Timing Belt Cost Estimate

Would like to find out what to expect--cost wise-for a timing belt and water
pump replacement. Got a 2000 EX V6 Accord. Only 60,000 mi but at the 7
year time frame. Which leads to my next question---Are both the mileage and
the 7 year criteria equally as important? Can one cheat a bit on the 7 yr.
limit?
MLD

 

IMO the time limit is more important than the mileage limit. You can cheat
enough to put it off until you can afford it (like tax refund time) without
much risk, but going another year would make me uneasy. I know that is
pretty conservative and the added risk of failure in the 8th year is small
but the cost... ayeayeayeaye.

Call around for the best price; of course, don't call places you wouldn't
trust to do a conscientious job and to back up their work. Prices can vary
widely and depend partly on how much they replace while the belt is off. I
recommend replacement of the water pump and the crank and cam seals while
they are accessible but others say it is a waste of money. With the low
miles your chosen mechanic's recommendation is better than mine. At 60K
miles I wouldn't expect your tensioner to need replacement - that's more of
a high mileage thing.

Mike

 

as usual, i disagree about the need to replace seals. risk of damage
outweighs risk of leakage. it's mostly just a profit increment for the
shop and no good for the car. and it's pretty damned pointless from the
perspective of the biggest leakiest bearing in the whole vehicle - the
main seal which remains untouched because it's too hard to get at! it's
best to use a quality oil with decent seal conditioners and leave alone.

 

Called three Honda Dealers in my local area; all quoted on the same repair
work
Replace timing belt, water pump, all drive belts and coolant. Prices were
$850, $810 (provides a loaner car) and $790. I'm going with the $810 dealer
primarily because he can do it in 6 days from today vs 17 days for the $850
dealer. The $790 guy is abut a 40 min drive with no way for me to get home.
Too bad I didn't think about it sooner as I just had my EGR valve replaced
(under the 80,000 mile/8 yr. extended warranty) and could have had the belt
replacement done at the same time.
Thanks for the comments.
MLD

 

For the sake of statistics, where are you located? In the SF/Bay Area,
a very reputable Honda repair shop charged me about 650 for the timing
belt and water pump replacement.

Serban

 

HOLY CRAP...I live in East-Central Fla, and the local Honda dealer charged
me $495 for timing belt, water pump and drive belt change..

 

I ended up paying $750 (summer deal)--still no where near $495. But you pay
the price by living in the middle of Fla--no spring, no fall, no snow
storms--oh, you do get the hurricanes though <g>
MLD

 

Where in East Central Florida do u live? I( am in Orlando & I called
Coggin Honda & they gave me a higher quote

 

Yes, I often think about the seasons while at the beach.........in January.
I lived up North most of my life, and I can honestly tell you I don't miss
the seasons at all. And if I want Fall colors or snow, I just drive about 8
hours up to North Carolina for a weekend. I couldn't ski when living in
Nebraska, anyway.