I'm sure your sick of these by now but I searched and really didn't find the answer I was looking for.

Anyways I have a 97 lx coupe with only 55k on it. From what I have read the belt are rated for something like 90k but I have a friend who keeps telling me that a timing belt is only good for like 5 or 6 years. Seeing as my car is about nine years old and I usually trust this friends advice I am a little worried.

So my question is should I go ahead and get the work done or should I wait until around 90k.

 

Honda recommends 108,000 miles and 84 (7 years) months under normal (and severe)conditions for the 1997 Accord (straight from the owners' manual).
City driving = more frequently
Highway driving = less frequently

You're now at 55,000 and 9 years (96 months)
It's a good question, and in your case an inspection of the timing belt's condition could better direct your dicision.

If the 55k milage is all yours, (indicates city type driving) sinse new, I'd start putting some money aside. You don't want this thing breaking on you.

P

 

i wait, you still have like 30,000 to go.

 

I checked the belt about 5k ago and it did not appear to have any significant wear. The I bought the car with about 20k on it and the majority of my driving has been highway. I'm thinking about doing it at around 75k just to be safe.

Thanks for the advice and if anyone else has an opinion or experince with this I would love to hear it.

 

The problem with looking at the T-belt while on the car is that it's hard to see the little tiny dryrot cracks at the base of the teeth. The only way to see those is to have the belt off and bend it backwards; in that case ya already have the belt off so ya replace it along with all the seals and water pump.

 

This has definately got me asking question about my car.

Just bought a 96' Accord with 42300 miles. From the previous owner, he said he got the car from his grandpa three years back with about 11200 miles done. So, he has basically done 30000 miles in the past three years.

I'm guessing there has been a fair amount of city driving done. Do you guys recommend that check my timing belt now or wait a little longer.

 

Conceivably, you could be crowding the 120th Month (10 year) point in the cars life (if it's got a low sequence number vin). You're looking at a car that has been used only 4230 miles per year since new.
Unless you can scare up proof that the T'Belt's been replaced since new, I'd seriously suggest replacing it soon. You're car is a prime candidate for dry rotted rubber belt's, hoses etc.

P

edited for accuracy


Modified by P_Adams at 2:39 PM 9/20/2005

 

Age is as if not more severe on belts than mileage. If it breaks you're really screwed.

I'm picking up a 2K Accord 5 speed from an 80 year old man and have the same questions going through my mine, although it will be a couple of years before I worry about it.