99 accord timing belt replacement

My friend just asked me to replace her timing belt on her 99 accord 4dr LX, 2.3L. I'v done timing belts before, but not one with a balance shaft belt. She has gotten two different quotes for the job, one was $1000 and the other was for $450. I don't know what the difference in the quotes are, but I think one was for the two belts to be changed with the tensioner and idler pulley as well. I would like to help her out, but I don't want to screw up her engine since it is an interferance engine. How long would it take to do this job in my garage? What should I look for that might not be a straightforward as a conventional timing belt? Any insight would be helpful.

I have not done timing belts on Accords but I know that you are going to need a special tool to hold the crankshaft when removing crankshaft pulley.

Sam

Changing timing belts on Hondas is not easy. There is a motor mount issue, getting the balancer nut off and aligning everything. You need a manual and to follow it exactly. The difference in price may be things like water pump, crankshaft seal, camshaft seal and gaskets, other belts and somebody not knowing how to do it. The $1000 price is about what the dealer would charge. About $800 is what a knowledgable shop would charge. $450 is too low.

The most difficult tasks

1. crank shaft pulley bolt
2. if there are oil leaks, fix that too (could make your job much longer)

It can be very challenging to do in your garage. I did it on a lift, with all the tasks performed (timing belt, valve lash, 2 sets of grommet in head and cover, cam shaft seal, etc.), it took me good 10 hours.

Good luck.

For Timing belt I highly recommend have it done at the dealer. It usually take a full day. It may cost a lot more, but I feel more comfortable because the mechanics there always work on the Honda's engines all day long and they have all the factory specs and quality control. I live in San Francisco and my dealer is only charging me $450 to replace timing belt and water pump.

Steathsonic-pls email me with the name of your Honda dealer for changing of the timing belt and waterpump.