*newbie* question on timing belt change, 96 Accord

I just found this group so forgive this question if its been answered a
hundred times already.

I've got a 96 Accord and I need to change the timing belt. Should I also
change the water pump and balance shaft belt at the same time?

I've got pretty good mechanical ability, worked on lots of small engines and
stuff, is changing this belt something I should try or should I take it to a
shop and spend $500+?

thanks,

Richard

On 10/11/04 9:20 PM, in article
YbHad.20846$zA3.3593382@twister.southeast.rr.com, "Richard Slay"
wrote:

 > I just found this group so forgive this question if its been answered a
 > hundred times already.
 >
 > I've got a 96 Accord and I need to change the timing belt. Should I also
 > change the water pump and balance shaft belt at the same time?
 >
 > I've got pretty good mechanical ability, worked on lots of small engines and
 > stuff, is changing this belt something I should try or should I take it to a
 > shop and spend $500+?
 >
 > thanks,
 >
 > Richard
 >
 >

It depends how masochistic you are. The hard part is loosening the crank
bolt. It is torqued to 180 lb-ft, but estimates run as high as 500-600
lb-ft to break it loose. If you are going to do it yourself, you will need
to buy the immobilizer tool (big nut with a breaker bar connection that fits
into the recess in the crank pulley) and hardened impact socket, extension &
breaker bar. Alternatively, take it to somebody with a serious air wrench
and have them loosen it for you.

It is a good idea to replace the water pump and balancer belt at the same
time. The balancer belt is made of the same materials as the timing belt
and many people replace the water pump because it is just as much work again
to get to it later if it fails.