Do I need a new timing belt?

[ballmode]

Hi all, I drive a 1995 Acura Integra GSR with 100700 miles. The timing belt has not been changed, but my dealer says mine is "original and might need replaced".

I'm cheap, but I would rather pay for a new timing belt than fixing bent valves.

How much should I expect to pay for this fix? Or do I need it right now?

 

[squirrel dog]

I'd do it now.That belt MAY have needed to be changed at 60k some ricers do.

 

[mzkhadir]

mine broke on my toyota corolla, because of no bent valves it still cost around 330 dollars near my house

 

[ballmode]

my car is bone stock and i don't mod, i guess since I drive a honda i'm considered a ricer.

if i drove a corvette i have a small penis and mullet

if i drove a bmw i would be stuck up.

 

[CycloWizard]

My '90 Integra is supposed to have it changed every 90,000 miles. The guy sold it to me with 120,000 on it, then the timing belt broke 5k miles later. It cost me about $1500 to fix the damage, so it's definitely worth it. I can't imagine it costs more than half that to get the belt changed, but I'm not sure since I did it myself last time around.

 

[Mermaidman]

A ten-year old timing belt! I'd say change it. I'm sure the condition of the belt is a function not just of miles, but also of age.

 

[ballmode]

hmm anybody know how much is the mainstream price to replace timing belts?

 

[cHeeZeFacTory]

i changed mine at 90k for my 96 integra

 

[ballmode]

how much did it cost you cheeze?

 

[ValValline]

Price to R&R the belt will depend on where you live. Call around. @$300 is a good rule of thumb. It will cost you a HELL of a lot more if you don't change it and it breaks.

 

[skyking]

300~400, depending on who the shop is and what else they find.
If seals are recommended, replace them also. Idlers too.

It will cost you the same 300~400 to go back in 40,000 to fix a seal or a screaming idler bearing.

I'd do it this week. I was driving home in my '98 camry Monday night, and mine broke! I was pushing the miles on it, and paid the price. Luckily, the camry is not an interference motor, but that acura sure is. Broken belt, bent valves for you!

I tried changing it in the liquor store parking lot, but I couldn't break the bolt loose on the front pulley
I had to tow it home and use the big tools.

 

[alien42]

i would definately have it replaced. when i bought my prelude the dealers mechanic changed it at 85k miles and i believe 90k is pretty standard for a timing belt change. you definately want to change it before it goes out as that will likely cause serious damage that could cost a small fortune.

 

[deadlyapp]

Wish my belt would only cost around 300-400 to get done.

While its in, I recommend getting the water pump replaced, as well as all the belts and idlers.

I'm just diong my 120k on my stealth and have swapped out water pump, oil pump, idler pulley and tensioner pulley, hydraulic tensioner, all belts, cam seals, valve stem seals, and possibly lifters if I can find the money.

So far I've dropped close to 600 on parts alone. I've done all the labor myself. I was quoted close to 1800 to have everything done by a shop.

 

[bctbct]

Originally posted by: deadlyapp
Wish my belt would only cost around 300-400 to get done.

While its in, I recommend getting the water pump replaced, as well as all the belts and idlers.

I'm just diong my 120k on my stealth and have swapped out water pump, oil pump, idler pulley and tensioner pulley, hydraulic tensioner, all belts, cam seals, valve stem seals, and possibly lifters if I can find the money.

So far I've dropped close to 600 on parts alone. I've done all the labor myself. I was quoted close to 1800 to have everything done by a shop.

why do you guys drive these high maint. cars....

 

[jaedaliu]

can you visually inspect it? (i don't know, I don't have a timing belt on my car, but I can visually inspect my belts, and replaced them when they started showing wear)

 

[Eli]

If it has not been changed in 100k miles, you should do it, yes.

Expect to pay 3-400$.

 

[jlee]

Originally posted by: jaedaliu
can you visually inspect it? (i don't know, I don't have a timing belt on my car, but I can visually inspect my belts, and replaced them when they started showing wear)

IMO, it's not really worth the risk of bending valves - he should just get the belt changed.

Originally posted by: bctbct

Originally posted by: deadlyapp
Wish my belt would only cost around 300-400 to get done.

While its in, I recommend getting the water pump replaced, as well as all the belts and idlers.

I'm just diong my 120k on my stealth and have swapped out water pump, oil pump, idler pulley and tensioner pulley, hydraulic tensioner, all belts, cam seals, valve stem seals, and possibly lifters if I can find the money.

