My 2008 Honda Ridgeline has just over 100k miles, and is now due for a big maintenance milestone. Much of it is fairly straightforwards, including fluids (oil, transmission, transfer assembly) and spark plugs. The big item is the timing belt replacement. I'm already planning to have them do the water pump and serpentine belt at the same time, but what else should I have them replace while they're in there doing the timing belt?

I've seen recommendations elsewhere to also replace the timing belt tensioner pulley and idler pulley. Is replacing those a good idea? Any other things in the timing belt assembly that I should replace now as well?

What about the various tensioners and pulleys on the serpentine belt? Go ahead and replace now as well, or just wait?

Anything else I should have them do?

Thanks!

I would replace the idler and tensioner pulleys also. Cheap insurance in the grand scheme.

quote:

Originally posted by Shifferbrains:
I would replace the idler and tensioner pulleys also. Cheap insurance in the grand scheme.

Yep and I replace the thermostat at the same time.

Make sure absolutely sure they are using Honda driveline fluids!!!!!! No substitute fluids or any aftermarket top treats. The dealer can put any fluid in there he wants to, and likely is pushing some special deluxe cleaning capabilities concoction and a fluid that is even better than stock. No.

Replace coolant. Honda.

I formulate automotive lubricants. Use what Honda calls for.

Yes, like the guys above said, only Honda OEM parts and fluids. NO substitutes. I just had to do my sons Civic again because an aftermarket tensioner quit at 50k miles. Now I'm holding my breath. Because I used the same kind on my daughters Civic. I learned my lesson about not buying OEM.

Anything that rotates with or is driven by the belt. The pulleys and water pump have been covered. Not mentioned yet are the accessory belts. IIRC there are two, one for the A/C and alternator, the other for the steering pump. Also check the condition of the front engine mount.

Check seals. Crankshaft and such that get exposed when doing this job. The oil filter housing seal. I know on some yr model that's easier to access at this time. And all the above.

quote:

Originally posted by Shifferbrains:
I would replace the idler and tensioner pulleys also. Cheap insurance in the grand scheme.

Agree.

Hey, I have an 08 Ridgeline as well and I'm sitting at 99k miles right now. A standard 105k should include the timing belt, water pump, tensioner, ect. I would have them replace the seals while they are in there because they will probably leak before the next one. Make sure you use ONLY Honda fluids for the transmission, differential, ect. I changed all of mine around 75k miles.

I think it has a hydraulic tensioner, similar to this.



(The "grenade pin" is pulled after the belt is on and the tensioner installed, to let the piston release.)

Replace it, too, if the parts kit doesn't come with it (some don't).

quote:

Originally posted by greco:
Yes, like the guys above said, only Honda OEM parts and fluids. NO substitutes. I just had to do my sons Civic again because an aftermarket tensioner quit at 50k miles. Now I'm holding my breath. Because I used the same kind on my daughters Civic. I learned my lesson about not buying OEM.

This again and from what I was told and have followed, do not allow them to flush the transmission just follow the Honda drain and fill procedure

Replace the water pump while it's apart

Timing belt, waterpump, tensioner, cam/crank/balance shaft seals, if applicable. Thermostat is more cheap insurance.

Honda fluids.

Luck,

Bruce

Are you doing the work yourself?

Regarding the thermostat, my understanding is that it's on the opposite side of the motor and not involved in the timing belt replacement job. Save it for another day.

I'd be surprised if you have leaks at the cam seals, but can't hurt to look. The crankshaft seal would be a PITA to get to, so can't hurt to replace regardless. The oil housing is the Variable Valve Timing Solenoid (at least on my 99-04 Odyssey). Your motor is probably similar.

Look around for Honda wholesalers. You should be able to buy the kit for around $200, or $400 from the dealer. It's made by Aisin.

Aisin Timing Belt

You can get a case of Honda ATF from a local dealer for about $80-90. Drain and refill is protocol. I did mine in about 2 hours. It's a slight PITA but worth it.

I have a 2007 Honda Pilot with 58k miles. Bought it from the original (80yo old lady) owner with 25k miles in 2014. I have been thinking about changing the timing belt / doing the 100k mile service since it is 10 years old. The vehicle has been flawless with zero issues and I want to keep it that way. Smart move to replace now or would you guys hold off longer?

Thanks

quote:

Originally posted by Russ59:
Are you doing the work yourself?

Nope. I used to do my own oil changes, but now pony up the ~$30 for someone else to do it. (It's worth it just to skip the hassle.) I do basic maintenance, like checking/topping off fluids and replacing my own air filters, bulbs, wipers, etc. Beyond that, I pay someone who knows what they're doing for anything more complicated.

After talking with and getting quotes from all three of the local Honda dealerships and the local independant garage that specializes in only Honda/Acura, I'm getting the following at one of the dealerships:

-Oil Change
-Tire Rotation
-Replace Transmission Fluid
-Replace Front Brake Pads/Resurface Rotors
-Replace Transfer Case Fluid
-Replace Timing Belt and Tensioner
-Replace Serpentine Belt
-Replace Water Pump, Coolant, and Seals
-Replace Crank and Cam Seals
-Replace Spark Plugs
-Adjust Valve Clearance
-Overall Inspection For Any Other Issues (CV/driveshaft boots, steering gear, brake lines, fuel lines, exhaust, suspension, etc.)

All genuine Honda parts and fluids. All for ~$2100 total (parts, labor, shop fees, and tax) with a free loaner car for the day.

quote:

Originally posted by Russ59:

Regarding the thermostat, my understanding is that it's on the opposite side of the motor and not involved in the timing belt replacement job. Save it for another day.

If the water pump is being replaced, why drop the coolant twice?

quote:

Originally posted by Shifferbrains:

quote:

Originally posted by Russ59:

Regarding the thermostat, my understanding is that it's on the opposite side of the motor and not involved in the timing belt replacement job. Save it for another day.

If the water pump is being replaced, why drop the coolant twice?

Correct. However thermostats aren't nearly as critical as the pump itself. And how often do they fail?

As to OP, $2100 seems pricey but not obscene. I'd imagine $750 for timing belt, $250 for crank and cam seals, $250 for rotors, $250 for ATF flush, plugs $150. What else? Yikes.

$40 oil and tire rotation
$100 transmission fluid
$220 front brakes
$100 transfer case fluid
$670 timing belt, tensioner, and serpentine belt
$420 water pump, coolant, and crank/cam seals
$550 spark plugs and valve adjustment
Free overall inspection

$2100 total, which was $200-$400 cheaper than the other dealerships/garages.

quote:

Originally posted by RogueJSK:
$40 oil and tire rotation
$100 transmission fluid
$220 front brakes
$100 transfer case fluid
$670 timing belt, tensioner, and serpentine belt
$420 water pump, coolant, and crank/cam seals
$550 spark plugs and valve adjustment
Free overall inspection

$2100 total, which was $200-$400 cheaper than the other dealerships/garages.

except for spark plug and valve adjustment all seems fair for a dealer/local shop. spark plugs are super easy on this engine and don't require any manifold removal. and valves usually don't need adjustment. Honda does recommend checking but I haven't seen many that truly need adjustment.