Hey guys,
I need your help. I have a '92 hond accord dx. it has about 98,000 miles on it. The timing belt has never been replaced. I know it needs to be replaced at 90,000 miles, right? Am I in a serious risk of it snapping? How much would this cost? I plan on getting this done by the end of this week...

 

it's never good to put that part off for replacement for too long.

Do you plan to do this yourself or have a shop do it?

yourself ~ $250 + any tools you need (ex. Pulley Holder)
shop ~ $550

 

To get it done at a shop, it will probably cost around $550-$700 if you get everything replaced that should be at this time. You may be able to find someone to do it cheaper. It will probaly take 4-6hrs shop time to do it right.

When you replace your timing belt you should include;
Both new timing and balencer belts as well as new tensioners and springs for both. Replace the water pump while there in there and have your valves set before they put the valve cover back on. This would be the rutine maintenance for 90K

 

I have seen your writeup and it is way to involved for myself to do. By the way, an excellent writeup indeed ! Do you think i should not be driving it at all, in fear of it might snap and total my car? Also, what would the cost be to install a new water pump too?

 

"Both new timing and balencer belts as well as new tensioners and springs for both. Replace the water pump while there in there and have your valves set before they put the valve cover back on."

Will a shop do that by default or do I have to tell them I want all that done?

 

Thanks

the price I listed for yourself to do it includes the water pump. The price for the shop should include the water pump but you will want to make sure.

no, not all shops replace the tensioners unless there is some obvious problem with them. You will want a complete break down of the parts being replaced and services being done and if that is all included in the price they are quoting you. Also see if these are OEM parts or some other brand.

Depending on your state laws, you may be able to request all the parts that are being replaced as long as there isn't a core charge that they need to be returned for. This way you know they did in fact replace all the parts they said they did. Make sure you request this before the work is started, otherwise they may just toss the parts. Like I said though, this may depend on your states laws, I know here in Michigan we are allowed to request all the parts being replaced besides those for core.