My 2005 Honda Civic is due for a timing belt and water pump job. I was planning on doing this myself but cannot because I am busy in college. Do you guys recommend doing this at a Pepboys or Firestone or have a local shop do it? I dont know any decent shops so I would have to take a chance on their work. Also, want to have any leaks fixed because the oil pan seems damp when I change the oil. Let me know what you guys think I should do. I live in Los Angeles so if anyone knows of a good mechanic in the area please let me know.
Timing Belt+ Waterpump Job
- Thread starter mrcoolguy
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I wouldn`t let a Pep Boys go near my car. Something that involved,I`d probably take it to a reputable Honda dealership.
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Find a shop that specializes in Hondas. I found take my car to a local Honda tuning shop that is used to doing this stuff and uses high quality parts. Dealer quoted me $345 labour($115 per hour)/$140 parts for front suspension work. Dealership charges an entire hour to replace sway bar links. Local Honda specialists got the job done for $210 with Sankei parts.
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Originally Posted By: mrcoolguy
...Do you guys recommend doing this at a Pepboys or Firestone or have a local shop do it?
A quality independent shop. You'll very likely save money over a typical stealership and you'll have less chance of a n00b at one of those silly chain stores.
Originally Posted By: mrcoolguy
...I dont know any decent shops so I would have to take a chance on their work.
Use a rating site like Kudzu or Angieslist to compare shop reputations.
...Do you guys recommend doing this at a Pepboys or Firestone or have a local shop do it?
A quality independent shop. You'll very likely save money over a typical stealership and you'll have less chance of a n00b at one of those silly chain stores.
Originally Posted By: mrcoolguy
...I dont know any decent shops so I would have to take a chance on their work.
Use a rating site like Kudzu or Angieslist to compare shop reputations.
I wouldn't let Pepboys or Firestone do any mechanical work of that nature on my car. I don't care how cheap they are. I would have to know, as in really good friends with the mechanic performing the work. Then, I would stay in the shop & watch them do it. By then, I might as well do it.
You could also check on some Honda forums for trusted indy shops in the LA area. There's got to be several.
If competition is good around you, then the Honda stealerships will sometimes offer really good prices on this job.
I would price out the oil pan gasket replacement completely separate, as in after the TB job, from the TB which is a very competitive (price wise) job. BTW, are you sure it's the oil pan gasket?
You could also check on some Honda forums for trusted indy shops in the LA area. There's got to be several.
If competition is good around you, then the Honda stealerships will sometimes offer really good prices on this job.
I would price out the oil pan gasket replacement completely separate, as in after the TB job, from the TB which is a very competitive (price wise) job. BTW, are you sure it's the oil pan gasket?
Originally Posted By: benjamming
I wouldn't let Pepboys or Firestone do any mechanical work of that nature on my car. I don't care how cheap they are. I would have to know, as in really good friends with the mechanic performing the work. Then, I would stay in the shop & watch them do it. By then, I might as well do it.
You could also check on some Honda forums for trusted indy shops in the LA area. There's got to be several.
If competition is good around you, then the Honda stealerships will sometimes offer really good prices on this job.
I would price out the oil pan gasket replacement completely separate, as in after the TB job, from the TB which is a very competitive (price wise) job. BTW, are you sure it's the oil pan gasket?
I think its the oil pan. Its very small and not enough to drip on the floor. I saw a lot around the crank pulley so I hope its oil pan and not the crank seal. I want to have the timing belt and any leaking seals/gaskets replaced.
I wouldn't let Pepboys or Firestone do any mechanical work of that nature on my car. I don't care how cheap they are. I would have to know, as in really good friends with the mechanic performing the work. Then, I would stay in the shop & watch them do it. By then, I might as well do it.
You could also check on some Honda forums for trusted indy shops in the LA area. There's got to be several.
If competition is good around you, then the Honda stealerships will sometimes offer really good prices on this job.
I would price out the oil pan gasket replacement completely separate, as in after the TB job, from the TB which is a very competitive (price wise) job. BTW, are you sure it's the oil pan gasket?
I think its the oil pan. Its very small and not enough to drip on the floor. I saw a lot around the crank pulley so I hope its oil pan and not the crank seal. I want to have the timing belt and any leaking seals/gaskets replaced.
I agree with the others- find a Honda shop. The valve cover gasket is to be replaced with the timing belt job as standard procedure. That fixes one oil leak. When the timing belt is off, the standard procedure is to replace both the crank and cam seal. Usually the crank seal is what leaks oil on these engines and not the oil pan. After a complete timing belt job including at least the crank seal is done, you can see if the oil-pan is leaking by itself. That would be an easy job you could fix yourself later.
I do occasionally skip the cam seal only if it is not really leaking at all. Crank seal should not be skipped. Also these engines are to be turned counter-clockwise to line up timing marks unlike most other cars. In most cases, Pepboys is a no. Do not forget the valve adjustment also which is due after 100,000 miles & won't cost much extra with a timing belt job by a "competent" Honda technician. Do not forget these are interference engines- an extra $100 for a bona-fide Honda shop is cheap insurance.
