🔧 Timing Belt - Replacement

This job replaces the timing belt and related wear parts on your Accord’s 3.5L V6. The engine is interference-type, so correct cam timing is critical to prevent serious engine damage.

Difficulty Level: Advanced | Estimated Time: 6-8 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Assumes your Accord has the 3.5L V6 and interference engine.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable before starting.
• Support the engine from below before removing the right engine mount.
• Keep hands clear of the belt path and rotating components.
• Do not rotate the crankshaft or camshafts independently once the belt is off.
• Replace the water pump, tensioner, and idlers at the same time.
• Use a jack stand; never rely on a floor jack alone.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Metric socket set
• 3/8-inch drive ratchet
• 1/2-inch drive breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• 10mm socket
• 12mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 19mm socket
• 22mm socket
• Extension bars
• Serpentine belt tool (specialty)
• Crank pulley holder tool (specialty)
• Harmonic balancer puller (specialty)
• Pick tool
• Trim clip removal tool
• Drain pan
• Funnel
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Timing belt kit - Qty: 1
• Water pump - Qty: 1
• Water pump gasket - Qty: 1
• Timing belt tensioner - Qty: 1
• Timing belt idler pulley - Qty: 1
• Timing belt guide plate - Qty: 1
• Serpentine belt - Qty: 1
• Coolant - Qty: 1 full fill
• Accessory drive belt tensioner bolt - Qty: 1 set
• Engine mount hardware - Qty: 1 set

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Let the engine cool fully before draining coolant.
• Raise the front of the car and support it securely on jack stands.
• Remove the right front wheel and splash shield.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable.
• Support the engine with a jack and wood block before removing the side mount.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove access components

• Use a 10mm socket and trim clip tool to remove the engine cover, upper intake ducting, and any splash shields blocking access.
• Use a serpentine belt tool to release tension and remove the accessory belt.
• Remove the passenger-side wheel with a 19mm socket if needed for access.

Step 2: Remove the right engine mount

• Support the engine from below with a floor jack and wood block.
• Use 14mm socket and 17mm socket to remove the engine mount fasteners.
• Lift the engine slightly and remove the mount.
• Keep the jack just snug.

Step 3: Remove crank pulley and covers

• Use a crank pulley holder tool and 19mm socket to loosen the crankshaft pulley bolt.
• Remove the pulley with a harmonic balancer puller if it is stuck.
• Use a 10mm socket to remove the upper and lower timing covers.
• Torque on reassembly: crank pulley bolt to 245 Nm (181 ft-lbs), then an additional 90° if specified by the Honda procedure for your belt service parts.

Step 4: Set engine to top dead center

• Use a 19mm socket on the crankshaft bolt to rotate the engine clockwise only.
• Align the crankshaft timing mark with its reference mark.
• Confirm both camshaft pulley marks line up with the cylinder head references.
• Do not move the crank or cams after this point.

Step 5: Remove the old timing belt components

• Use a 14mm socket to remove the timing belt tensioner and idler pulley.
• Remove the timing belt carefully.
• Inspect the cam and crank seals for leaks.
• If you see oil leakage, replace the seals before installing the new belt.

Step 6: Replace the water pump

• Drain the coolant into a drain pan.
• Use a 10mm socket to remove the water pump bolts.
• Remove the pump, clean the mating surface, and install the new gasket and pump.
• Torque to 12 Nm (9 ft-lbs) for the water pump bolts.
• Clean surfaces matter here.

Step 7: Install the new timing components

• Install the new idler pulley and tensioner using a 14mm socket.
• Torque to 44 Nm (33 ft-lbs) for the idler/tensioner fasteners unless your kit instructions specify otherwise.
• Route the new timing belt around the crankshaft, idler, water pump, and cam pulleys in the correct order.
• Keep the belt tight on the non-tensioner side while installing.

Step 8: Release the tensioner and verify timing

• Use the correct pin or release procedure for the new tensioner.
• Rotate the engine clockwise by hand two full turns with a 19mm socket.
• Recheck that all timing marks line back up exactly.
• If a mark is off, remove the belt and correct it before continuing.

Step 9: Reassemble the front of the engine

• Install the timing covers with a 10mm socket.
• Reinstall the crank pulley and torque the bolt correctly with a torque wrench and crank pulley holder tool.
• Reinstall the engine mount and tighten all hardware to Honda spec.
• Reinstall the serpentine belt with the serpentine belt tool.
• Reinstall the splash shield, wheel, and intake parts.

Step 10: Refill coolant and final check

• Refill the cooling system with the correct Honda coolant.
• Reconnect the battery.
• Start the engine and let it idle while checking for leaks or unusual noise.
• Watch the belt area closely during the first start.

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✅ After Repair

• Check coolant level after the engine cools down.
• Inspect for leaks from the water pump and covers.
• Listen for belt squeal, ticking, or rubbing.
• Recheck engine mount and pulley fasteners after a short test drive.
• If the engine runs rough or a warning light appears, scan for codes right away.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $1,200-$2,000 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $350-$700 (parts only)

You Save: $850-$1,300 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 6-8 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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