What are the indications, other than mileage, that a timing belt needs replacement? I know that if it goes out on you then you're in big trouble, but I was just curious if there are any tell tale signs.

Thanks guys!
Sean

 

Look at the belt... if it has cracks or chunks missing it's due for a change. Stretching and extra belt flex are other indicators.

Better to be safe than sorry.

 

The best indicators are simply age and mileage. Unfortunately, the belt can look perfectly good a week or 2 before it breaks.

Look for hairline cracks in the rubber at the root of each tooth on the belt.

 

Thanks guys-- just for ease of typing I didn't give the full story in my other post. It's actually my brothers g/f car-- 01 civic with 110,000 miles on it. He says it kinds runs like crap and doesn't think it's ever had a tune up either. I as going to do thatuch for her anyways and I know the timing belt is due too so I was just going to knock both jobs at once. Also my 98 accord has 73,000 on it now. After reading your posts on here I'm thinking I'm good for another 40,000. Still original belts though. Should I just do my car now too?

Thanks again for all the great help. The projects start this weekend so I'll keep the updates coming!

Sean

 

The 2 timing belt jobs are sorta similar. Your Accord has a balance belt in addition to the Civic's timing belt. I think the 98 Accord calls for a timing belt every 105k miles or ?? years. Yours may be due simply by age.

The difficult part of the timing belt (both cars) will be removing the crankshaft pulley.

 

Yeah someone else said that I'll need about 450 million ft-Lbs of torque to get that off. Looks like I'm going to have to work out a little bit before I start this job.

Sean

 

I've taken the car to a shop where they use a better impact wrench than what I own. Then put it on tight enough for me to drive 2 miles home.

Any extension on the impact wrench will reduce the torque. Better to use a short socket with no extension, as opposed to a deep socket.

 

Your supposed to do the t-belt every 105k or 7 years in a 98 Accord.
Might as well go ahead and do yours too.

 

Well, just an update.... This Crankshaft nut is a B!#%*H ! I just bought an air compressor and a 55ft-lb 1/2 in Impact wrench and my car is just laughing at me! Im going to have to go to the shop tomorrow and see if I can borrow a 3/4 impact. Oh well. I cant compalin too much, I havent broken anything..... yet.

Sean