🔧 Accord - Timing Belt Replacement

Your Accord’s 2.4L engine does not use a timing belt—it uses a timing chain. That means there is no regular “timing belt replacement” service like on many other cars.

Most people asking for a “timing belt” on this engine actually mean the serpentine/drive belt (the belt you can see in the engine bay that runs the alternator). Below is the DIY procedure for replacing that drive belt.

Difficulty Level: Beginner | Estimated Time: 0.5-1.0 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on a cool engine—belts and pulleys can burn you.
• ⚠️ Keep fingers/tools away from pulleys at all times (do not start the engine during the job).
• ⚠️ Support the hood securely and keep loose clothing/hair clear.
• Battery disconnect is not required, but keep the key out of the ignition.

---

🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 14mm box-end wrench
• 14mm socket
• 3/8" ratchet
• Flashlight
• Mechanic gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Serpentine/drive belt (accessory belt) - Qty: 1

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, put the shifter in Neutral, and set the parking brake.
• Open the hood and let the engine cool fully.
• Use a flashlight and find the belt routing diagram (often on a sticker near the radiator support). If it’s missing, sketch the routing before removing the belt.
• Pro tip: Take a clear photo of belt routing.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Locate the belt tensioner

• Use a flashlight to locate the automatic belt tensioner (spring-loaded arm with a pulley).
• The tensioner is what keeps the belt tight automatically.

Step 2: Relieve belt tension

• Place a 14mm box-end wrench (or 14mm socket with 3/8" ratchet) on the tensioner’s hex/bolt head.
• Rotate the tensioner smoothly to release tension (it will feel strong because of the spring).
• While holding the tensioner rotated, slide the belt off the easiest-to-reach pulley (usually the alternator pulley).

Step 3: Remove the old belt

• Slowly let the tensioner return to its resting position (don’t let it snap back).
• Remove the belt from the remaining pulleys by hand.
• Compare the old belt to the new belt for matching length and rib count.

Step 4: Route the new belt

• Route the new belt around the pulleys following the routing diagram (or your photo).
• Make sure the belt ribs sit fully in the grooved pulleys (no ribs “hanging off”).
• Leave one easy pulley for last (again, usually the alternator pulley).

Step 5: Apply tension and finish installation

• Use the 14mm box-end wrench (or 14mm socket with 3/8" ratchet) to rotate the tensioner again.
• Slip the belt onto the last pulley, then slowly release the tensioner.
• Re-check every pulley to confirm the belt is centered and fully seated.

---

✅ After Repair

• Visually inspect the belt one more time with the flashlight for correct routing and seating.
• Start the engine and watch the belt for 10–15 seconds (keep hands/tools away).
• If you hear squealing, shut it off and re-check routing and belt seating.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $120-$220 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $25-$60 (parts only)

You Save: $95-$160 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 0.5-1.0 hours.

---

🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.