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How much does it cost to replace a timing belt on a Honda Civic?

How much does it cost to replace a timing belt on a Honda Civic?

The timing belt synchronizes the rotational components of the Honda Civic engine and requires a swap after 61000 to 110000 miles. Due to insufficient sync, the engine produces loud cranking sounds. 

How much does it cost to replace a timing belt on a Honda Civic? The average cost to replace a timing belt on a Honda Civic is around $285 to $790. For 1996 to 1999 variants it costs about $340 to $342, and $520 to $635 on 2004 to 2095 models. For a 2006 Honda Civic, you will need $520 to $635, and it requires replacement due to internal cracks, misalignment, clogged pulleys, worn-out pistons, high pressure, and stretching.

During replacement, change the pistons, camshaft, valve, and pulleys. Manually turn the crankshaft and adjust the position for timing spots.

What is a timing belt on a Honda Civic?

It is rubber equipment that controls the camshaft in the piston engines, regulates the valves, and closes and opens them at an appointment time. In addition, it synchronizes the movement of rotational components.

It has sharp teeth-like structures and turns the crankshaft with the camshaft simultaneously. It regulates the movement of valves with the pistons.

It balances the air intake by opening and closing the valves at a specific time. Due to failed equipment, the camshaft, pistons, and valves cannot work efficiently.

The combustion chambers lose their power, components lack sync, and cause engine failure. In addition, worn-out and damaged straps require instant replacement for their standard performance. 

What is the cost of a timing belt for a Honda Civic?

Its average cost is about $30 to $50, and the price varies according to the rubber quality and surface teeth. However, a few selling portals provide a strap with tensioners, water pumps, nuts, screws, and bolts. 

These kits are expensive and cost you around $72 to $90. However, you can purchase it from auto part stores, service centers, and nearby dealerships.

Before selection, consult with a professional mechanic or an automobile expert. It prevents money loss and prevents time consumption. 

What is the average cost to replace a timing belt on a Honda Civic?

The average replacement cost is about $285 to $790, and the expense changes according to the condition of piston engines.

The procedure costs you around $350 to $790 with complex equipment conditions. However, you can purchase a high-quality, durable timing strap for Honda Civic for about $20 to $110. 

The older variants have a timing belt due to built-in manufacturer specifications. Replace it on the 1996 to 1999 variants for about $340 to $342. For the 2000 to 2003 models, the procedure cost is around $291 to $355.

Change it for about $520 to $635 on the 2004 to 2005 variants. For a 2006 Honda Civic, the replacement cost is about $520 to $635 and varies according to the engine condition.

All the new variants lack this feature due to modifications in design and built-in features. However, from 2013 to 2017, V6 models have a rubber strap to generate the sync.

Across the USA, the procedure cost varies according to the state policies, dealership type, and complexity of the equipment.

What is the labor cost to replace a timing belt?

The labor charges for these complex activities are about $164 to $165. However, the professional mechanic and their team can change the strap in 2 to 4 hours.

They manage the parts and add the price to the total package. After these extra activities, the entire procedure charges you around $340 to $341.

The price can increase according to the workshop location and the labor charges for their transportation. However, with a pick-and-drop service, you can save around $40 to $60. 

What is the DIY method to replace the timing belt on a Honda Civic?

You can change it on all the older variants with the appropriate equipment and professional skills. Then, purchase a timing strap replacement Kit for about $510 to $1005.

I have explained a stepwise guide for swapping the damaged belt with high-quality new equipment. 

Stop the vehicle, put it in parking mode, and stabilize the frame on a flat surface. Next, clean the top surface of the front wheel with a non-fibrous fabric.

Access the wheel on the driver’s side, adjust a wrench over the lug nuts, and loosen and remove them. Next, change the jack stand under the frame, lift the body with a hydraulic jack and stabilize it on plastic blocks. 

Then, remove the bolts with a ratchet, hold the wheel and remove it. Move under the car and access the splash shield of the engine. It is a protective skid plate that hides the lower section of the engine and protects it from road debris.

It is a high-performance panel that secures the vehicle from the lower side. Clean the lower body of the car with a clean and high-quality rag.

Remove the dirt particles and debris from the surface. Find the bolts, screens, and washers that hold the protective shield in one spot.

Use a screwdriver, wrench, and socket to remove the bolts and washers. Detach it from the driver’s side and make the surface visible. 

Approach the spark plugs and mark them with a non-permanent marker. Identify the covers of plugs and loosen them with an extension. 

Hold the cover of the lower valve and remove it. Disconnect the electric wires of the plug and cut the power supply. 

