2008 Honda Accord 3.5 Timing Belt Replacement

As a proud owner of a 2008 Honda Accord 3.5, it's important to keep up with the maintenance of your vehicle. One of the most critical parts to check is the timing belt. The timing belt controls the rotation of the camshaft and crankshaft, ensuring that the engine's valves open and close at the correct timing. Neglecting the timing belt can lead to serious engine damage, and it's recommended to replace it every 60,000 miles or 7 years, whichever comes first.

Timing belt replacement can seem daunting for those without much experience in auto repairs. However, with the right tools and knowledge, you can save money by doing it yourself. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps and provide helpful tips for replacing the timing belt on your 2008 Honda Accord 3.5.

What You'll Need:

Before starting the replacement, gather the following materials:

New timing belt kit (includes tensioner and idler pulley)
Ratchet wrench set with various sizes (10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 19mm sockets)
Socket wrench extension bar
Torque wrench (20-200 lb-ft)
Harmonic balancer puller tool
Crankshaft holder tool
Jack stands and floor jack
Protective gloves and goggles

Step-by-Step Guide:

Follow these steps to replace the timing belt:

Related Belt

Disconnect the negative cable from the battery to prevent any accidental electrical discharge. Lift the car with a jack and secure it with jack stands.
Remove the front wheel on the passenger side and remove the splash guard to gain access to the crankshaft pulley bolt.
Using a breaker bar and a 19mm socket, remove the crankshaft pulley bolt. If the bolt is hard to remove, use a harmonic balancer puller tool to loosen it.
Using a 12mm wrench, loosen the timing cover bolts and remove the cover. Then, loosen the idler pulley and tensioner pulley bolts, releasing tension on the timing belt.
Use the crankshaft holder tool to lock the crankshaft in place, preventing it from moving during the next steps. Then, use the ratchet wrench and 10mm socket to remove the bolts holding the upper and lower timing covers.
Remove the timing belt by slipping it from the sprockets carefully. If the belt has any signs of wear or damage, replace it with the new timing belt kit.
Before installing the new belt, inspect the tensioner and idler pulleys. If they show any signs of wear, replace them with the new kit included.
Insert the new belt in place, following the diagram located on the engine compartment or the new belt kit instructions. Use the tensioner tool to apply the right amount of tension to the belt (usually 9-11 pounds of pressure).
Rotate the engine two full rotations clockwise to make sure the belt runs smoothly without any obstruction. Check the tensioner and idler pulleys again, ensuring they're properly aligned.
Tighten the timing cover bolts back in place and reattach the crankshaft pulley using a torque wrench (specific torque values may vary depending on the model and year of your vehicle).
Reinstall the splash guard and front wheel. Lower the car and reconnect the battery cable.

Tips to Keep in Mind:

Here are some tips to keep in mind while replacing the timing belt:

Make sure the engine is cold before starting the replacement. Working on a hot engine can lead to burns and injuries.
Take pictures of the timing belt before removing it. This can be helpful for reference purposes later on.
Label all the parts you remove with masking tape and a marker. This helps you remember where everything goes, preventing confusion during reinstallation.
Consult the owner's manual and service manual for specific torque values and instructions on other parts that may need replacement.
Replace the water pump and other drive belts at the same time as the timing belt. This helps prevent future engine problems and saves you time and money in the long run.

Conclusion:

Replacing the timing belt on your 2008 Honda Accord 3.5 is a necessary maintenance task that ensures your engine runs smoothly and prevents costly repairs in the future. While it may seem intimidating at first, with the right tools and steps, you can successfully replace the timing belt yourself. Remember to take precautions, follow the steps carefully, and consult the manuals for any specific details. Good luck!