I do occasionally skip the cam seal only if it is not really leaking at all. Crank seal should not be skipped. Also these engines are to be turned counter-clockwise to line up timing marks unlike most other cars. In most cases, Pepboys is a no. Do not forget the valve adjustment also which is due after 100,000 miles & won't cost much extra with a timing belt job by a "competent" Honda technician. Do not forget these are interference engines- an extra $100 for a bona-fide Honda shop is cheap insurance.
I would avoid the major chains because they often use the cheapest part for the job. They might not even replace the tensioner and idler pulleys. If the part fails just outside the shop's warranty, expect to pay to do everything again, or even expect a snapped timing belt.
definetely stay away from quickie shops that would do a timing belt job for cheap.
I was talking to a shop today about a timing belt change a quickie tune place did. the job was a honda accord, circa 1997.
belt was changed at 104k. at 160k the car died. was towed in the shop, and the shop owner said it was the timing belt. the owner of the car disagreed and showed him the receipt for the timing belt job. well the bill was a complete kit and water pump. they charged $750 for everything.
The car owner made the shop pull the timing cover off to verify the belt. Sure enough, it was. belt had missing rips, was crack on both sides badly.
We believe the quickie shop charged full price and didn't change the belt. it makes sense.. I've seen some timing belts come out at 125k and they look almost new with no cracks or indication of wear.
Buyer beware!
I was talking to a shop today about a timing belt change a quickie tune place did. the job was a honda accord, circa 1997.
belt was changed at 104k. at 160k the car died. was towed in the shop, and the shop owner said it was the timing belt. the owner of the car disagreed and showed him the receipt for the timing belt job. well the bill was a complete kit and water pump. they charged $750 for everything.
The car owner made the shop pull the timing cover off to verify the belt. Sure enough, it was. belt had missing rips, was crack on both sides badly.
We believe the quickie shop charged full price and didn't change the belt. it makes sense.. I've seen some timing belts come out at 125k and they look almost new with no cracks or indication of wear.
Buyer beware!
Well I called my local Honda dealership and they quoted me at $2400 with parts and labor( Timing belt/Waterpump/crank and cam seals). I will look at shops that specialize on Hondas and if it's still too expensive I will just have to do it myself. I've seen a lot of DIY videos and I feel like I can do it just need enough time, maybe during this upcoming Spring break. I would save a lot of money.
Originally Posted By: mrcoolguy
Well I called my local Honda dealership and they quoted me at $2400 with parts and labor( Timing belt/Waterpump/crank and cam seals). I will look at shops that specialize on Hondas and if it's still too expensive I will just have to do it myself. I've seen a lot of DIY videos and I feel like I can do it just need enough time, maybe during this upcoming Spring break. I would save a lot of money.
Wow! I use 2 'friends' in the Minneapolis area that run 1 man operations. That job would probably be in the $600 range. Obviously, rates are probably completely different in LA. I hope you find a better deal.
I'd use ratings sites, as was mentioned before. Perhaps even post on CL, and see what kind of responses you get. I guess it couldn't hurt, even though you're bound to get some flakes responding.
Well I called my local Honda dealership and they quoted me at $2400 with parts and labor( Timing belt/Waterpump/crank and cam seals). I will look at shops that specialize on Hondas and if it's still too expensive I will just have to do it myself. I've seen a lot of DIY videos and I feel like I can do it just need enough time, maybe during this upcoming Spring break. I would save a lot of money.
Wow! I use 2 'friends' in the Minneapolis area that run 1 man operations. That job would probably be in the $600 range. Obviously, rates are probably completely different in LA. I hope you find a better deal.
I'd use ratings sites, as was mentioned before. Perhaps even post on CL, and see what kind of responses you get. I guess it couldn't hurt, even though you're bound to get some flakes responding.
Originally Posted By: mrcoolguy
Well I called my local Honda dealership and they quoted me at $2400 with parts and labor( Timing belt/Waterpump/crank and cam seals). I will look at shops that specialize on Hondas and if it's still too expensive I will just have to do it myself. I've seen a lot of DIY videos and I feel like I can do it just need enough time, maybe during this upcoming Spring break. I would save a lot of money.
Eric the Car Guy has a detailed video on changing the timing belt on the B-series engine. It's fifteen bucks to download. If my wife's old Odyssey had made it to the 315k service, I'd have downloaded his vid for the J-series and done it myself. http://ericthecarguy.com/vmanuals
Well I called my local Honda dealership and they quoted me at $2400 with parts and labor( Timing belt/Waterpump/crank and cam seals). I will look at shops that specialize on Hondas and if it's still too expensive I will just have to do it myself. I've seen a lot of DIY videos and I feel like I can do it just need enough time, maybe during this upcoming Spring break. I would save a lot of money.
Eric the Car Guy has a detailed video on changing the timing belt on the B-series engine. It's fifteen bucks to download. If my wife's old Odyssey had made it to the 315k service, I'd have downloaded his vid for the J-series and done it myself. http://ericthecarguy.com/vmanuals
Originally Posted By: mrcoolguy
Well I called my local Honda dealership and they quoted me at $2400 with parts and labor( Timing belt/Waterpump/crank and cam seals). .....
