1998 civic ex timing belt replacement

1998 ALL OTHER MAKES ALL OTHER MODELS
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GATORGRAFF
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  • 1 POST
I have a 1998 civic ex 2dr with 104k and am skeptical about changing the timing belt. I have heard stories of civics going all the way to 160k with no problem and no real horror stories of the timing belt snapping. Is the 100k timing belt change really necessary or is it a ploy by dealerships to get some coin out of you? Are there some measures I can take in order to inspect the condition of my timing belt right now? I have also heard that when the timing belt is changed, the water pump goes shortly after so it is best to do both replacements at the same time? Another ploy? I'm just trying to separate fact from fiction. Thank you for your responce!
Jul 20, 2006 at 9:32 AM
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BRUCE HUNT
  • ✓ASE Certified Mechanic
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If you don't replace it and the belt goes, so does the head. Now it is a big expense. You make the call. The timing cover is pretty easy to remove and you can inspect the belt by turning over the engine by hand. Replacing the pump makes good sense.
Jul 20, 2006 at 4:16 PM
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