I'm considering the purchase of a low milieage Honda (Accord or Civic , 2002 to 2006). I'm looking for some general info on the timing belt and water pump replacement. Let me first say, my last Honda was a 1978 Accord. I've been a GM or Ford owner ever since. I try to do most of my auto maintenance and repair possible, as time and ability allow.

So that said, I hear the timing belt and water pump replacement are crucial around 80 to 100k miles. Is this a job that many people perform on their own in the garage/driveway, or is it strictly a repair shop job?

I haven't found or settled of a specific year and model Honda, but was hoping to use this maintenance requirment as a price negociating tool to lower the purchase price a little if the work had not already been done.

Also, any tips on which year model has benefits over others in this area (belt & water pump) would be greatly appreciated.

thanks,
Stan

 

Hi seen you post I did mine a few months ago for the 1st time I was hesitent but I just did a search on you tube and found a number of vids on how to do it and it was exactly as they showed it no problem at all no special tools. The only thing was have a air gun handy to remove the main drive pulley nut and spray it a couple of times with PB blaster a few days before you take it off it can be hard to remove that was the worse part of the job everything else is down hill

It the nut wont come off heat with a torch and lots of PB blaster

if you need any more help just email me

Hope this helped

 

Thanks, that's the type of info I was looking for. I do have a number of shop (garage) tools,w/air impact wrenches. I've replaced timing chains and gears on Buick V-6 and Chevy V-8s, so I figured I had a good chance at doing the belt and w/p replacement myself.

Any tips on model years to keep away from while I look for a good buy?

 

2001-2003 civics have major automatic transmission problems the clutch packs chew themselves to pieces the 2004-2005 aren't as bad but they still have bugs
this should give you an idea about the timing belt DIY.
http://www.7thgenhonda.com/forum/showthread.php?t=22923