Hello, I was just wondering if anyone ever had a timing belt blow before 100,000 miles?

The reason I ask is I have a 98 Accord LX that has 88,000 miles. I drive the car a few times a week but they are not all short trips.

The guy at the dealer shop said they really don't go that often but still suggested a replacement @ about $800.00 with tax. Keep in mind this is a pretty high volume dealer shop.

I asked him how many vehicles he has seen that have come in under 100K with blown timing belts.

His response was - "Well we had one come in a couple months back with a broken belt but the person had replaced the belt themselves and did the job wrong".

I have no problem replacing the belt at 100K but wanted to get your thoughts and collective wisdom.

Thanks!

 

Pretty sure it's supposed to be 100k miles or 7 years.
Just asking about the mileage is kinda misleading when you're that far over the 7 years.

Where are you located? That $800 sounds mighty high. Shop around - there's plenty of independant shops that know Hondas.

 

The Cleveland area. I know its 7 years and 100K but just wondering do they really (in the real world) go before 100K regardless of age (within reason)

 

Honda Oem timing belts are made very well but yes it is possible for any rubber part to deteriorate before its determined mileage. I mean stop and go traffic will put a beating on the belt. you cant also forget that car mileage doesnt completely tell you true mileage. the belt is being used when idling at a traffic light, stop, warm up, etc. the belt probably has more than 88000 on it due to that. plus being in cleveland cold weather can do its damage. Id say with its age, the climate, and miles its worth it. 800 is rediculous imo though. i payed 560 for my stuff plus a few other jobs on the car.

 

i have seen them go before 100k.......I live in a very hot summer climate which is really bad for rubber components,, makes them crack ..
your car being almost 12 years old i would not think twice about it,, do it asap..

as for the cost it would be different if it is a 4 cyl or a v6 ........the water pump for the v6 is a lot more expensive, + the hydraulic tensioner

i am assuming it is a 4 cyl.. using Honda parts price could range 600-700 depending on the shop

 

It is a 4Cyl. Thanks for the input. I'll shop around.

 

You have to figure in oil leaks from the seals that take their toll on the belt. After what happened with my 2003 at about 500 miles over a hundred thousand I am very conservative. It went through a ton of oil with no symptoms in a couple hundred miles since being topped off and the timing chain slack adjuster failed then the valves hit the pistons (punched holes). That day I wished I owned a Honda with a timing belt.

 

hmmm...i thought reccommended about 60k....least thats what i do. Actually a belt will last indefinitely....wanna watch something wild...pour some oil on it...and watch it fall apart in front of your face