddit
If you don't care about having to put a new engine in your car, chance it. That's the game you're playing. If you don't really care, full send!
Historical_Judge1810@reddit
There’s a whole lot of nothing in the middle of the country. I personally would not roll those dice. I’d get it replaced and fix up the oil leaks while you’re there. I would stress out about it otherwise.
ratmanmedia@reddit
A 23 year old belt vs a cross country drive
Who will win?
Prestigious_Tiger_26@reddit
Timing belts are made of rubber. Rubber deteriorates. Once it deteriorates and snaps (and if it's an interference engine), that could potentially cause alot of damage.
Timing belts have replacement intervals in mileage and time, whichever comes first. Brother, your car is 23 years old. Old enough to drink. Get that timing belt changed for peace of mind. You're only delaying what needs to be done, and you'll probably get rid of the car before the next interval comes.
MaximumDerpification@reddit
You're probably ok but don't push it much beyond your trip, change it ASAP.
Substantial_Team6751@reddit
This is the original 23 year old belt???
The spec on our Pilot is 105k miles or 7 years, whichever comes first.
J-Rag-@reddit
Replace it. I can't say without seeing it and whatnot, but at 23 years old and being at the recommended change interval I personally wouldn't risk it. You're either looking at a timing belt job to last you another 100k or you're looking at leaving your car on the side of the interstate and buying a different one.