Hi all. We just hit 100,000 miles on our 2012 Honda Pilot. Today I called the Honda dealer and asked about getting the timing belt, drive belt and water pump replaced. They said they wouldn't worry about changing the water pump unless it's leaking but I've heard others recommend to change the water pump when you change the timing belt. What do you suggest? Timing belt kit installed would be close to $875 but with the water pump, it would run $1,200. They also recommended a coolant flush and replacing the spark plugs.. all in $1,800. I'm thinking I can save $500 replacing the spark plugs and flushing the coolant myself.
Whatever you can do on your own do it. Coolant flushes and spark plugs are cheap and easy. Timing belts aren't so easy on the other hand and can be a pain to get off depending on what tools you've got. You're only at 100k miles so I wouldn't replace the water pump unless you just hate money or yours is starting to seriously leak but you gotta realize they all weep a little bit to stay lubricated thats why they said only if leaking but I just did plugs filters and the timing belt for my honda @ 100k miles. And don't have the dealer do it find a good local shop and have them replace the belt if you can't and it'll save you some time messing it and its good to know those are on right because if some jobber at the dealer does it and its crooked they can wear and snap. They have all the tools and replace them all the time so it should be no prob for someone like that and save yourself a buck by doing the rest yourself.
Of course the Honda dealer would want you to sink that much money in. Most of their profits come from the service center. Find yourself a mechanic and have them check it. Don't suprised to find half of those things be a waste of money. Also, your owners manual should have maintenance intervals in the maintenance section. But yeah you don't need to change your water pump now and I wouldn't trust the dealer to do a timing belt replacement. Whatever you can DIY, do it! Spark plugs, coolant...
Reviving this to ask in a slightly different way. Our 2011 Pilot is at a little under 80K miles, so obviously we have not hit the 100K for the recommended timing belt change. However is there also a time factor that should be considered?
I generally see 7 years associated with 100K miles when it comes to age/wear. Given that we are well past 7 years should I be seriously looking at getting this done?
Take a look see at the video on what's involved with the timing belt, water pump, tensioner, etc....and determine if it's something you want or can do yourself.
I've seen the Aisin complete kits go anywhere between $200 & $400 depending on the on-line seller.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ou-u5mNnTiY
is there also a time factor that should be considered?
What does your owner’s manual recommend?
