Hi everyone,

I just purchased a used 2002 accord with the 2.3 VTEC engine. The car has 135K miles on it and I going to replace the timing belt to be on the safe side (i no record of its replacement). To my surprise there is another timing system - a balance system which is timing dependent.

Questions:
1) What are the balance shafts and how to they work?
2) Some recommend using only honda OEM parts for the timing belts and tension bearings. Is this really necessary or can I buy the upper end NAPA version or something reasonable off of alloemautoparts.com (where i have purchased Toyota timing belts in the past)?
3) Is it really necessary to replace the water pump at this time to or just a huge preventative maintenance thing.

Thanks for your time!

 

Hi James02,

1) the two balance shafts help with low speed engine vibrations.

2) oem Honda belts are made by Gates Corp. so one would think that any belt manufacturer would be ok. I would pick a well known national brand if not Honda.

3) Do you want to take the timing belt off again in 30k miles when it goes bad? or wait another 105k miles?

good luck, let us know if you need help...

fiveten

 

Hey fiveten, thanks alot for your help! I will let you know if I run into any snags.

 

I'd go geniune; since, they tend to last longer than the non oe parts.

Water pump is a must in my book and who would want to take it back apart after half a year of timing belt replacement. GL man.

 

dont forget oil seals