Now, access the pivot bolt of the rubber belt and remove it with an appropriately sized wrench. Then, access the pinch bolt that is under the pivot nut.

Hold the pump and swing it to remove the belt. Rotate the alternator to detach the rubber material. 

Move towards the driver’s side and adjust a jack under the engine of the Honda Civic. Put a wood block over the jack and raise it. 

Keep the movement slow and increase its height.

Access the engine mount that holds the equipment in one spot. In such conditions, hold and swing it to loosen the material.

Detach it from the engine and approach the protection cover of the strap. Align the pistons by turning the crankshaft and moving the rotor to the distributor cap.

The rotation provides enough space to adjust the new equipment. Then, hold the starter, unscrew the bolts, and fix a screwdriver between the housing and flywheel.

Stop the movement of the crankshaft and remove the starter from the engine. Access the crank bolts and removes them with a socket and ratchet. Hold the pulley and remove it from the system. 

Then, find the lower protection cover, loosen the tensioner manually and remove the strap.

Purchase a new, high-quality belt, adjusts the up mark on the camshaft, and fix it. Adjust the position of the sprocket towards the oil pump.

It has a symbol of the arrow that indicates the appropriate positioning. Reinstall the removed parts periodically. 

Then, remove the jack stand and blocks and lower the Honda Civic. Finally, start the vehicle and check the performance of the equipment.

Why would you replace a timing belt on a Honda Civic?

You cannot leave it with damages because it affects the overall performance of piston engines. Due to the following reasons, the belt requires an immediate replacement. 

Severe internal cracking

The rubber material melts due to internal heat and excessive pressure. As a result, it undergoes cracks, and holes become prominent on its surface.

The teeth-like structures lose their work efficiency due to broken edges. The rubber material cannot move over the transmission.

You cannot use the system with a broken or cracker belt. It cannot move the rotational components in sync. Critical cracks result in internal damages that lead to engine failure. 

Poor alignment

The alignment fixes the rubber material over the transmission and pulley. However, it loses track due to uneven wearing and excessive tensile damage.

The tracking of this material leads to misalignment that causes its failure. Due to misalignment, the material loses its standard lifespan.

Instant alignment of camshaft and valves is necessary to prevent critical problems. For this purpose, replace the equipment with high-quality and aligned material. 

Broken and clogged pulley

The broken pulleys decrease the durability of the rubber material. In addition, damaged teeth result in excessive tearing, and the material divides in half.

Its replacement stabilizes the performance of transmission and resolves the problem immediately. However, dirt and debris cause the abrasion of its teeth.

Regular brush cleaning can save you from damage and cracking. The clogged belt cannot move over the pulleys and causes equipment failure. The teeth remove from the surface and lose their power. 

Damages of piston and valves

The external object collides with the piston and causes damage. The sudden striking damages the valve and restricts its movement.

The broken components affect the performance of the synchronizer.

It detaches from the mounting points and falls near the combustion chambers. In addition, high temperature and excessive internal pressure decrease the durability of this equipment.

The pressure of heavyweight material

The heavy load builds excessive pressure on its teeth and rubber part. As a result, internal shearing happens and leads to tensile failure.

A load of shocks causes the excessive wearing of the metallic and rubber material. You cannot drive a car because it fails the motor and other rotational components without a warning indication.

Stretching of equipment

They do not require periodic adjustment because time does not affect them. But, rubber stretches due to high heat. After cooling down, it gains its original shape.

High cold and hot temperatures generate cracks in the external surface of the rubber. As a result, it stretches, develops gaps, and lacks the appropriate work efficiency. 

Is it dangerous to drive a Honda Civic with a broken timing belt?

You cannot drive a Honda Civic with a worn-out and broken timing belt. On highways and in high-speed conditions, engine failure happens.

You cannot leave the damaged equipment without repairing it. Due to negligence, the equipment can break anytime and divides into two portions.

Change it according to its maintenance and replacement schedule. The vehicle becomes unstable due to worn-out pistons, valves, and a synchronizer. 

As a result, the driver loses the entire vehicle due to life-threatening accidental conditions. 

When should a timing belt be replaced on a Honda Civic?

You should change it from 61000 miles to 110000 miles. The replacement time varies according to the manufacturer’s specifications of a car.

For 1996 to 2000 models, take a replacement interval of about 106000 to 107000 miles. You can change it after 6 to 8 months, and the span varies according to the internal condition of the camshaft and other rotational components.

Replace it after 111000 to 112000 miles on all the 2001 to 2005 models. According to automobile experts, you should check it after 42000 miles to 43000 miles.

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