The achilles heal of the Pilots timing belt system is the timing belt tensioner, that is usually the first thing to go bad before the water pump or the belt itself.


I have replaced countless tensioners because they leak and lose tension and hardly ever replaced the WP or belt because they failed.


I personally would get the dealership to replace the belt, WP & tensioner because they see these things day in & day out.

There have been several times that i had to replace T belt packages one right after the other back to back .

Its a routine maintenance item IMO

 

I have a 2010 Pilot. I currently have 104000 miles on the car. Maintenance is up to date between my DIY and the dealership. I recently have the A14 code which meant oil change and timing belt/tune up minder. I've always thought that the timing belt is not due until around 110,000 for normal driving conditions but now looking at the Owner's Manual - nothing is really said on the "normal driving condition" timing belt change except if the car is driven under constant extreme condition (>110 degree or <20 degree) which recommends replacing the belt at 60K miles. So, got my head scratching???? Should I wait or just have the dealer do it. We will be traveling (driving) soon and would hate to have a breakdown in the middle of winter. (I live in Illinois) btw. Thanks for any advice - I know I should just do it right?

Before the maintenance minder was implemented, the recommended interval for the timing belt change was 105K-miles or 7-years - whichever came first.

Compare prices at any local Honda and/or Acura dealers. Check the dealers websites for any service specials or discount coupons.
See the one at the bottom of this page just as an example: https://www.herbchambershondaofseekonk.com/specials/service.htm

 

Cost at my dealership in the SF Bay Area was around $1100 for timing belt, accessory belt, water pump, tensioner, and loaner car about two years ago.

 

Thanks for all the reply, I would certainly ask about the tensioner. I called the dealership and they told me it would be about $930+ with their 25% already removed so I am guessing that their actual price is around $1200 ish. I was actually worried because I though that it would cost around $2K, but it was actually cheaper than I anticipated so I will get it done next week.:wink:

 

I would look for a 3rd party Honda specialist mechanic that will allow you to bring your own parts. You can get OEM based kits to help save some money. Since the mechanic is already into the engine that far I would have them also replace the other parts if you intend to keep the vehicle long term.

 

Not quite sure what is meant by OEM-based kits. While I am not adverse to using non-OEM parts in certain places (i.e. brake pads), I would absolutely stick with OEM for anything under the TB covers. There have been several recent threads here about WPs and tensioners that failed shortly after installation.


As far as Dealership vs. 3rd party mechanic, I recently had a reputable dealership give me a lower quote than a reputable 3rd. party mechanic, so shop around and ask for their best price. Please be aware that some dealerships do an awesome job, others not so much. Same can be said for 3rd pty mechanics, so do your homework. At the end of the day, a slightly higher price up front from a mechanic you trust is cheap insurance, and buys peace of mind.

 

There are kits that contain the same manufacturer's parts that provided the part to Honda when they build the vehicle. i.e. aisin water pump or Mitsuboshi belt. Or simply order OEM parts online at a discount and provide to the mechanic.

 

Firestone by me - I don't trust. We have Midas and Bartel's (meh)........I do know a mechanic but he is very busy my car will be in his shop for more than a day maybe even 2. So I'm partial on my local dealership (Valley Honda in Aurora) for those members who live in Illinois. The sales department sucks but the service department is awesome (honest and won't haggle or do scare tactics for repairs). So, I will more than likely bring it to them since they are the ones that gave me the lowest price and I may get a rental car while the Pilot's in the shop.

 

Sounds like you got the best of all worlds. Good luck!

 

You should be due for plugs as well. My original Honda TB tensioner had failed when I did my original TB service a few years back. I went aftermarket and that lasted around 70K and failed as well. Back with a Honda tensioner again to get me to the next TB service which is in 14K. At least this time I will not be doing it in January. On a positive note, you can change the tensioner yourself in under an hour if it does start to leak.

 

I bought the aisin water pump kit off of Amazon and tool mine to my local mechanic/friend. All in all I was around $750 including the parts off Amazon. I was going to do it myself but he's quicker than I am. I spent the morning doing shocks, brakes, tire rotation and tranny drain and fill. After all that I just said screw it and took it to him. Having dinner with the wife was easier than tackling the timing belt and I got bonus points...lol

 

I have a 2003 Pilot with 230k miles. The timing belt was changed at 90k miles in 2007 and I am going to have it changed soon, so I have gone 140k miles and 13 years with no problems yet, fingers crossed.

 

Wow!
What is your plan to get this maintenance done? Are you sure it wasn't done and not logged? Removing the front timing cover could give evidence, if it truly has gone that long, the belt will show its wear and age.

 

Welcome to the forum. You’re more of a gambler than I am. Get that belt changed before you run out of luck.