I need to learn when i should change my timingbelt/waterpump. I have a 95 civic dx with 75k on it, according to the service manual I am somewhere in the middle of the time i should bring it in. Should I wait? I only drive her about 20 miles a day.
Also, from what I have seen in this forum, it looks like I can't do it myself, so i wonder if I should bring it to a honda dealer mechanic or to a pep boys type joint?
What should I expect to pay?
Sorry for such a newbie question, I really appreciate your feedback!

 

90k mile change. if you are concerned, pop off the valve cover and upper timing cover and look at the belt to see if its cracking. i highly recommend doing it yourself if you can, cause it will cost you at least 300 bucks. oh, dont forget water pump too

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by turbomangomaria &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">... 95 civic dx with 75k on it...</TD></TR></TABLE>Normally I'd say change it now since it's 9 years old. They deteriorate with age & heat too. But NY isn't terribly hot, so maybe it's not as bad as say, TX, NM or someplace like that?

I don't know about a pep-boy type place, maybe you can find an independant mechanic who's done Hondas before...

 

BTW, you can't tell if a timing belt is bad by looking at it. I've taken out 100k mile belts that looked brand new. It can't hurt to replace it. And I'd stay away from pep boys, look for a local mechanic with experience you can get to know and trust, and stick with one person. Then they can follow the car better, and know it's condition.

 

im a diy guy so i would tell you to get a service manual and do it yourself; its not hard.
you'll end up saving a bunch of money + a nice helms

stay away form auto parts store timing belts, they'll stretch in no time

 

The Honda dealership charged about $350 - parts/labor - on my Civic. And, no, I don't take my car there anymore unless it's a weekend emergency. I take mine to a local Honda/Acura shop that is owned by the Acura mechanics from a previous Acura dealership.

 

Being an auto technician myself, my opinion would be to take it to a local shop that you trust. You may pay more, but if they're good, honest businessmen, they'll back up their work and take care of you should any related problems arise.
If you do decide to try it yourself, take your time and follow some sort of manual or instructions. And above all, be sure to get a quality belt such as Gates, even if it costs more. If it snaps on you, the extra $30 won't seem like much compared to a new head.

-Andy

 

I'd say do it yourself or find someone who will help you. You'll be glad you did.
Timing belt changed at shop $300. You'll probably get a autozone belt.
You can get a oem timing belt from honda for about $75. You saved some money, so you can also get a new water pump from honda and still not come close to $300. Whenever i do a timing belt, i do the water pump.

It's really simple if you have two jacks, an impact gun and a deep socket set, and some motivation.

If you decide on a shop best of luck to you

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by pbuguy13 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Being an auto technician myself, my opinion would be to take it to a local shop that you trust. You may pay more, but if they're good, honest businessmen, they'll back up their work and take care of you should any related problems arise.
If you do decide to try it yourself, take your time and follow some sort of manual or instructions. And above all, be sure to get a quality belt such as Gates, even if it costs more. If it snaps on you, the extra $30 won't seem like much compared to a new head.

-Andy</TD></TR></TABLE>

to all that, except for the part about the belt. And that gets a to honda from me.