Anyone done the engine timing belt service

[discovery1]

recomended at 105,000 miles as per the dealer quote is at 1400$
anyone done this service on a 07 mdx tech package.

as per the dealer this service is done at 90,000 miles interval hence (after the 105,000 miles)

i know there are other posts on this but i want to know is there a discrepancy in pricing from dealer to dealer or its pretty much standard across them.

if i get this done outsdie from a certified honda mechanic for less is there a chance of foul play.

[domano]

I had it done for $500+ by an Acura mechanic who does it on the side... Make sure you aren't the first... Takes about 3 1/2 hours for the experienced. Dealers I checked with were from $1400-$1800 based on the add-ons they were doing at the same time. $1400 for just the timing belt/water pumps is pretty typical from what I found at the dealerships.

[cl206]

Originally Posted by discovery1

recomended at 105,000 miles as per the dealer quote is at 1400$
anyone done this service on a 07 mdx tech package.

as per the dealer this service is done at 90,000 miles interval hence (after the 105,000 miles)

i know there are other posts on this but i want to know is there a discrepancy in pricing from dealer to dealer or its pretty much standard across them.

if i get this done outsdie from a certified honda mechanic for less is there a chance of foul play.

My 04 mdx was done at Hamilton Honda in NJ in August. TB, WP, drive belt and tensioner with new coolant came to about just under 500 with tax. Since you're in CA, I would seriously call around especially Honda dealerships and/or indys. 1400 imo is pretty high and yes the prices can vary quite a bit from dealer to dealer (I guess that really depends on your locale). I did call an Acura dealer(NJ) nearest where I live and they wanted around 8XXish.

[kokerj]

Neighbor just did 105k service on an 09 at Acura dealership and it cost $1700. They quote $849.95 for maintenance sub item #5 (TB, check WP, change spark plugs, etc).

[domano]

Goodson Acura in Dallas, TX is advertising $599 on their website. Maybe your local dealer will match? Acura Service & Parts Specials - Dallas Acura dealer in Dallas Texas - New and Used Acura dealership Arlington Fort Worth Plano Texas

[Gertrude13]

To those who have the timing belt job done, what was the condition of the belt if you saw it? Was it really frayed or cracking? I know the dangers and risks of not changing the belt before it's too late, but I just want to know what the condition of the belt was and what mileage please?

[nsxtasy]

Originally Posted by Gertrude13

To those who have the timing belt job done, what was the condition of the belt if you saw it? Was it really frayed or cracking?

If it's frayed or cracking, you waited WAY too long to change it. When changed at the recommended interval, it should look pretty much just like a new one.

Make sure you're comparing apples to apples. I know on a 2001-2006 MDX, a timing belt change generally costs anywhere from $600 to $900. That includes changing the water pump and coolant, but does NOT include other services like spark plugs, valve adjustment, etc. Add in those services and $1400 sounds fair. Note that spark plugs and valve adjustment are both recommended for 105K miles like the timing belt (the spark plugs also for 7 years if you don't hit 105K miles by then, like the TB). And they may or may not be including services for other intervals, like the air filter, VTM service, tranny fluid, and engine oil.

Although they don't specify replacing them, I recommend replacing the cooling system hoses at the same time - at a minimum, the two big ones (upper and lower). They won't add much to the price (figure $100 including labor), you'll save some on labor and coolant, and it's good preventive maintenance, something that could fail unexpectedly if you don't do it.

Any good mechanic can do it, including a Honda dealer or an independent. Just make sure they're competent.

[Teg2Xer]

I have a local shop in town that specializes in Honda and Acura, so I'm sure when time comes, it will be about the usual $450-500 for the belts. Always shop around.

[Gertrude13]

Originally Posted by banokmichaei

I know the dangers and risks of not changing the belt before it's too late

Sorry to hear. How many miles on your car when it broke? Was it passed the recommended service interval?

[r-americagroup]

Agreed. With nsxtasy (why oh why did you sell your NSX? ), if the belt is frayed or cracking, you're already behind in maintenance.

I actually prefer using a qualified indy mechanic than the dealership. If qualified (experience, years in business, etc), indies are usually much more knowledgable, less expensive, and more customer service oriented. My local indy has literally saved me thousands of dollars in repairs over the years vs. the local Acura dealership.

[Dominik-X]

In my area the local Honda dealers charge as much as Acura. When needed I keep an eye for other dealers to post their promotion deals (when the job it's almost due) and then ask the dealer to match it. Last time a family member needed it, I was able to get done at a dealer for $746+tax and before that it cost me $600 at an independent shop. That's TBelt, water pump and accessory belts.