I was wondering how do you check a timing belt for wear and tear? Me and my dad checked the timing belt on my 2000 Honda Civic EX about a year or two ago and there were NO signs of wear. No cracks, no worn "teeth" or whatever on the belt itself...and the car was/is running great. I got the car at 104,000 miles and now it's at 170,000 so I'm wondering if we should just change the belt and waterpump just to make sure.

BUT I want to change it ourselves and not shell out $600 to a dealership that told me you can't tell if it's worn or not.

So I was also wondering about the Honda tool you use to remove the timing belt or tensioner???

 

If that's the original belt with 170,000 miles and 10 years, it's way overdue. Replace it. The only sign of wear is little cracks under the teeth that you'll almost have to remove the belt from the car to see. And once that starts happening, it will go quick and strip the teeth off.

It's a straightforward DIY job. The only complication is that the bolt that holds the crank pulley on is very tight. The special tool is to hold the pulley from turning when removing the bolt, but a good impact wrench will remove it without needing to hold the engine still. Once the pulley is off, you only need ordinary socket wrenches to do everything else.

 

In case you wanna buy the special tool to get that Crank bolt out..here's what it looks like:
http://www.denlorstools.com/home/dt1...and_acura.html

You can get it for as low as $24.99..but you'll have to do your own searching(google shopping).

BTW Mk...do 2000 Civics need a timing light for adjustment after replacing the timing belt? I know my 92 Civic did.

 

Hey thanks guys. Yeah I remember my dad had a problem getting at one of the bolts and he actually rigged my car by drilling a hole into the frame or under panels. Pissed me off big time! I'm sure that will dampen the integrity of the crush zones. :/

But I might get that tool anyway to help out. Looks like I'll be going to my storage unit to get all the new parts.

 

You don't have to dish out the cash for the tool. You got to Autozone, and use their tool. They need a deposit,but return it when you return the tool. Also you can make the tool yourself at home.

 

http://www.civicforums.com/forums/7-...t-96-00-a.html

 

I've checked out the loan-a-tool program at Autozone yesterday online...I don't know exactly which tool I need from it? There were several pullers and all.

Also if I change the timing belt and the water pump do I also have to change the thermostat??? I just put a new thermostat in cause my car kept overheating.

 

The pre-emptive water pump replacement is just because its seal and bearing are getting worn out. If you were to drive until the pump fails it's likely to strip the timing belt and blow the engine. You don't have to do anything else with the cooling system (except refill and bleed it of course).