So far I've dropped close to 600 on parts alone. I've done all the labor myself. I was quoted close to 1800 to have everything done by a shop.

why do you guys drive these high maint. cars....

Sometimes...cars require parts to keep running.

 

[MercenaryForHire]

Originally posted by: bctbct

Originally posted by: deadlyapp
Wish my belt would only cost around 300-400 to get done.

While its in, I recommend getting the water pump replaced, as well as all the belts and idlers.

I'm just diong my 120k on my stealth and have swapped out water pump, oil pump, idler pulley and tensioner pulley, hydraulic tensioner, all belts, cam seals, valve stem seals, and possibly lifters if I can find the money.

So far I've dropped close to 600 on parts alone. I've done all the labor myself. I was quoted close to 1800 to have everything done by a shop.

why do you guys drive these high maint. cars....

Yeah, those "high maint" cars that need their major overhauls done after 120,000 miles or so ... :roll:

- M4H

 

[Eli]

Originally posted by: jaedaliu
can you visually inspect it? (i don't know, I don't have a timing belt on my car, but I can visually inspect my belts, and replaced them when they started showing wear)

No, you cannot.

What makes you think you don't have a timing belt? Do you mean you have a timing chain?

 

[jaedaliu]

Originally posted by: CadetLee

Originally posted by: jaedaliu
can you visually inspect it? (i don't know, I don't have a timing belt on my car, but I can visually inspect my belts, and replaced them when they started showing wear)

IMO, it's not really worth the risk of bending valves - he should just get the belt changed.

Originally posted by: bctbct

Originally posted by: deadlyapp
Wish my belt would only cost around 300-400 to get done.

While its in, I recommend getting the water pump replaced, as well as all the belts and idlers.

I'm just diong my 120k on my stealth and have swapped out water pump, oil pump, idler pulley and tensioner pulley, hydraulic tensioner, all belts, cam seals, valve stem seals, and possibly lifters if I can find the money.

So far I've dropped close to 600 on parts alone. I've done all the labor myself. I was quoted close to 1800 to have everything done by a shop.

why do you guys drive these high maint. cars....

Sometimes...cars require parts to keep running.

that and the stealth is a sweet-ass car. I like the mitsubishi body better, but the stealth is still nice.

 

[mugs]

How difficult is it to change a timing belt yourself? And more importantly, how easy is it to screw up replacing a timing belt and damage the vehicle?

 

[hemiram]

Originally posted by: deadlyapp
Wish my belt would only cost around 300-400 to get done.

While its in, I recommend getting the water pump replaced, as well as all the belts and idlers.

I'm just diong my 120k on my stealth and have swapped out water pump, oil pump, idler pulley and tensioner pulley, hydraulic tensioner, all belts, cam seals, valve stem seals, and possibly lifters if I can find the money.

So far I've dropped close to 600 on parts alone. I've done all the labor myself. I was quoted close to 1800 to have everything done by a shop.

>>I agree, if the water pump is original, do it and any belts, and all the hoses too. A friend learned the hard way when his car's belt snapped while doing 75 between Columbus and Toledo. A piston was pierced and several valves bent, and it was cheaper to find a low milage junkyard motor.

 

[weirdichi]

Originally posted by: mugs
How difficult is it to change a timing belt yourself? And more importantly, how easy is it to screw up replacing a timing belt and damage the vehicle?

The timing belt is in back of the engine. From what I remember, my mechanic friend said you have to hoist the engine up? (correct me if I'm wrong here). I've heard it's not really hard to change at all, but it's getting back there that's the problem for most people. If you're a mechanic and have the necessary tools and equipment, then it shouldn't be that hard. If you're anything other than that, then go to a mechanic. Expect on average $300-$400 like what's been quoted in here already.

The water pump is back there also, so almost all the time they change that also since they've already undone everything to get back there.

 

[CycloWizard]

Not sure about the newer Integras, but on mine the timing belt isn't so bad as long as you have the tools. You have to take off the power steering pump, water pump, and something else (been a while) to get at it, but it's pretty straightforward. Small hands make it easier. I have huge hands, which is why my next car will not be another Acura (even though I love mine).

 

[j00fek]

most of the time youll pay for 90% labor. i used to work at a mitsubishi dealer and seen this all the time. belt snaped and we got to change all the valves and new belt, shave the head etc. cost around 250 for the parts and 900-1200 for the labor usually a 6-8hr job in the shop.