At Accurate Automotive, many members of our own technical staff  have been performing timing belt replacement procedures on Honda and Acura automobiles for nearly 20 years.

Most people know that a timing belt is an important part that needs to be periodically replaced on Honda automobiles, but these same folks may not understand how critical this component actually is.

Let’s start by discussing it’s function. The timing belt is a rubber toothed belt that links the crankshaft to the camshaft (or camshafts in DOHC, Dual Overhead Cam engines) . In a 4 stroke Honda automobile engine, the camshaft turns one revolution (360 degrees) to every two revolutions of the crankshaft (720 degrees).

Please note in the left photo below, that the crankshaft toothed  gear at the very bottom of the photo is much smaller than the two camshaft toothed pulleys at the top of the picture. This is a 2 to 1 ratio and is why the crankshaft will make two revolutions to one rotation of the camshaft.

 In the right photo above, as the camshaft rotates, it opens the intake valves, at the appropriate time, to allow fresh air into the combustion chamber, and it opens exhaust valves, at the precise time,  to allow the burnt fuel to exit the combustion chamber (see left photo below).

 If the timing belt breaks, the camshaft becomes out-of-synchronization with the crankshaft. With the crankshaft  turning, faster because of the momentum of the engine and the 2 to 1 ratio of the crankshaft to the camshaft, the pistons can strike the valves, as they are opening out-of-time and this is the internal engine damage that results.

The open valves strike the crown of the pistons and it bends the valves, possibly damaging the valve guides in the cylinder head as well. The right photo above is a picture of the top of a piston. If you look closely, you can see 4 half moon cut-outs that are machined into the top of the piston. These cut-outs are there to allow adequate room for the valves and gives an great indication of how tight the tolerances are.  It also gives you a clear understanding of how important the timing belt is in keeping the camshaft and crankshaft in synchronization.

At Accurate Automotive, our technical staff understands that the timing belt is critical on Honda automobiles. The belt has a recommended replacement of 105,000 miles or seven years (whichever occurs first). At Accurate Automotive, the Service Management and technical staff all agree, that because the timing belt has such a long life, that it is crucial to use quality parts….That is why the Accurate Automotive Service Department only uses the Genuine Honda timing belt on all Honda timing belt replacement procedures.

In addition to the timing belt, Accurate Automotive  also includes the balance belt (where applicable), camshaft seal (s), balance shaft seal and balance shaft seal retainer (where applicable), water pump, a new power steering belt, a new A/C belt, and a new alternator belt, which is standard on all timing belt replacement procedures performed at Accurate Automotive. (see right photo above)

Because our Service Department performs this procedure completely, with replacement of all belts and the water pump, it ensures that our customers will not likely have any maintenance issues associated with the timing belt or related components; and the next time the timing belt area should require any attention will be at the second timing belt replacement interval (at 210,000 miles).

The expense of the timing belt replacement may seem excessive, but it really isn’t.  On Honda cars, trucks and SUVs equipped with a timing belt,  this procedure is only performed every 105,000 miles and the cost at Accurate Automotive, for all the belts, seals, seal retainer and water pump included,  currently ranges from $500 to $700 (depending on model and engine size) plus tax and disposal fees.  Priced thru a local franchised dealer, the seals are extra and the cost of this procedure, using the same parts, can easily be several hundred dollars more simply because a franchised dealer has more overhead (cost of doing business).

To learn more about our Service Department and the many maintenance procedures offered by Our Firm, click here.