Questions and Answers
Civic Service Questions
Q. I have an automatic, 1997 Honda Civic Sedan DX, with 56,000 miles on it. I am aware that I need to do scheduled maintenance at 60,000. The only maintenance that I have had done is regular oil changes, new tires and tire rotations, brakes, a battery, and the exhaust manifold/catalytic converter.
I am concerned because there is a minor squeaking noise when I accelerate. It is a similar sound as when breaks are squeaking, but it is when I accelerate. I have read a couple of articles on the timing belt, which needs to be replaced at 60,000 miles or it will snap. Could this squeaking noise be from that, and if so, could the timing belt snap before 60,000 miles?
Also, how much money should I expect to be spending for maintenance at 60,000 miles? (My owner's manual says I need to get a new timing belt, air filter, and spark plugs). Should I go to the dealer for this, or my local mechanic?
Thank you,
JenA. Well it sounds to me like you are taking good care of your car Jen. It should last you a good long time.
Could the timing belt break before 60,000 miles? The answer to that question is yes, the timing belt could break at any time. The chances of it breaking before 60,000 miles is... well, you have a better chance of winning the Powerball Lottery.
The squeaking noise could be from the timing belt, but it is more likely one of the drive belts. At about 60,000 miles they are due for replacement. I usually change them with the timing belt because the drive belts have to come off anyway and the only extra expense is the price of the belts themselves.
Another thing I recommend is that if the water pump is under the timing belt, that it should be replaced as well. For a few more bucks you have the confidence that the pump won't start leaking and leave you with a larger repair bill.
If you have the 60,000 mile service done at the Dealership, recommended, it will probably run about $400.00 to $550.00, with timing belt and water pump.
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