Certain Honda models have timing belts that have a limited life span. Your owner’s manual will recommend at what mileage the timing belt must be replaced. These intervals range from every 60,000 miles to every 105,000 miles. This depends on the year and model of your Honda. Check the maintenance section of your owner’s manual to see what is recommended.
Timing belts turn the camshaft(s) at exactly 1/2 the speed of the crankshaft while maintaining a precise alignment. This means that the crankshaft will make two revolutions for every revolution of the camshaft. Engines will have one to four camshaft(s). The camshaft causes the intake and exhaust valves to open and close in time with the pistons moving up and down in the cylinders. The valves must open and close at exactly the right time in relationship to the piston movement. This ensures the engine runs properly.
There are two types of engines that use Honda timing belts. They are “Interference Engines” and “Non-interference Engines.” The difference lies in the proximity between the valves and the pistons. On an interference engine, if the timing belt slips even one notch, the piston can crash into an open valve. This causes serious engine damage by bending valves and breaking pistons. Non-interference engines will not usually self-destruct, but if the belt fails in either case, the engine will immediately shut down leaving you stranded.
Honda timing belts fail without warning. In most cases, your only protection is to change the belt at the recommended intervals. Depending on what service your vehicle is in for, the Technician may be able to inspect the Honda timing belt to determine its condition.
Recommended service with timing belt
We recommend that you replace the water pump during a timing belt job even if there is nothing wrong with it. This is because 90% of the labor to change the water pump has already been done with the timing belt job. It is considered good insurance to replace the pump at this time. Ask your Technician about his experience with the water pump on your model car. Also consider how long you plan to keep the car. This way you will be making an informed decision.
If you would like to schedule an appointment to have your Honda timing belts changed, please visit the Service Appointment page.