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Timing Belt in DFW

2332 Views 10 Replies 9 Participants Last post by  dtexan
I lucked out buying my 2006 Ridgeline RTL, 76,000 miles almost two years ago for 16k. Now it has 95,000 miles and considering getting Timing Belt service and want good options of shops in DFW, do I need the valve adjustment, should I do the spark plugs myself ?


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I would do nothing but the spark plugs until at least 105k. Probably 120k. You can easily do the plugs yourself if you have a torque wrench. I did my belt at 108k and it was tough to tell it and the new one apart. I would do the plugs and radiator, save the belt for later and only do the valves if you hear them.
As to the valves . . . .Many of those who have done the valves have found the exhaust valves to be tighter than spec. You won't hear valves that are too tight. Tight valves can effect performance and potentially result in damage. I personally would do the valves at around 105k.
I drive 500 miles a month but also know that the age of the vehicle is past the manufacturers recommended timing belt change, I might as well do everything at once, and have a honda dealership do it?


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There are a number of threads discussing the experiences and costs of doing the 105k mile service. It might be a good idea to study up so that you will have a good understanding of the parts involved and a idea about what a low, average and high price might be. Search for dealers with timing belt specials in your general area and if you don't want to go to those dealers, see if your favored dealer will match or at least come close to the best price. A trusted independent shop with decent honda V6 experience and using OEM parts would be an option too.
I live in Phoenix, and because of the heat, I changed mine at 60,000 miles. Now at 120,000 the local (non-Honda) shop can do it and suggests the water pump be pro-actively replaced at the same time, because it "might" fail in the future, and it's a lot of work and TB replacement again when that happens.

Have you heard of that? I get the idea of preventive maintenance, but just wondering if there is a water pump failure trend.

TIA,

Charlie
2006 RTL Ridgeline
As far as Hondas, water pumps have generally been recommended (along with the timing belts) for well over 20 years, so yes it is common. I've always followed their recommendations and had it performed with the timing belts. And I have never been left on the side of the road.

But neither before the recommended interval of 105K miles, even here in cool south Alabama.
As far as Hondas, water pumps have generally been recommended (along with the timing belts) for well over 20 years, so yes it is common. I've always followed their recommendations and had it performed with the timing belts. And I have never been left on the side of the road.

But neither before the recommended interval of 105K miles, even here in cool south Alabama.
To follow your mindset of early preventive maintenance (changing the TB @ 60000 miles), you would likewise want to change the WP now @ 120K.... most people do it with the first TB @ 105K miles. That's not to say that I agree with this aggressive approach.
Just as I would not be changing out TB before 105K miles, even in your SW weather, I would not be changing the WP as early as others. SINCE YOU ARE changing TBs @ 60K intervals, I would wait 'til your 180K TB service before switching out the WP. You should have no problem reaching that mileage, presuming you keep your coolant maintained on schedule, with the right Honda coolant. So some would say, you're late at 120K.... I'd say you're in good shape waiting to 180K (210K might be bit of a stretch... so I went ahead & did mine @ 105K). You really don't want to do this as as separate service, so doing it with the TB should be everyone's intention. It's just a matter of which TB change you choose. That's my 2 cents.
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I lucked out buying my 2006 Ridgeline RTL, 76,000 miles almost two years ago for 16k. Now it has 95,000 miles and considering getting Timing Belt service and want good options of shops in DFW, do I need the valve adjustment, should I do the spark plugs myself ?


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I would recommend the timing belt be replaced along with the water pump and plugs. A great place to have this done (At least in my experience is Independent Foreign Auto Repair in Mansfield, TX. They specialize in Honda products and have done a fantastic job of maintaining my Ridgeline (2006 RTL with close to 240,000 miles at this point).
From what I've seen here in the Midwest, you have this price separation for the timing belt change.

Do it yourself $200-$250. + 4-6 hours of your time.

Independent mechanic $500-$700

Honda Dealership $900-$1100, I was actually quoted $980 as recent as last Fall.
I lucked out buying my 2006 Ridgeline RTL, 76,000 miles almost two years ago for 16k. Now it has 95,000 miles and considering getting Timing Belt service and want good options of shops in DFW, do I need the valve adjustment, should I do the spark plugs myself ?


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So did you ever get this done? I'm in the DFW area as well so I was curious.
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