Is It Time to Replace Your Acura Timing Belt?

Posted on August 11, 2020

Fire up your Acura's engine and it the road. No matter which model you drive, your vehicle is bound to bring a smile to your face. But routine maintenance is a fact of life with car ownership, all with the intention to keep your car running strong and reliably. For some vehicles, that includes timing belt replacement. Does your Acura timing belt need to be changed?

Does My Acura Have a Timing Belt?

Here's something you might not know: not all models have a timing belt. Some vehicles have a timing chain instead. While both serve the same purpose, a chain doesn't need to be replaced unless there's a mechanical issue. It isn't a maintenance item. Here's how you can know if your car or SUV has a timing chain or belt: If your vehicle has a four-cylinder engine like the 206-hp 2.4-liter inline-four in the Acura ILX, it's almost positively built with a chain, not belt. If your Acura has a V6 engine like the Acura MDX or the RLX, it's manufactured with a timing belt that needs to be replaced for maintenance.

What Does It Do?

For your engine to run, the camshaft and crankshaft need to be perfectly in sync. In turn, the cylinder head valves and pistons in the engine block are perfectly timed to keep your engine running efficiently. If the timing is off by even a small amount or the timing chain or belt breaks, there's a good chance that engine components can be badly damaged – that's called an interference engine. The timing belt is a kevlar-reinforced rubber belt. It spins along cogs on the front of the camshafts and crankshaft. Over time, the rubber can wear, break down from contamination, or degrade due to time. That's why Acura recommends replacement in the maintenance schedule found in the owner's manual.

How It's Done

Timing belt replacement is a process that takes a few hours for an experienced, factory-trained technician to perform. The front engine cover is removed, which is a complicated process in itself. The timing belt is taken off and the technician inspects related engine components. If necessary, the technician will recommend to replace the water pump or timing belt tensioner. Then, the new timing belt is installed and the front engine cover is fitted. The tech will run the engine and road test the vehicle to ensure it's working like it's designed.

How Often Is Timing Belt Replacement Required?

For most models, the timing belt should be changed between 60,000 and 90,000 miles. The exact interval for your Acura model and its year can be found in your owner's manual. It's best to follow the recommended maintenance as closely as possible to prevent unnecessary engine damage. Need your Acura timing belt changed? Let us help. At Jay Wolfe Acura in Kansas City, our technicians know exactly how to take care of your vehicle. Schedule an appointment today to keep your car running at its best.