I have a 2006 V6 Accord with about 145K so its time to change the timing belt, even though its mostly highway mileage.

I am getting mixed opinions on what needs to be changed so wanted to ask on here. One dealership said change the Tensioner and Water Pump while they're in there. The other says, change the water pump but they will inspect the tensioner.

What should I change? They are both pretty expensive parts so I don't want to drop an extra $400 changing parts that are perfectly fine just because the tech is working in that area.

Is it common for the tensioner to get worn out or the water pump to start leaking on this car?

Should I have them change the tensioner and water pump, either or neither???

 

My $.02
the car has 145K. first thing is to find out if the pump was replaced before and when. The water pump is worth changing at this time if still original. It will save you money in the long run. It's one less thing to worry about (insurance). If the water pump goes out in the future, you'll have to pay the labor for a timing belt again. so it's up to you. As far as tensioner, I would say that it depends on the condition of the bearing. These should last a long time since it is in a "clean" location and not under a lot of stress. You should tell the shop to replace it only if it needs it. If the car had less miles, I'd say skip the pump and tensioner (like at the 80K belt change).

 

If the t-belt has never been changed, and are having it done, have them replace EVERYTHING in there that they can do. T-Belt, Tensioner, Water Pump, and Tensioner Pulley w/bearing.

 

It is always worth it to replace all of the components in the timing area. Particularly the pump and tensioner. The reasons are simple:


1. Do you think either the pump or tensioner will last another 100k+ miles??
2. Isnt it cheaper to replace a tensioner now than an engine later? Because if the tensioner fails you will have cylinder head damage and possibly piston damage and more....

 

at honda on all v6s when we do timing belts we also ALWAYS do the water pump and tensioner as well as all gaskets and belts

 

Mine is an '06 EX-L with just over 95K I've barely had for a week, almost two now. The OP is at 145K but when is it recommended? My bf and I know that it's coming up soon and we have no issues with the car whatsoever. We've asked the dealer for service reciepts and now see it's never been replaced, it was inspected and said everything was good and not to worry about it until it fails...... (whaaat???) Anyway.. just wondering if we should go ahead do it now or give it a couple more miles. Better safe then sorry, we're not sweating the high labor/parts costs. It's cheaper then buying a new car or engine as stated before lol

 

If you have a 4 cylinder, it doesn't have a belt, but a chain that doesn't require changing. For the V6 models, the timing belt change interval is 105k miles, or 7 years. When I changed my timing belt, I changed everything, because you never know what you will find when you get the timing covers off. At a dealership, or some place where they have all these parts in stock, they can replace only the parts that are needed. I guess I could have bought the parts, then returned the parts that weren't needed, but I just changed them all (belt, tensioner, pump, idler, adjuster, and coolant). I should be good for another 7 years or 105k miles. Most places will replace the belt and water pump, and maybe the tensioner, and take a chance with the rest. I didn't change the oil seals, so I guess I did take a chance on that. In the end, it's your choice, do you feel lucky?

 

Changing the timing belt along with everything else is a great idea considering you have everything apart, why not change it if it's within reach? It sounds like cost is an issue for you. Take a look at this

http://store.propartsusa.com/propart.../i-544014.aspx

$261.86 gets you basically everything you need. If it were me, I would go the extra mile and change the thermostat and seal since the coolant needs to be drained anyways.

 

Here is a detailed video with step-by-step instruction on the replacement of the timing belt on the Honda Acura V6 J Series engine, including the replacement of the pulleys, tensioner, as well as the water pump and special tools needed to complete the job.