How to tell if a worn timing belt actually needs replacing
Mechanics often recommend replacing worn timing belts immediately, but vehicle owners frequently debate whether the belt can safely run past its mileage limit. Delaying this $1,500 repair risks catastrophic engine failure if the belt snaps, yet changing it early may mean throwing away thousands of miles of remaining life.
What people tried
Every workaround mentioned in the threads below. We haven’t tested any of them — and nobody here is claiming they worked.
- 1Driving until the belt breaks, or paying for the expensive replacement recommended by a mechanic.
- 2Replacing them anyway because spark plugs are inexpensive
- 3Leaving them in longer based on visual appearance or advice from friends
- 4Leaving the worn flywheel in place and continuing to drive the vehicle if the starter pinion gear meshes properly.
- 5Getting a second opinion from another mechanic
- 6Risking a drain and fill service instead of immediate replacement
- 7Checking for simpler issues like motor or transmission mounts
- 8towing the vehicle to the workshop instead of driving it
- 9inspecting the auxiliary belt to gauge overall belt condition
- 10Continuing to drive until failure
- 11Replacing only the damaged side or replacing both sides at once
In their words
Unedited, most upvoted first, each linked to the thread it came from.
“wanted to know should I start trying to get a flywheel replacement or is it good to go.”source ↗
“I took my 2012 Honda Civic into the shop because it was trying to rock/stall during driving.”source ↗
“They said it needs a new transmission because it’s never been serviced in its life so over time it can kill the transmission.”source ↗
“If you try to service it, it could be 50/50 and worsen the car due to what could be in the tank”source ↗
“It’d be about $5500. Thoughts?”source ↗
“My friend says that these are fine. I used them for 40,000 km. The manufacturer advises changing them at 60,000 km.”source ↗
“I haven't checked the timing belt, but the auxiliary belt seems to be in good condition, with no cracks or anything. Is it safe to drive? I have an appointment to replace the timing belt next week, or should I just tow it to the workshop? ( Is about 70km away )”source ↗
“Mechanic says significant wear. $1500 fix. Is it actually doomed?”source ↗
“I did, but he insisted they are good for another 10-15k km. But my opinion was, I use ethanol and GPL, so I have to replace them sooner than recommended.”source ↗
“The noise is gone but I saw the tips of the flywheel teeth kinda worn and I was concerned if I need to start getting parts and plan together to replace it or just send it”source ↗
“2007 Honda accord. This is the drivers side front. Is this the CV axle joint? If so do you recommend replacing it? The car has 270,000 miles”source ↗
Where this came up
People with this problem also raised
- 9How to tell if brake pads and rotors actually need replacing
- 6Is it safe to ignore a check engine light if the car drives fine?
- 3Should I replace just the alternator pulley or the whole alternator?
- 7How to tell if car suspension bushings need to be replaced
- 2Engine replacement vs head gasket repair cost
- 3Should I reuse an old plumbing drain or replace it?