What does a timing belt replacement cost for my Honda?
The cost of replacing your timing belt varies from car to car, even location to location. Smaller Honda cars with smaller engines are generally less expensive than a larger Honda with a bigger engine. Metropolitan areas usually mean higher costs, too.
Belts themselves aren’t that expensive. The real cost is in the labor, because a lot of parts need to be disassembled to get to the belt. Shopping around to get a few quotes is your best bet to get the best deal, but you can expect to pay anywhere from $409 to $919 (including parts and labor).
Have a timing chain instead of a timing belt? Lucky you, because they can actually last the lifetime of your car.
For more information, read our article What is a timing belt?
When do I need to replace/change the timing belt on my Honda?
Although timing belts are critical, there’s no need to replace them regularly –unless explicitly recommended in your Honda owner’s manual. Some automakers recommend changing a timing belt between 60,000 and 100,000, others don’t.
Many of today’s timing belts can go 100,000 miles or more without needing to be replaced. In fact, not all cars use a rubber timing belt. Some use a timing chain that can actually outlast the engine.
If your owner’s manual doesn’t have a recommended schedule, and you suspect something may be wrong, you can have a mechanic do a visual inspection, which includes removing the timing belt cover attached to the engine block. If your mechanic notices that your belt is cracked, frayed or worn down, then it’s time to replace your timing belt.
What happens when the timing belt breaks on my Honda?
You don’t want to know. But if you must, it’s not good. There’s usually a lot of noise, and if you’re driving you won’t be for long. You’ll be stranded, and your engine will probably be damaged (metal components can actually break, hence all the noise). How much damage is anyone’s guess. Bottom line? Don’t let this happen.
Does the timing belt on my Honda make noise?
A timing belt won’t make noise when it’s in good condition — aside from the usual noises that come with the symphony of moving parts of the typical internal combustion engine. However, when your timing belt starts to go, that’s another story.
Usually, but not always, a timing belt will make a high-pitched, squeaking or ticking noise before it fails. If you hear this type of noise coming from your engine, it’s best to have it checked out by a professional. Because if you let the noise go on for too long and your timing belt breaks, the result is an expensive headache you don’t need.
What are the symptoms of a bad timing belt for a Honda?
Depending on the vehicle, you either have a timing belt or a timing chain. Belts usually need to be replaced at some point of ownership whereas chains can last the lifetime of your car. So, for the sake of argument, let’s assume your Honda has a timing belt. Here are a few common symptoms of a timing belt gone bad:
- Rough idling or engine misfiring
- Car won’t start
- A high-pitched squeaking or ticking noise coming from the engine
- Loss of oil pressure
- Oil leak from the front of the engine
- Check engine light comes on
People usually discover a bad timing belt when it’s too late — and it breaks. You want to avoid this nightmare scenario all costs, because if you don’t, it’ll cost you big time. So, if you suspect you have a bad timing belt, the best thing to do is have it inspected by your mechanic as soon as you can.
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I've had an interesting morning. My 2008 Honda Civic has 90,000 miles on it, and I was reading about timing chains and timing belts. Several repair websites stated that all Honda Civics after 2006 have timing chains, that they are self-adjusting and don't need to be replaced. I have zero issues with the engine or car. I called several different Honda dealers to "verify" what I was seeing online.......This is where it gets interesting. BTW, all "service advisors" at dealers are on commission. #1 The first Honda dealer said the timing chains need to be "serviced" regularly and replaced at 100,000 miles, claiming they stretch out. He also wasn't sure if 4 cylinder vs 6 cylinder civics had chains or belts and had to look it up, but he finally agreed that all civics after 2006 have chains. I was given an estimate of $1200 to replace the timing chain at 100,000 miles which he recommended. #2 The second dealer verified that all civics after 2006 have chains, and said no adjustment is needed, they self-adjust as long as the oil is changed regularly, and that timing chains don't normally need to be replaced for the life of the car. #3 So, I called a 3rd Honda dealer, and he said the same thing as #2: All civics after 2006 have chains. Chains self-adjust and don't need to be replaced for the life of the car, unless the driver is stomping on the gas and driving like a 16 year old for many years. Has anyone else had this kind of experience? Getting different answers from the Service Dept at dealers for the same question?
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