Question: Time Belt Change

It really depends on the knowledge & skill of the individual doing the job. Many things can go wrong. Don't assume paying more $$ is going to get a better job.

-Jeff Deeney-

I would suggest you check prices at an "independant" Honda mechanic. They are going to be more familiar with any "quirks" etc. peculiar to Honda. I think you also stand a better chance of getting "quality" parts.

Both of those estimates are a little high. If you are resigned to paying that much, you should get a price from the local Honda dealer. If they are in the same ballpark price wise (they should be), I would trust them to do it right before I would Firestone.

If you haven't changed the accessory belts for a long time, this would be a good time. How old is the anti-freeze? Radiator hoses? All that rubber stuff will be getting pretty crunchy by now on a 90 if it hasn't been routinely changed.

I paid $540 in Concord CA at a delership and that included new camshaft, crankshaft and balancer shaft oil seals, new timing, balancer shaft and external (alternator) belts, and a new water pump. I suggest you get all these done too because the cost shouldn be much more and it wouldn't be too good to have an oil leak the week after you have the belt done, for instance, and have to pay for it all over again. If the oil seals leak, the oil will ruin the belt.

Yes! Call some local Honda dealers and independent Honda specialist shops. It doesn't cost anything but your time to get multiple quotes. If you have a Honda club near you, call them and ask for recommendations.

See above. Get it done right the first time.

As long as the fluid is the proper type (check your owner's manual) it should be OK. I've never seen any tests done to evaluate trans fluid for performance, but since they all must meet the same minimum standards, I wouldn't worry about it. Next time you have it done, buy Honda brand fluid at the dealer. It costs more but you only need like three quarts, so the peace of mind is worth it. Also, do not assume if you have work done at the dealer that they use Honda products! Specify that you want them to, or you may get the same stuff your friend's mechanic uses.

Spudston

"Spudston" wrote

Unlikely! Your list of parts alone - even with a substantial discount- cost more then the $ 540.- A fair price for the job you describe is around $ 1400 - 1500 .

He didn't get a new camshaft and crankshaft. He got new camshaft seals crankshaft seal(s)

Get it?

Yes, I just got the seals. Ditto for the belts. I could have worded my post better. You just want to replace all of the seals and belts at that end of the engine along with the water pump.

Spudston

To cut cost get the balancer seal retainer free at most CA dealers. The seals are known to fail because it slips out. To really cut cost I'd installed both belts (93 Accord) myself for $65 oem. With care, the water pump is estimated to last a well over 160k (IMO). My 89 Accord lasted 250K. Yes, I'm a mechanic that listens to my pump everday and watch it leak before changing em. I'm not cheap, just love the risk. (Tip: Type of radiator fluid and type of pump plays a part in pump longevity.)

Thankyou for all the feedback! I did contact 2 Honda dealers around here... Roebuck charges around $600 for the time-belt + waterpump change and Tameron Honda charges $385 for the same job. So I have decided to go for Tameron. Any idea why theres such a big difference in the service charge offered by these 2 dealers?? Makes me think if I should really go for the cheaper option :S Both of them are authorized Honda dealers (the only 2) in Birmingham AL. Thanks! QGoogle

Find out exactly what you are getting for your money. It could be that one dealer is doing more work and including that in their price estimate. Get it all in writing and then decide where to go.

------------- Alex