Holy cow, $2400 gives a whole new meaning to the term "stealership"! I understand that it's Cali but still, that is completely whacked. Do look for an indy that specializes in Hondas. As for diy, out of my league and skill level for the Hondas I maintain, but perhaps you can. Just be fully aware of what you are getting into before attempting. Hokiefyd did his MDX with the help of a fee based video from Eric The Car Guy, might be worth a look if you are serious. *(yesthatsteve beat me to it)
Just for comparison for stealer prices for the job, below is a link to dealer not too far from me. Granted they are the lowest around and not average, but I'd use it for a price match attempt to local closest dealer. And this price is up ~$70 from it's previous price. http://www.metrohondanc.com/metro-s--469-timing-belt-special.htm .
Also, google honda timing belt specials in california . I saw where southbay honda and buenapark honda were advertising tb/wp specials. If not close perhaps local dealer would match an advertised price.
Good luck.
Well I called my local Honda dealership and they quoted me at $2400 with parts and labor( Timing belt/Waterpump/crank and cam seals). .....
Holy cow, $2400 gives a whole new meaning to the term "stealership"! I understand that it's Cali but still, that is completely whacked. Do look for an indy that specializes in Hondas. As for diy, out of my league and skill level for the Hondas I maintain, but perhaps you can. Just be fully aware of what you are getting into before attempting. Hokiefyd did his MDX with the help of a fee based video from Eric The Car Guy, might be worth a look if you are serious. *(yesthatsteve beat me to it)
Just for comparison for stealer prices for the job, below is a link to dealer not too far from me. Granted they are the lowest around and not average, but I'd use it for a price match attempt to local closest dealer. And this price is up ~$70 from it's previous price. http://www.metrohondanc.com/metro-s--469-timing-belt-special.htm .
Also, google honda timing belt specials in california . I saw where southbay honda and buenapark honda were advertising tb/wp specials. If not close perhaps local dealer would match an advertised price.
Good luck.
Just make the time to do it.
Buena Park Honda has an advertised 4 cylinder tb/wp/db service special for ~$500 plus tax. Google says ~20 mi. from your display location. Not too far, or local Honda dealer might price match that.
http://www.buenaparkhonda.net/specials/service.htm
http://www.buenaparkhonda.net/specials/service.htm
Originally Posted By: EricF
...I was talking to a shop today about a timing belt change a quickie tune place did....The car owner made the shop pull the timing cover off to verify the belt. Sure enough, it was. belt had missing rips, was crack on both sides badly.
That's about 55k miles and not sure how many years -- even with the most upstanding shops with top quality labor and top quality parts, warranties are quite often limited to 1 year and 12k miles which that particular owner exceeded. However, based on some quickie tune places I've seen locally, I think that owner's warranty would have been limited to something like 6 months or 6k miles.
I'm no expert, but I think there may be a few other possibilities here:
...I was talking to a shop today about a timing belt change a quickie tune place did....The car owner made the shop pull the timing cover off to verify the belt. Sure enough, it was. belt had missing rips, was crack on both sides badly.
That's about 55k miles and not sure how many years -- even with the most upstanding shops with top quality labor and top quality parts, warranties are quite often limited to 1 year and 12k miles which that particular owner exceeded. However, based on some quickie tune places I've seen locally, I think that owner's warranty would have been limited to something like 6 months or 6k miles.
I'm no expert, but I think there may be a few other possibilities here:
- belt replaced, but not properly tensioned (shop issue)
- belt replaced, but tensioners not replaced (shop issue)
- belt replaced, but with poor quality brand aftermarket part
- belt replaced, but with a "one bad apple" belt (supplier quality control issue)
Originally Posted By: sayjac
Buena Park Honda has an advertised 4 cylinder tb/wp/db service special for ~$500 plus tax. Google says ~20 mi. from your display location. Not too far, or local Honda dealer might price match that.
http://www.buenaparkhonda.net/specials/service.htm
Thanks Sayjac, I will probably have it done at Buena Park Honda or ask my local Honda Dealership to price match. Thanks everyone for your comments and advise!
Buena Park Honda has an advertised 4 cylinder tb/wp/db service special for ~$500 plus tax. Google says ~20 mi. from your display location. Not too far, or local Honda dealer might price match that.
http://www.buenaparkhonda.net/specials/service.htm
Thanks Sayjac, I will probably have it done at Buena Park Honda or ask my local Honda Dealership to price match. Thanks everyone for your comments and advise!
I know this thread is pretty much done, but I'll throw in this suggestion in case anyone else is in this situation. You can also look for independent performace shops that specialize in imports. Most performance shops will still do maintenance type jobs for the quick cash. Also, they're usually used to dealing with engines that have to be fixed with a good attention to detail because of the performance aspects. So that attention to detail is automatic for the tech no matter what the job is. Also, a lot of performance shop don't pay by book time so you have less of a chance of the tech rushing through the job to keep within the time he'll be paid.
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