Hi, this is my first post so if I sound like I don't know what I'm talking about, don't be afraid to tell me.

A year or so ago I was told I the "squeeking" noise my engine was making was due to needing a new timing belt. I was also told I need a new water pump. The mileage is somewhere in the 150,000 range, by the way.

Seeing as how dropping $600 into my car isn't an option right now, but buying $60 in parts is, I want to know how much difficulty I will have in changing the timing belt as well as any other complications I may run into. Would there be anything else I should take care of as long as I'm changing the timing belt?

Could the squeeking be from another source?

Thanks for your help!

 

Take all the external belts (alternator, power steering, and A/C) off and start the engine and see if it still squeaks.

Squeaking under the timing belt cover could be the water pump or tension roller. You should change all of those parts when changing the timing belt if you don't know how old those are.

Changing the timing belt is in the DIY realm but you must be very careful because it is possible to majorly damage the engine doing it wrong. Of course driving until the belt breaks is also going to have the same effect.

 

I was reading about it and it looks doable. But I don't know if its something I want to take care of on my own.
I suppose just footing the bill and taking it in might be a good idea.

I have another question about a rattling on the driver's side. When I am stoped at a light or just in park there is a rattling noise. Any idea what that might be? If so, can is this something I can do myself, or another thing I should have looked at by a professional?

Thanks for your help!

 

use belt dressing on your auxiliary belt

 

it's a piece of cake. The hardest part might be taking off the crank bolt but all you need is some elbow grease.

here is a great guide with pictures on how to change it ( it the same thing for 1998 civic)

http://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=649277