Every now and then we get a notice from our dealer saying a service is required. Usually I ignore them as we get servicing done in the town where we live - about an hour away and all has been good for over 100,000 kms.

We are now being advised by the dealer service department that we should get our timing belt replaced for a cost of some $700.00. The dealer also says that our guy out here would probably not want to do it as it is too difficult. Maybe there are special tools required but my guys are pretty good.

Can anyone tell me if these timing belts are that problematic and/or difficult to change. Can anyone tell me if I should be following the stealerships - oops did I say that - advice.

I have owned lots of different kinds of vehicles over the last 35 years of driving and have never changed a timing belt or chain in advance of it causing any trouble - timing issues usually from stretching out too much or catastrophic failure.

Should i be worried about the timing belt?

Thanks in advance for any assistance.

akamina 2005

welcome to the forum, Odyssey timing belts are changed between 90 to 105,000 miles, I beleive you have about 65,000 + miles (100km) it does cost about 800.00 us to get it done, the engine is large in a small compartment, but if you have a local shop, they can do it for less.Just a heads up, you have a 0 clearence engine. belt breaks, piston hits valves/bend etc.

I have a Honda Odyssey with 204K miles, just bought it. How can I tell if the timing belt needs change?

find out who the previous owners were, or whom ever you purchase the vehicle from and ask them when the belt was changed. Need to do some research or it may cost you 500-800 to replace the timing belt, cam and crank seals and water pump. Also you can look at the belt, but it is difficult to tellas to how long the belt has be installed. If you take a chance and the belt goes, I beleive it is a "0" tolerance engine.